Recall 15V448 covers 212 2007-2015 Spartan Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and Metrostar emergency vehicles for valve-stem contact. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 212 2007-2015 Gladiator, Metrostar, Advantage, and Diamond emergency response vehicles because front wheel valve stems can rub against the brake caliper. That contact can puncture the valve stem, cause sudden tire deflation, and increase crash risk; Spartan dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front wheel valve stem on 2007-2015 Spartan Gladiator, Metrostar, Advantage, and Diamond emergency response vehicles is the small air valve used to inflate the tire and hold pressure inside it. It passes through the wheel and must sit clear of nearby brake parts. The brake caliper is the clamp that squeezes the brake pads against the rotor to slow the vehicle.
On affected vehicles, the valve stem on the steer axle was bent during tire and wheel assembly instead of being formed to a consistent design. That bend puts the stem close enough to rub against the brake caliper. As the wheel turns and the vehicle is used, that contact wears into the stem until a hole forms and the tire loses air.
There is no warning sign before failure. A hole can wear through the valve stem without visible damage or a gradual symptom the driver notices first.
Who's affected?
Spans the Gladiator, Metrostar, Advantage, and Diamond across the 2007-2015 model years, all tied to the tire valve component.
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
|---|---|
| 2007 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2008 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2009 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2011 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2010 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2008 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2008 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2012 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2014 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2015 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2011 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2007 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2010 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2012 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2013 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2015 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2014 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2015 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2013 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2009 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2011 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2010 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2009 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2007 Spartan Advantage | tire |
| 2008 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2014 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2013 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2012 Spartan Diamond | tire |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | tire |
| 2007 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| 2009 Spartan Metrostar | tire |
| Units affected | 212 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
Valve stems that rub against the brake caliper can wear through and let the tire deflate suddenly, increasing crash risk. A hole can form without warning, so treat a low or flat front tire as a reason to stop and arrange service before driving farther. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2015 Spartan Gladiator, Metrostar, Advantage, or Diamond is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free front wheel valve-stem inspection and replacement for stems with wear marks.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V448 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Stop if a front tire loses pressure or the vehicle pulls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician inspects the front wheel valve stems for wear marks from contact near the brake caliper. Any valve stem with wear marks is replaced free of charge under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for this valve stem repair, Spartan has a general reimbursement plan on file. Ask Spartan customer service or the dealer service desk what paperwork is needed for a claim, and keep any invoices tied to the prior repair.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 15, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 31, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| July 31, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 31, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 2, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V448?
Recall 15V448 covers 212 2007-2015 Spartan Advantage, Diamond, Gladiator, and Metrostar emergency response vehicles with front wheel valve stems that can rub against the brake caliper. That contact can wear a hole in the valve stem and cause sudden tire deflation. Spartan dealers inspect and replace worn valve stems for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2015 Spartan Gladiator, Metrostar, Advantage, or Diamond is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency response vehicle is included in recall 15V448. If it is, contact a Spartan dealer to schedule the front wheel valve stem inspection. Reference recall number 15V448 or Spartan recall number 15012 when you call.
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 inspect the front wheel valve stems and replace any with wear marks free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V448?
The safety risk is sudden tire deflation. If a front wheel valve stem rubs against the brake caliper, a hole can form in the valve stem. A sudden tire deflation increases crash risk, so confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer inspection.
What if I bought this Spartan emergency response vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the recall remedy regardless of ownership history. If the original owner received the notice, check your VIN now and give the dealer recall number 15V448 or Spartan recall number 15012.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V448000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V448 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V448000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →