Recall 19V338 affects 45 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator aerial vehicles for tiller-frame cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 45 2004-2016 Gladiator tractor-drawn aerial emergency vehicles because cracks can develop in the tiller frame and make the aerial device unstable. If the device becomes unstable, it can fall and increase the risk of injury; Spartan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tiller frame on 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator Tractor Drawn Aerial vehicles is the structural frame for the rear articulating trailer section. It supports the trailer chassis and helps keep the aerial device stable while the vehicle turns, positions, and operates.
On affected Gladiator vehicles, welds were applied in high stress areas of the tiller chassis. Those areas can develop cracks that grow into the vertical portions of the tiller frame. As the cracking spreads, the frame loses the stiffness it needs to hold the aerial device steady, which can result in instability.
Cracks can begin without a warning sign. During maintenance, inspectors can find cracking in the frame or notice body compartment misalignment, which is a sign that the structure has shifted. If either is found, the vehicle needs recall service before the aerial device is relied on.
Who's affected?
The scope runs from 2004 through 2016 for Gladiator trucks, with each included model year tied to the same equipment component.
| 2005 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2006 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2007 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2008 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2009 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2016 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2004 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
| Units affected | 45 |
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?
An unstable aerial device can fall and injure people near the truck. Cracks can begin without warning, but maintenance inspections or body compartment misalignment can reveal the problem. Have the vehicle inspected and repaired soon, and keep the aerial device out of service until it is checked. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free tiller-frame inspection and reinforcement repair.
- Avoid using the aerial device until the cracking inspection and frame reinforcement repair is complete.
- Bring the owner letter if Spartan mailed one. Reference recall number 19V338 and Spartan recall 19007 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician inspects the tiller frame for cracks and checks the vertical frame portions where cracking can affect aerial device stability. If cracking is found, the dealer corrects the cracked areas and adds reinforcements to prevent future cracking. The inspection, repair work, reinforcement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Owners can schedule this recall repair now through a Spartan dealer or authorized service location.
Timeline
| April 30, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 2, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| May 2, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 13, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 23, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V338?
Recall 19V338 covers 45 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator Tractor Drawn Aerial vehicles. Cracks can extend into the vertical portions of the tiller frame, which can make the aerial device unstable. Spartan dealers will inspect the frame, correct cracking, and add reinforcements for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2016 Spartan Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V338. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the frame inspection and reinforcement work. Reference Spartan recall number 19007 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Spartan's remedy says dealers will inspect and correct cracking, then add reinforcements free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Spartan dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 19V338?
The risk is aerial-device instability. If cracks extend into the vertical portions of the tiller frame, the aerial device can become unstable and fall, which raises injury risk. Until the repair is completed, confirm whether your VIN is included and follow the dealer's service instructions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V338000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V338 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V338000 |
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 →