Recall 16V400 affects 39 2015 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles for defective fire-pump intake strainers. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 39 2015 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles because the fire pump's 6-inch intake strainer was improperly soldered and can come apart during use. Strainer pieces or debris entering the pump can force the operator to shut it down, reduce firefighting effectiveness, and increase injury risk; Spartan dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The fire pump on affected 2015 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles provides pressurized water for firefighting. A 6-inch intake strainer sits at the pump intake and filters debris before water enters the pump. That strainer is supposed to stay intact while the pump is drawing water.
On these vehicles, the intake strainer was improperly soldered during production. The soldered joint does not hold as intended, so the strainer can come apart while the pump is in use. Pieces of the strainer, along with debris it was supposed to catch, then enter the pump and damage internal pump parts.
The strainer can break without warning. If pieces of the strainer or debris reach the pump, operators can hear unusual noise from the pump when it is in pump mode.
Who's affected?
Covers both Gladiator and Metrostar truck lines with the same equipment component.
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2015 Spartan Metrostar | Equipment |
| Units affected | 39 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If strainer pieces or debris enter the pump, the operator has to shut the pump down, reducing firefighting effectiveness and increasing injury risk. The strainer can break without warning; pump noise in pump mode is a reason to stop using the pump and call service. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free intake-strainer inspection for missing solder that lets the strainer come apart during pump use.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V400 when you call.
- Ask whether the strainer needs replacement after the inspection; parts and labor are free.
- Avoid relying on the affected pump for firefighting until the inspection and any strainer replacement are complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician checks the pump intake strainer for missing solder at the joints. If the strainer is missing solder, the technician replaces it. The inspection and any replacement are free under the recall. Spartan has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid out of pocket for the same strainer repair before the recall work. Bring repair invoices, receipts, and service notes to the service desk so Spartan can review the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 26, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| May 26, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 3, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| June 3, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 10, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V400?
Recall 16V400 covers 39 2015 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar Emergency Response vehicles with fire pump intake strainers that were improperly soldered. The strainer parts or debris can enter the pump, damage it, and reduce firefighting effectiveness. Spartan will replace affected strainers for free.
What should I do if my 2015 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency response vehicle is included in recall 16V400. If it is, contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 or your Spartan service location and ask for recall 16012. The strainer inspection and replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan's remedy provides free replacement for any intake strainer with missing solder at the joints. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced firefighting effectiveness during pump operation. If strainer pieces or debris enter the pump, the operator can be forced to shut the pump down, increasing injury risk during an emergency response.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V400000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V400 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V400000 |
Source documents
-
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 →