Recall 19V828 affects 94 2005-2020 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles with unprotected automatic tire-chain control lines. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 94 2005-2020 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles with pneumatically controlled automatic tire chain systems because the air pressure control lines lack pressure protection. If a control line is severed, air can suddenly leave the service reservoir and the brakes can apply unexpectedly; Spartan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The automatic tire chain system on the Spartan 2005-2020 Gladiator and Metrostar uses compressed air to move tire chains into position when traction is needed. That air comes from the vehicle's air brake system, so the brake reservoirs and control lines need protection that keeps brake air available for stopping.
On affected vehicles, the air pressure control lines for the tire chain system are not protected the way the air brake standard requires. If one of those lines leaks or breaks, air can escape from the brake supply instead of being isolated from it. That loss of air reduces the reserve the air brake system depends on.
The warning sign is a visual and audible alert showing loss of air. If that warning appears, treat it as a brake system warning, not just a tire chain problem.
Who's affected?
Gladiator and Metrostar trucks are both included, with the same brake system component listed for each model year in scope.
| 2005 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2006 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2007 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2008 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2009 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2010 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2017 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2018 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2012 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2014 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2017 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2018 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2016 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2020 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2015 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2011 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2013 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2020 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2016 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2006 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2008 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2010 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2011 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2012 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2019 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2015 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2014 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2013 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2009 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2007 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2005 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| Units affected | 94 |
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?
An unprotected control line can drain air from the service reservoir if the line is severed. That can make the brakes apply unexpectedly and increase the risk of a crash. Treat any visual or audible low-air warning as a reason to stop in a safe place and call a Spartan dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2005-2020 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free inspection and air-control-line routing repair that protects the service reservoir from sudden air loss.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V828 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and be prepared for unexpected brake application.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician inspects the routing of the automatic tire chain system control lines. If the air pressure control lines are not routed correctly, the technician reroutes them into the auxiliary air reservoir. The inspection and any needed rerouting are free under the recall. Spartan has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for the same control-line repair before the recall work. Bring repair paperwork or other documentation to the service desk so the dealer can review the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 22, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| November 19, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
| November 19, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| November 19, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 19, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V828?
Recall 19V828 covers 94 2005-2020 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response vehicles with pneumatically controlled automatic tire chain systems. The air pressure control lines can lack pressure protection, and dealers will inspect and reroute the lines into the auxiliary air reservoir as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2005-2020 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V828. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the control-line inspection and rerouting if needed. Reference recall number 19V828 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 the recall remedy says dealers will inspect the air pressure control line routing and reroute the lines into the auxiliary air reservoir as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected brake application. If a control line is severed and it lacks pressure protection, air can be lost suddenly from the service reservoir system, causing the brakes to apply unexpectedly and increasing crash risk.
What if I bought the Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Gladiator or Metrostar is included, then reference recall number 19V828 when you contact a franchised Spartan dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V828000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-715-754-5261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V828 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V828000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →