Recall 19V523 affects 234 2014-2020 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles for loose front shocks. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 234 2014-2020 Metrostar and Gladiator emergency vehicles because the front shocks can separate from their upper mounts and damage the steering gear housing. That damage can cause a steering fluid leak and loss of power steering assist, increasing crash risk, and Spartan dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front shock on the 2014-2020 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator is part of the independent front suspension. It controls wheel movement after bumps and helps keep the tire planted while the steering gear turns the wheels. The upper shock mount holds the shock eye tightly against the suspension structure so the shock stays in place under load.
On affected vehicles equipped with Koni shocks, the fastener at the upper mount does not hold the shock eye with enough clamp force. The bolt can loosen or break, letting the shock separate from the mount. Once loose, the shock can hit the steering gear housing, damage it, and allow steering fluid to leak. Loss of that fluid reduces power steering assist, so the driver has to use more effort to steer.
A broken shock bolt can make a rattling noise or create a rough ride. It can also break with no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans the Metrostar and Gladiator across 2014-2020, with front suspension and power steering components listed for the included vehicles.
| 2016 Spartan Metrostar | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2016 Spartan Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2020 Spartan Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2020 Spartan Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2020 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2020 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2018 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2018 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2017 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2017 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2016 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2016 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2019 Spartan Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2019 Spartan Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2015 Spartan Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2015 Spartan Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2014 Spartan Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2014 Spartan Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2017 Spartan Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2017 Spartan Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2018 Spartan Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2018 Spartan Metrostar | power steering system |
| Units affected | 234 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed shock bolt can lead to loss of power steering assist, increasing crash risk. A rattling noise or rough ride can be a warning sign, but the bolt can also break without warning. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2020 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free shock-bolt and shim repair that secures the front shocks away from the steering gear.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V523 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Stop driving if steering assist drops or you see steering fluid leaking.
- Call Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008 with questions about scheduling or parts availability.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician installs new shock bolts on the front shock upper mounts and adds shims where the repair calls for them. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid for a related front shock mount repair before the recall notice, Spartan's reimbursement plan handles documented out-of-pocket expenses. Bring the repair order and payment records to the service desk, or contact Spartan customer service about the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 12, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 15, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| July 15, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 2, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 2, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 20, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V523?
Recall 19V523 covers 234 2014-2020 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency response vehicles with independent front suspension and Koni shocks. The front shock can separate from its upper mount, damage the steering gear housing, cause a steering fluid leak, and reduce power steering assist.
What should I do if my 2014-2020 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V523. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule installation of new shock bolts and shims when needed. Reference recall number 19V523 or Spartan recall number 19015 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Spartan dealers will install new shock bolts, and shims when needed, free of charge under recall 19V523.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of power steering assist. If the loose front shock damages the steering gear housing and causes a steering fluid leak, steering effort increases, which raises crash risk. Confirm the VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if the vehicle is included.
What if I bought this Spartan emergency vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Metrostar or Gladiator is included, then contact a Spartan dealer and reference recall number 19V523.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V523000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-800-543-5008 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V523 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V523000 |
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 →