Recall 18V654 affects 95 2017-2019 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles for false brake-light illumination. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 95 2017-2019 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights because the lights can turn on when the brake pedal has not been pressed. Incorrect brake-light signals can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk, and Spartan dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The accessory brake lights on 2017-2019 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles are rear lamps that tell drivers behind the vehicle when the brake pedal is being pressed. On an emergency vehicle, those lamps work alongside the standard brake-light system, so the signal behind the vehicle matches the driver's actual braking.
On affected vehicles equipped with Whelen brake lamps, an electrical transient on the lamp input line can turn the accessory brake lights on even when the brake pedal is not pressed. The issue depends on the specific wiring of the vehicle. The recalled lamps include Whelen part and model number families M6BTT, 60BTT, M9BTTX, and 60BTTD, traced by Spartan to these vehicles.
An owner or operator can see the brake lamps illuminate without warning while the vehicle is not braking. There is no separate warning sign before the incorrect light signal appears.
Who's affected?
Covers Gladiator and Metrostar trucks across the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years, all tied to brake lights.
| 2018 Spartan Gladiator | Brake lights |
|---|---|
| 2019 Spartan Metrostar | Brake lights |
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | Brake lights |
| 2017 Spartan Gladiator | Brake lights |
| 2017 Spartan Metrostar | Brake lights |
| 2018 Spartan Metrostar | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 95 |
| 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?
Brake lights that turn on when you are not braking can confuse drivers behind you and increase the risk of a crash. The lamps can illuminate without warning, so leave more following space and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free brake-light replacement that stops the lights from illuminating when the brake pedal is not pressed.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one, and reference recall number 18V654 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and keep extra space around the vehicle so confusing brake-light signals do not surprise nearby drivers.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician replaces the Whelen accessory brake lights covered by the recall so the brake lamps do not illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Spartan lists a general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid yourself for a related brake light repair before the recall work, contact Spartan customer service and ask what documentation the plan requires.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 21, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 11, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 24, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V654?
Recall 18V654 covers 95 2017-2019 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. The brake lights can illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed, which can confuse other drivers and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 18V654. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule brake-light replacement. Reference recall number 18V654 or Spartan recall number 18026 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Spartan dealers will replace the affected brake lights free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 18V654.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is driver confusion behind the vehicle. If the brake lights turn on when the brake pedal has not been pressed, following drivers can misread the emergency vehicle's movement and spacing, increasing crash risk.
Who can I contact about this Spartan recall?
Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free brake-light replacement. You can also call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 and reference Spartan recall number 18026 or federal recall number 18V654.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V654000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V654 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V654000 |
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 →