Recall 13V531 covers 175 2013-2014 Spartan K3, K2, Metrostar, and Mm motor homes for loose steering linkage nuts. Free repair at a Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 175 2013-2014 K2, K3, Metrostar, and Mm motor homes because loose castle nuts on steering linkage ball joint fasteners can let the linkage separate from the bell cranks without warning. Separation can cause loss of steering and increase crash risk; the Spartan dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The steering linkage on 2013-2014 Spartan K2, K3, Metrostar, and Mm motor homes and the included emergency response chassis connects steering input to the front wheels. Ball joint fasteners attach that linkage to bell cranks, which are pivoting arms that help transfer motion through the steering system. Castle nuts, the slotted nuts on those fasteners, are supposed to hold the joint tight.
On affected vehicles, those castle nuts can be loose. If a nut backs off completely, the ball joint fastener loses its clamp and the steering linkage can separate from the bell crank. Once that connection separates, the steering input no longer reaches that part of the linkage as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall filing for 13V531 says the separation can happen without warning, so do not rely on noise, looseness, or a dashboard alert to identify the problem.
Who's affected?
Covers 4 model lines from the 2013 and 2014 model years. All use the same steering linkage.
| 2014 Spartan K3 | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2013 Spartan K2 | steering linkage |
| 2013 Spartan Metrostar | steering linkage |
| 2013 Spartan K3 | steering linkage |
| 2014 Spartan K2 | steering linkage |
| 2013 Spartan Mm | steering linkage |
| 2014 Spartan Mm | steering linkage |
| Units affected | 175 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of steering increases crash risk because the driver has less control of the vehicle. Schedule the recall inspection soon and ask the Spartan dealer whether the vehicle is safe to drive until the castle nuts are inspected. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Spartan K3, K2, Metrostar, or Mm is included in this recall.
- Call Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400 to confirm the repair path and reference recall number 13V531.
- Contact a Spartan-authorized dealer to ask about the steering-linkage castle-nut inspection and tightening that keeps the ball-joint fasteners secured to the bell cranks.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one, or give the dealer Spartan recall 13025 when scheduling.
- Avoid driving if the steering feels loose, pulls, or binds, and ask Spartan about towing if the vehicle does not feel safe to move.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician inspects the castle nuts on the steering linkage ball joint fasteners where the linkage mounts to the bell cranks. If a castle nut is loose, the technician tightens it to the proper specification. The recall remedy does not list a repair time. The dealer repair is free once Spartan has the recall remedy open for the vehicle.
Timeline
| October 25, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 9, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V531?
Recall 13V531 covers 175 2013-2014 Spartan K2, K3, Metrostar, and Mm motor homes, plus one emergency response chassis, with loose steering linkage castle nuts. If the nuts come completely loose, the steering linkage can separate without warning. Spartan dealers inspect and tighten the nuts for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Spartan K2, K3, Metrostar, or Mm is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V531. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the steering linkage inspection and castle nut tightening. Reference recall number 13V531 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost. Spartan dealers inspect the steering linkage castle nuts and tighten them for free, regardless of whether you bought the motor home new or used.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of steering. In recall 13V531, loose castle nuts can let the steering linkage separate from the bell cranks without warning, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and have the free dealer inspection completed.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the steering linkage separates. The recall filing says the linkage can separate from the bell cranks without warning if the castle nuts become completely loose. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Spartan dealer inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V531000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V531 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V531000 |
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 →