Recall 17V294 affects 18 2008-2017 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles for incorrect park-brake knob directions. Spartan supplies the correct knob free.
Spartan is recalling 18 2008-2017 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles because the supplemental park brake instructions say to pull the actuation knob instead of push it. That error can make an operator think the front park brake is set when it is not, so the vehicle can roll and raise crash risk; the Spartan dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake is the system that helps hold a stopped vehicle in place when it is parked. On 2008-2017 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles in this recall, the supplemental park brake system adds another parking-brake control. Its actuation knob is the control the driver uses to activate that added brake function.
The problem is in the directions for that knob. The instructions say to "Pull" the knob, but the correct action is to "Push" it. The recall summary does not describe a broken brake part. It describes an instruction error that tells the driver to use the supplemental park brake control the wrong way.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver will not get a separate warning light, sound, or pedal change from the wording problem itself, so the key issue is whether the corrected instruction has been installed and followed.
Who's affected?
Spans the Gladiator and Metrostar lines across 2008-2017, all tied to the parking brake.
| 2017 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2009 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2016 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2013 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2014 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2015 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2012 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2016 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2011 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2010 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2008 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2008 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2009 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2017 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 18 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
The incorrect actuator control knob directions can make an operator think the supplemental front park brake is applied when it is not. That creates a rollaway risk and increases the risk of a crash. Verify the brake is actually set before you step away from the vehicle. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2017 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400 if you did not receive the owner notice.
- Ask for the free actuator control knob with corrected SPBS directions, so the supplemental park brake control shows "Push" instead of "Pull."
- Reference recall number 17V294 when you call.
- Verify the supplemental park brake is applied before leaving the vehicle parked, since the incorrect knob directions can leave the brake unapplied.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician supplies a replacement actuator control knob for the supplemental park brake system. The new knob gives the correct direction for activating the brake, so the driver is told to push the knob instead of pull it. Spartan says the replacement is free of charge. The dealer repair will be free once available. Before bringing the vehicle in, confirm with the service desk that the correct replacement knob is ready for your Gladiator or Metrostar.
Timeline
| May 1, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 22, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V294?
Recall 17V294 covers 18 2008-2017 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles with a supplemental park brake control knob labeled with the wrong direction. Spartan supplies a corrected actuator control knob for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2017 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency response vehicle is included in recall 17V294. If it is, contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400 or a Spartan service location and reference recall 17009. The corrected actuator control knob is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan will supply the corrected supplemental park brake actuator control knob free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for affected 2008-2017 Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unintended vehicle movement. The knob directions say to pull when the operator should push, so an operator can believe the supplemental front park brake is applied when it is not. The vehicle can unexpectedly roll, increasing crash risk.
When did the Spartan recall repair start?
The recall began on May 22, 2017. Because that date has passed, affected owners can ask Spartan customer service or a Spartan service location about the corrected actuator control knob now. Have the VIN and recall number 17V294 ready when you call.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V294000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V294 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V294000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →