Recall 13V453 affects 75 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses for loose sway-bar fasteners. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Motors dealer.
Spartan Motors is recalling 75 2011-2013 Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses because front sway bar fasteners can loosen and let the bar detach from the frame. If that happens, the sway bar can damage hydraulic brake lines, reduce braking power, and lengthen stopping distance; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The front sway bar on the 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab is a steel bar that links the left and right sides of the independent front suspension. Its job is to limit body roll and keep the front suspension working evenly when the bus turns, changes lanes, or travels over uneven pavement. The sway bar depends on tight frame fasteners to stay in its proper position.
In this recall, those fasteners attaching the sway bar to the frame loosen. Once the mounting points lose clamping force, the sway bar no longer holds steady against the frame. That movement can change how the front suspension responds and puts the hardware outside its designed fit.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the bus feels different in the front end or the suspension makes new noise, have it inspected, but do not rely on a symptom to confirm whether this recall applies.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2011, 2012, and 2013 model years, with both hydraulic brake hose and front suspension components listed for each year.
| 2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | front suspension |
| 2012 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2012 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | front suspension |
| 2011 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2011 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | front suspension |
| Units affected | 75 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
If the sway bar detaches and damages the hydraulic brake lines, braking power is reduced. The vehicle needs more distance to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan Motors dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Motors dealer to ask about the free fastener repair for recall number 13V453.
- Schedule the sway-bar fastener replacement that secures the front sway bar and protects the hydraulic brake lines.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Motors mailed one, and reference recall number 13V453 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
Spartan Motors has described the dealer fix as installing new fasteners with the correct torque requirements for the front sway bar attachment. The recall began on September 29, 2013, and the repair is performed free of charge. At the dealer, a Spartan Motors technician replaces the affected sway bar fasteners and torques them to the required specification so the sway bar is secured to the frame. No repair time is listed in the recall remedy.
Timeline
| September 18, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V453?
Recall 13V453 covers 75 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses equipped with independent front suspension, hydraulic brakes, and a front sway bar. The sway bar fasteners can loosen, and Spartan Motors dealers install new fasteners with the correct torque for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 13V453. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Motors dealer to schedule the sway-bar fastener repair. Reference recall number 13V453 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan Motors dealers install the replacement sway-bar fasteners free of charge. The recall repair began on September 29, 2013.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking power. If the sway bar detaches, it can damage hydraulic brake lines, which increases stopping distance and raises crash risk. Confirm the VIN first, then arrange the free dealer repair if the bus is included.
What if I bought this bus used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether this specific Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab is included, then call a franchised Spartan Motors dealer with recall number 13V453.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V453000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Motors customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V453 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V453000 |
Source documents
-
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 →