Recall 13V266 affects 70 2013 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles for restraint-control electrical fluctuations. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 70 2013 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles because electrical signal fluctuations can damage the restraints control module. That failure can trigger the airbag or seat belt pretensioner while driving and raise the risk of injury or a crash; the Spartan dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The restraints control module in the 2013 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar is the electronic controller for the airbag and seat belt pretensioner system. It watches crash-related sensor signals and tells the airbags or pretensioners when to fire. The pretensioner tightens the belt in a crash so the occupant is held in position.
On these emergency vehicles, electrical signal fluctuations can damage circuits inside that module. Once those circuits are damaged, the module can send the wrong command instead of waiting for a crash event. That creates a risk that an airbag or seat belt pretensioner deploys when it should stay inactive.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the control module circuitry, so an owner or driver is not expected to hear, smell, or feel a change before an unintended deployment.
Who's affected?
The scope includes both Gladiator and Metrostar models, and each is tied to the same front air bag and electrical system components.
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | electrical system |
| 2013 Spartan Metrostar | front air bag |
| 2013 Spartan Metrostar | electrical system |
| Units affected | 70 |
A matching 2013 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An unintended seatbelt pretensioner or air bag deployment while driving can injure occupants and increase the risk of a crash. Because the problem involves restraint parts firing without a crash, limit driving until a Spartan dealer gives instructions for your VIN. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Check your mail or ownership records for the Spartan owner letter mailed July 19, 2013.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer and ask about the free suppression-device repair for recall number 13V266.
- Schedule the suppression-device installation that reduces electrical signal fluctuations in the restraints control module.
- Drive only as needed until Spartan confirms the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Spartan's listed dealer remedy is to add a suppression device that reduces electrical signal fluctuations affecting the restraints control module circuits. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. At the dealer, a Spartan technician installs the device and verifies the restraints control module signal issue addressed by the campaign. Spartan also listed owner notification and customer-contact support for this repair path, but the source does not give a separate reimbursement program for prior out-of-pocket repairs.
Timeline
| June 26, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 19, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V266?
Recall 13V266 covers 70 2013 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles with restraints control module circuits that can be damaged by electrical signal fluctuations. If damaged, the airbag or seat belt pretensioner can deploy while driving. Spartan dealers add a suppression device for free.
What should I do if my 2013 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 13V266. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer and ask for the restraints control module suppression device repair. Reference recall number 13V266 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Spartan's remedy says dealers will add a suppression device free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Spartan dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 13V266?
The risk is unintended airbag or seat belt pretensioner deployment while driving. NHTSA campaign 13V266 says that deployment can cause personal injury or increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my Spartan emergency vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2013 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is included, then reference recall number 13V266 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V266000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V266 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V266000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →