Recall 17V160 covers 2,783 2011-2018 Spartan K2, K3, K4, Metrostar, Mm, and Gladiator vehicles with loose front ball joints. Free repair at a franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 2,783 2011-2018 K2, K3, K4, Metrostar, Mm, and Gladiator vehicles under recall 17V160 because ball joints in the independent front suspension can loosen and separate. A separated ball joint can cause partial loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and Spartan dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The independent front suspension on these 2011-2018 Spartan K2, K4, Metrostar, K3, Mm, and Gladiator vehicles helps each front wheel move over the road while keeping the steering geometry in place. The ball joints are pivot points in that suspension. They let the control arms and steering parts move through their range while still holding the wheel assembly in the correct position.
On the recalled suspension modules, the ball joint threads were built without thread lock. Thread lock is a compound that helps keep threaded parts from backing out under vibration and load. Without it, the ball joints can loosen over time, then separate from the mating component. If that happens, the vehicle can suffer a partial loss of steering.
Before complete separation, a mechanic can see a gap between the ball joint seating flange and the mating part. The driver can notice slight steering misalignment, wandering, or a pull to one side.
Who's affected?
Spans the K2, K3, K4, Metrostar, Mm, and Gladiator lines across the 2011-2018 model years, all tied to the front control arm.
| 2012 Spartan K2 | control arm |
|---|---|
| 2018 Spartan K4 | control arm |
| 2017 Spartan K4 | control arm |
| 2016 Spartan Metrostar | control arm |
| 2014 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2015 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2017 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2014 Spartan K2 | control arm |
| 2015 Spartan K2 | control arm |
| 2016 Spartan K2 | control arm |
| 2014 Spartan Mm | control arm |
| 2017 Spartan K2 | control arm |
| 2018 Spartan K2 | control arm |
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | control arm |
| 2013 Spartan Mm | control arm |
| 2017 Spartan Gladiator | control arm |
| 2016 Spartan Gladiator | control arm |
| 2011 Spartan Mm | control arm |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | control arm |
| 2017 Spartan Mm | control arm |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | control arm |
| 2012 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2016 Spartan Mm | control arm |
| 2015 Spartan Mm | control arm |
| 2012 Spartan Mm | control arm |
| 2018 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2011 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2013 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | control arm |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | control arm |
| 2013 Spartan K2 | control arm |
| 2016 Spartan K3 | control arm |
| 2017 Spartan Metrostar | control arm |
| Units affected | 2,783 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. Watch for steering pull, wandering, or misalignment, and have the vehicle checked before continuing regular use. A mechanic can also see a gap at the ball joint seating area before complete separation. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2018 Spartan K2, K4, Metrostar, K3, Mm, or Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free front-suspension ball-joint service that secures the IFS joints and helps prevent loss of steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V160 when you call.
- Call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277 with questions about scheduling or dealer instructions.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, and stop using the vehicle if steering control changes.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician removes the affected front suspension ball joint, cleans it, applies thread locker, reinstalls it, and torques it correctly. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Spartan has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall work was completed. Contact Spartan customer service with repair paperwork and proof of payment so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 13, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 13, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 24, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 24, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 24, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V160?
Recall 17V160 covers 2,783 2011-2018 Spartan K2, K4, Metrostar, K3, Mm, and Gladiator vehicles with independent front suspension ball joints that can loosen and separate. A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Spartan dealers repair it for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2018 Spartan K2, K4, Metrostar, K3, Mm, or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V160. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the ball joint repair. Reference recall number 17V160 and Spartan recall number 17004 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 remove, clean, apply thread locker, and reinstall the properly torqued ball joint free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. The front suspension ball joints can loosen and separate, which can leave the driver with partial loss of steering and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before normal use.
What if I bought my Spartan vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Spartan is included, then contact a franchised Spartan dealer or Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V160000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-4277 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V160 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V160000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →