Recall 16V601 affects 55 2014-2016 Spartan Erv Legend and Star fire trucks for a shift-unit defect. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Erv dealer.
Spartan Erv is recalling 55 2014-2016 Legend and Star fire trucks because a damaged shift-unit component in certain Waterous C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions can prevent operators from changing power output. If the truck cannot switch power to the pump at a fire scene, water delivery is delayed and injury risk increases; Spartan Erv dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The split-shaft transmission on 2014-2016 Spartan Erv Legend and Star fire trucks is the power-routing unit between the engine drivetrain and emergency equipment. In normal use, the Waterous C20 or C21 unit sends power to the wheels for driving, or switches power to an add-on unit such as the water pump used at a fire scene.
On affected trucks, a retaining ring inside the shift unit was damaged during supplier assembly. The installation pliers used to fit the ring were out of adjustment, opening the ring past its elastic limit and leaving it deformed. With that internal part damaged, the shift unit can fail to change where power goes, so the operator can be unable to switch between driving output and pump output.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem can appear when the operator tries to shift the transmission output, with no earlier symptom to point to the damaged retaining ring.
Who's affected?
Legend and Star are both listed for each model year in 2014-2016, with the same manual transmission component.
| 2015 Spartan Erv Legend | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 Spartan Erv Legend | manual transmission |
| 2015 Spartan Erv Star | manual transmission |
| 2014 Spartan Erv Legend | manual transmission |
| 2014 Spartan Erv Star | manual transmission |
| 2016 Spartan Erv Star | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 55 |
| 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?
A power-output failure after arrival at a fire scene can leave the truck unable to pump water to help extinguish the fire, increasing injury risk. There is no warning sign before this failure, so schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Erv dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Spartan Erv Legend or Star fire truck is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Spartan Erv dealer to schedule the free retaining-clevis-pin and retaining-ring replacement that fixes the split-shaft transmission shift-unit problem.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Erv mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V601 when you call.
- Confirm the truck can switch power output before emergency response use; remove it from firefighting service until repaired if the operator cannot switch power output.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Erv technician replaces the retaining clevis pin and retaining rings connected to the transmission shift unit. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Because Spartan Erv has a general reimbursement plan on file, documented qualifying repairs paid before the recall notice can be submitted under that plan. Bring repair orders, receipts, and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Spartan Erv customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 15, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 17, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| August 17, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 24, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 12, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V601?
Recall 16V601 covers 55 2014-2016 Spartan Erv Legend and Star fire trucks with certain Waterous C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions. A damaged shift-unit component can prevent switching power output between driving and pump operation, increasing injury risk at a fire scene. Spartan Erv dealers replace the retaining clevis pin and retaining rings for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Spartan Erv Legend or Star is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 16V601. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Erv dealer to schedule the retaining clevis pin and retaining ring replacement. Reference recall 16V601 and Spartan recall number 16021 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Spartan Erv dealers will replace the retaining clevis pin and retaining rings free of charge for affected Legend and Star fire trucks.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V601?
The safety risk is loss of water-pump operation at a fire scene. If the split-shaft transmission cannot switch power output after the truck arrives, the crew cannot use the truck to pump water for firefighting, increasing the risk of injury.
When did the Spartan Erv recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on September 12, 2016. Spartan Erv owners can contact a franchised dealer to schedule the retaining clevis pin and retaining ring replacement, or call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 with recall number 16021.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V601000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Erv customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V601 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V601000 |
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 →