Recall 14V513 covers 95 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency vehicles for engine-surge software. Free repair at Spartan dealers.
Spartan is recalling 95 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 Metrostar and Gladiator emergency vehicles under recall 14V513 because pressure governor or hand throttle software can trigger an engine surge. A surge can raise water pressure at the end of a fire hose, increasing injury risk, and the Spartan dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The pressure governor or hand throttle on these 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency vehicles controls engine speed when onboard equipment needs steady power. On a fire apparatus, that control helps hold the engine at the commanded speed while pumps or other equipment are being used. The operator sets the speed, and the governor or throttle is supposed to keep the engine from racing past that command.
In NHTSA campaign 14V513, the problem is in the software for the Fire Research Corporation pressure governor or hand throttle. The control logic can let the engine surge instead of holding the requested speed. That means the engine speed rises unexpectedly while the equipment control is in use.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an operator notices is the engine surging or racing when the pressure governor or hand throttle is expected to hold a steady setting.
Who's affected?
Covers the Metrostar and Gladiator across the 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 model years, all tied to the same equipment component.
| 2014 Spartan Metrostar | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2011 Spartan Metrostar | Equipment |
| 2013 Spartan Metrostar | Equipment |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| Units affected | 95 |
The listed year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine speed surge can raise water pressure at the end of a fire hose and increase the risk of personal injury. If hose pressure changes unexpectedly, stop the hose operation and schedule the software update. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011, 2013, 2014, or 2015 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator emergency vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400 to confirm the current repair path before scheduling service.
- Ask a franchised Spartan service location for the free software update that corrects the pressure-governor or hand-throttle engine-surge issue.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 14V513 when you call.
- Avoid operating the pressure governor or hand throttle until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician installs a software update for the Fire Research Corporation pressure governor or hand throttle. The update addresses the software issue tied to engine surge on affected Metrostar and Gladiator emergency vehicles. Confirm the repair is open for your VIN before arranging service. Once open, the dealer repair is free, with parts and labor covered under the recall.
Timeline
| August 20, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V513?
Recall 14V513 covers 95 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency vehicles with Fire Research Corporation pressure governor or hand throttle software that can cause an engine surge. Spartan dealers install the software update for free.
What should I do if my 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 14V513. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the software update. Reference recall number 14V513 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. Spartan dealers will install the pressure governor or hand throttle software update free of charge, and Spartan customer service is available at 1-517-543-6400.
What is the safety risk in recall 14V513?
The risk is an engine surge during emergency-vehicle operation. An increase in engine speed can raise water pressure at the end of a fire hose, increasing the risk of personal injury. The dealer software update is the free repair path.
When did the Spartan recall repair begin?
Spartan began the recall in September 2014. If your VIN is included and the software update has not been completed, contact a franchised Spartan dealer and reference recall 14V513 to schedule the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V513000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V513 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V513000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →