Recall 18V206 covers 11 2004-2007 Spartan Gladiator vehicles for front axle spindle cracks and wheel separation. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 11 2004-2007 Gladiator emergency vehicles because inconsistent machining can let fatigue cracks develop in the front axle spindles, which can cause spindle failure and front wheel separation. A separated wheel 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 front axle spindle on the 2004-2007 Spartan Gladiator is the heavy suspension part that supports the wheel hub at the front axle. On these emergency response vehicles, the Timoney independent front suspension lets each front wheel move over road impacts while the spindle carries steering, braking, and vehicle weight loads. The spindle has to stay solid where the shaft meets its mounting flange.
On affected Gladiators, inconsistent machining during spindle manufacturing created small stress points in that metal. Under harsh duty cycles, those stress points start a fatigue crack, which grows as the suspension absorbs road shock and weight transfer. If the crack progresses far enough, the spindle can fail and a front wheel can separate from the vehicle.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or service shop should not rely on noise, vibration, or visible damage to rule out the problem.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 Gladiator, all tied to the front suspension.
| 2007 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2006 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2005 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2004 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| Units affected | 11 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A front wheel separation can happen without warning and increase the risk of a crash. Schedule the recall repair soon, and avoid driving if the vehicle feels unstable or the wheel area sounds abnormal. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2007 Spartan Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Watch for Spartan's owner notice before scheduling the dealer repair, since this recall is listed as under development.
- Call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 with questions and reference recall number 18V206 (Spartan recall 18012).
- Ask a franchised Spartan dealer about the free front-axle-spindle replacement that addresses spindle cracking and wheel separation.
- Limit driving until Spartan or the dealer confirms the repair path; stop using the vehicle if you notice front suspension damage or wheel movement.
What happens at the repair
Because this recall is listed as under development, the final dealer repair is not described as open for scheduling here. Once Spartan opens the repair, a Spartan technician will replace the front axle spindle, free of charge. The work targets the spindle on the Timoney independent front suspension, where fatigue cracks can develop over time and lead to spindle failure. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| March 29, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V206?
Recall 18V206 covers 11 2004-2007 Spartan Gladiator emergency response vehicles with Timoney Independent Front Suspensions. Inconsistent machining can cause fatigue cracks in the front axle spindles, leading to spindle failure and possible front wheel separation. Spartan dealers will replace the front axle spindle for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2007 Spartan Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V206. If it is, contact a Spartan dealer to schedule the front axle spindle replacement. Reference recall number 18V206 and Spartan recall number 18012 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, and Spartan says dealers will replace the front axle spindle free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is front wheel separation. If fatigue cracks develop in the front axle spindle and the spindle fails, a front wheel can separate from the Spartan Gladiator, increasing crash risk. Check your VIN before scheduling the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Spartan Gladiator used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. If you never received Spartan's owner notice after the recall began on May 24, 2018, check your VIN and give recall number 18V206 to the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V206000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V206 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V206000 |
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 →