Recall 13V495 affects 73 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses for park-brake-cable brake-line contact. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Motors dealer.
Spartan Motors is recalling 73 2011-2013 Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses because the park brake cable can contact the rear hydraulic brake line. That contact can wear a hole in the line, causing rear brake loss without warning, longer stopping distance, and increased crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake cable on the 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab is the cable that applies the park brake system when the bus is stopped. It is separate from the hydraulic service brake line, which carries brake fluid under pressure to help slow the bus when the brake pedal is pressed. Both parts need clear routing so they do not rub against each other.
On affected buses, the park brake cable was routed where it contacts the rear hydraulic brake line. As the bus moves and the cable flexes, that contact can rub the outside of the brake line. Over time, the rubbing can damage the line and create a brake fluid leak at the rear brakes.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the brake line has already been damaged, an owner or service technician can see fluid near the rear brake line or notice a change in brake pedal feel.
Who's affected?
The scope spans the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Transit Bus Chassis Cab, with both the parking brake and hydraulic brake system listed.
| 2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | hydraulic brake system |
| 2011 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | Parking brake |
| 2011 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | Parking brake |
| 2012 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 73 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
A park brake cable can rub through the hydraulic brake line, causing rear brake loss without a warning sign. Loss of rear brakes lengthens stopping distance and increases crash risk. Drive cautiously, leave extra stopping room, and arrange the recall repair. 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 repair for recall number 13V495.
- Schedule the park-brake-cable repair that keeps the cable from rubbing through the rear hydraulic brake line.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Motors mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V495 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete because rear brake loss increases stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
Once the repair is available, a Spartan Motors technician secures the park brake cable so it cannot contact the rear hydraulic brake line. The work keeps the cable from rubbing against the brake line during use. The dealer repair is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered at no cost to the owner. Ask the service desk to confirm the recall campaign before the vehicle goes in for service.
Timeline
| October 17, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 13, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V495?
Recall 13V495 covers 73 2011-2013 Spartan Motors Transit Bus Chassis Cab buses with a park brake cable that contacts the rear hydraulic brake line. The cable can wear a hole in the brake line, leading to loss of rear brakes and longer stopping distance.
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 13V495. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Motors dealer to have the park brake cable secured away from the rear hydraulic brake line. Reference recall number 13V495 or Spartan Motors recall number 13020 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan Motors dealers secure the park brake cable free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of rear braking without warning. If the park brake cable rubs through the rear hydraulic brake line, rear brake loss increases stopping distance and crash risk. The repair secures the cable so it no longer contacts the brake line.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before rear brake loss in recall 13V495. The filing says the brake line damage can result in loss of rear brakes without warning. Check your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your bus is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V495000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Motors customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V495 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V495000 |
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 →