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Campaign 16V448 Posted June 20, 2016 38 units

2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator Recall 16V448: Air Brakes

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 31, 2026

Recall 16V448 affects 38 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator emergency vehicles for air-brake timing that lengthens stopping distance. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.

Spartan is recalling 38 2004-2016 Gladiator tractor-drawn aerial emergency vehicles because the air brakes have excessive actuation and release timing, which lengthens stopping distance. That longer stop can increase crash risk, and the Spartan dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.

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What's wrong?

The 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator uses an air brake system to slow a tractor-drawn aerial emergency vehicle. Air pressure moves through control lines to the service brakes, which are the main brakes used when the driver presses the pedal. The system depends on fast brake application and release because these vehicles are heavy and need predictable stopping response.

On affected Gladiators, the service brakes take too long to apply and release. That timing problem means the brakes do not respond within FMVSS 121 air brake requirements, and the vehicle needs more distance to stop. Spartan was still determining the root cause, but the filing identifies brake control-line timing as the problem area. Vehicles first identified as noncompliant were later equipped with a 3/8 inch control line.

An operator is not given a clear warning sign before the increased actuation timing. The brakes can still feel like air brakes in normal use, so the longer response time is easy to miss until a hard stop or timing test shows it.

Who's affected?

All listed Spartan Gladiator model years use the same air-brake component in this recall.

2013 Spartan Gladiator brake system
2012 Spartan Gladiator brake system
2004 Spartan Gladiator brake system
2011 Spartan Gladiator brake system
2014 Spartan Gladiator brake system
Units affected38
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged 2 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?

Longer brake actuation timing can make the 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator need more distance to stop, which increases the risk of a crash. The driver lacks a clear warning that braking response has changed, so schedule the recall repair and leave extra stopping room until it is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for Spartan's repair notice before scheduling dealer work, then use your VIN when you call.
  3. Call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 with questions and reference recall number 16V448.
  4. Schedule the free 3/8-inch control-line repair that corrects the slow air-brake actuation and release timing.
  5. Drive with extra stopping distance until the repair is complete.

What happens at the repair

Spartan is still developing the final dealer remedy. The planned repair is a new 3/8" control line for the air brake system. Once the repair opens, a Spartan technician will install the new control line, and parts and labor will be free under the recall. Before arranging service, ask the service desk to confirm that your Gladiator is included, because the VIN decides coverage.

Timeline

June 20, 2016 NHTSA published the recall
August 12, 2016 Dealer notification began
August 12, 2016 Dealer notification ended
August 15, 2016 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 16V448?

Recall 16V448 covers 38 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator tractor-drawn aerial emergency vehicles with air brakes that have excessive actuation and release timing. The defect lengthens stopping distance and increases crash risk. Spartan dealers repair the vehicles with a new 3/8-inch control line for free.

What should I do if my 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 16V448. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the air-brake control-line repair. Reference recall number 16V448 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

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 repair the affected vehicles with a new 3/8-inch control line free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is longer stopping distance. On affected Spartan Gladiator emergency vehicles, the air brakes have excessive actuation and release timing, which increases the risk of a crash when the vehicle needs more distance to stop.

When did Spartan recall notices begin?

Spartan began the recall on August 15, 2016. If you operate or maintain a 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator, check your VIN and contact a franchised Spartan dealer or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 with recall number 16V448.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V448000
Spartan customer service1-800-543-5008
NHTSA recall #16V448
NHTSA recall # (full)16V448000

Source documents

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 →