Recall 15V687 affects 2,038 2009-2014 Spartan Gladiator vehicles for overheating power steering fluid. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 2,038 2009-2014 Gladiator vehicles because overheated power steering fluid can make the steering lock during a turn. A steering lock can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk, and the dealer repair will be free once Spartan makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The 2009-2014 Spartan Gladiator uses hydraulic power steering, which relies on pressurized fluid to help the driver turn the wheels. The steering gear directs that fluid as the wheel is turned, so a heavy chassis cab can be steered during low-speed maneuvers and tight turns. The fluid also needs enough cooling to stay within its working range.
On affected Gladiator chassis cabs, the steering gear is subject to overheating. The power steering fluid can get too hot, especially during steering maneuvers that load the system. When that happens, the steering gear can bind and the steering can lock instead of assisting the turn.
There is no warning sign before steering lock. The first sign can be a sudden loss of steering assist or locked steering during a maneuver, so owners should treat any unusual steering effort as a reason to stop and arrange dealer service.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 model years of Gladiator trucks, with separate scope lines for the steering system and power steering system.
| 2009 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Spartan Gladiator | steering system |
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | steering system |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | steering system |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | steering system |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | steering system |
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | steering system |
| Units affected | 2,038 |
The 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?
Steering lock can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before it happens, so schedule the recall repair soon and avoid operating the vehicle if steering feels unsafe. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2014 Spartan Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277 to confirm the free dealer repair path for recall number 15V687.
- Ask a franchised Spartan dealer about the steering-fluid cooler installation that prevents overheated power steering fluid from locking the steering during maneuvers.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V687 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the cooler is installed. Stop using the vehicle if the steering binds or locks, and ask the dealer about towing.
What happens at the repair
Spartan's dealer repair is to install a cooler that helps keep the power steering fluid from overheating. Once the repair is available for your vehicle, a Spartan technician installs the cooler at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Spartan has a general reimbursement plan on file. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related steering fluid overheating repair, contact Spartan customer service and ask how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 21, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 20, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 20, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 7, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V687?
Recall 15V687 covers 2,038 2009-2014 Spartan Gladiator vehicles with power steering fluid that can overheat and cause the steering to lock during steering maneuvers. If the steering locks, the driver can lose control, increasing crash risk. Spartan dealers install a cooler for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2014 Spartan Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V687. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule installation of the power steering fluid cooler. Reference recall number 15V687 when you call, and use Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277 if the dealer needs help.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan's remedy says dealers will install the cooler free of charge. The repair is handled through a franchised Spartan dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. In affected Gladiator vehicles, overheated power steering fluid can cause the steering to lock during steering maneuvers. If your VIN is included, arrange the free cooler installation with a Spartan dealer.
When did Spartan notify owners about this recall?
Spartan sent an interim owner notice on December 17, 2015, and the recall began on November 7, 2016. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 15V687 when you contact a Spartan dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V687000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-4277 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V687 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V687000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- 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 →