Recall 18V440 affects 865 2010-2019 Spartan Gladiator vehicles for battery positive cable chafing that can arc. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 865 2010-2019 Gladiator emergency response vehicles because the protective sleeve on the battery positive cable can become brittle, letting the cable chafe and arc. If that cable arcs, it raises the risk of a fire; Spartan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2010-2019 Spartan Gladiator uses a positive battery-to-alternator cable to move charging current between the alternator and the battery. A protective sleeve, often called loom, covers the cable so vibration and engine movement do not let the cable rub against nearby brackets or other hard points.
On affected Gladiator emergency response vehicles with Cummins ISX engine routing, that sleeve can become brittle or missing around the cable path. Once the sleeve stops protecting the wire, the cable can chafe against a contact point. If the insulation wears through, the positive cable can arc, which means electrical current jumps to nearby metal and creates heat.
The warning sign available to an owner or technician is visible missing or brittle loom during inspection. A chafed point on the cable itself is harder to see, so there is not always a clear warning sign before arcing starts.
Who's affected?
Spans 10 listed Gladiator model years from 2010 to 2019, all tied to the wiring component.
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2018 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2017 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| 2016 Spartan Gladiator | wiring |
| Units affected | 865 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
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?
A battery positive cable that arcs increases the risk of a fire. Inspection can find missing or brittle loom, but a chafed point on the cable is not always visible. Schedule the repair soon and use caution until the cable routing is corrected. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2019 Spartan Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free battery-cable repair that moves the cable away from chafe points and replaces damaged positive cables.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V440 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary operation until the repair is complete because battery-cable arcing increases fire risk.
- Call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 with questions about recall number 18V440.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician installs brackets that route the battery positive cable away from chafe points near the alternator connection. The technician also inspects the cable and replaces damaged battery positive cables covered by the recall. Parts and labor are free. This repair addresses the brittle protective sleeve and cable rubbing described in recall 18V440, so the cable is held away from contact points after the work is complete.
Timeline
| June 29, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 29, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 29, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 19, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| July 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 27, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V440?
Recall 18V440 covers 865 2010-2019 Spartan Gladiator emergency response vehicles. The battery-positive cable's protective sleeve can become brittle, allowing the cable to chafe and arc. If that cable arcs, fire risk increases. Spartan dealers repair the routing and damaged cables for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2019 Spartan Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Gladiator is included in recall 18V440. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the battery-cable inspection and repair. Reference recall number 18V440000 or Spartan recall number 18020 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Spartan dealers will install brackets to move the battery positive cable away from chafe points and replace damaged battery positive cables free of charge.
Is it safe to keep using my Spartan Gladiator before the repair?
Recall 18V440 involves a battery positive cable that can chafe and arc, increasing fire risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair promptly and ask the Spartan dealer whether the vehicle needs inspection before continued service.
When did Spartan start the recall repair?
Spartan began recall 18V440 on August 27, 2018. The dealer remedy is available, so an included Gladiator can be scheduled for bracket installation and battery positive cable replacement if damage is found.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V440000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V440 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V440000 |
Source documents
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 →