Recall 16V140 affects 3 2014-2015 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles for inaccurate tank level readings. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 3 2014-2015 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles because the fire-suppression-agent tank level pressure sensor can show more water or foam than is actually in the tank. An incorrect reading can leave firefighters without agent during use and increase injury risk, and Spartan dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fire-suppression-agent tank level pressure sensor on 2014-2015 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles reads pressure in the agent tank and turns that reading into a level indication. That level tells the crew how much water or fire fighting foam the vehicle has available for suppression work. The reading matters because the crew relies on it before and during a response.
On affected vehicles, the pressure sensor's vent hole was placed behind the electrical seal by the sensor manufacturer. In that position, the vent does not let the sensor equalize pressure correctly at low or zero gauge pressure. The result is an inaccurate level reading, including a display that shows more agent in the tank than is actually there.
A tank-capacity check at new-vehicle delivery should reveal the condition. The corrected production sensor has a white dot on the housing where the relocated vent sits, which gives service staff a visual way to identify the updated part.
Who's affected?
Covers Gladiator and Metrostar trucks from the 2014 and 2015 model years, with the same equipment category listed for each.
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Spartan Metrostar | Equipment |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2014 Spartan Metrostar | Equipment |
| Units affected | 3 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the tank level reads incorrectly, the crew can believe agent remains when the tank is empty, which increases injury risk for firefighters. A tank capacity check at delivery should reveal the problem. Until the system is recalibrated or fitted with the correct sensor, verify tank capacity before relying on the display. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar emergency vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free tank-level-system recalibration or sensor replacement that fixes the inaccurate fire-suppression-agent reading.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one, or reference recall number 16V140 when you call.
- Verify the tank level through your department's normal checks before relying on the gauge until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician recalibrates the tank level system or supplies a new tank level pressure sensor, depending on what the vehicle needs. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Spartan has a reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this repair before the recall notice. Bring repair orders, receipts, and any tank level sensor paperwork to the service desk, or contact Spartan customer service if the dealer asks you to submit the claim through Spartan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 8, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 8, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| March 8, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 11, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 30, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V140?
Recall 16V140 covers 3 2014-2015 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles with a tank level pressure sensor that can show more fire-suppression agent in the tank than remains. Spartan dealers will recalibrate the tank level system or install a new sensor for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 16V140. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the tank level system recalibration or sensor replacement. Reference recall number 16V140 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Spartan dealers will recalibrate the tank level system or supply a new sensor free of charge for vehicles included in recall 16V140.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is an incorrect tank reading during emergency use. If the system shows more fire-suppression agent than the tank actually contains, the tank can run out unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to the firefighter relying on that agent.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V140000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V140 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V140000 |
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 →