Recall 19V874 affects 2 2018-2019 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency vehicles for restricted brake relay valve airflow. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 2 2018-2019 Metrostar and Gladiator emergency response chassis because the brake relay valve has an air flow restriction. That restriction can extend stopping distance and increase crash risk, and Spartan dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The 2018-2019 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency response chassis use an air brake system, which moves compressed air through valves and brake chambers to apply and release the service brakes. The brake relay valve is one of those control valves. It helps send air quickly to the brakes when the driver presses the pedal, then helps release that air when the brakes come off.
On affected chassis, the relay valve has an internal air flow restriction tied to a missed machining step in a suspect valve lot. Restricted air flow slows the brake timing. During braking, that delay can extend stopping distance. During release, the brakes can release slowly and create brake drag.
The warning sign to watch for is brake drag after the service brakes are released. The longer stopping distance can happen without warning, so a vehicle that feels normal still needs the recall repair if its VIN is included.
Who's affected?
Covers the Metrostar and Gladiator across the 2018 and 2019 model years, with the brake system named for each truck line.
| 2019 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Spartan Metrostar | brake system |
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| 2018 Spartan Gladiator | brake system |
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
Slow release of the service brakes can cause brake drag and longer stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash. A driver can notice brake drag, but longer stopping distance can happen without warning, so schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the free brake-relay-valve inspection and replacement that addresses the air flow restriction tied to extended stopping distance.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one, or reference recall number 19V874 when you call.
- Drive with extra stopping room until the repair is complete, and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan technician inspects the brake relay valve for the air flow restriction described in recall 19V874. If the valve needs replacement, the technician replaces it at no charge. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Marion Body Works uses the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for a related repair. Keep repair invoices and payment records, then contact Marion Body Works customer service about documented out-of-pocket costs.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 10, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 11, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 11, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 27, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V874?
Recall 19V874 covers 2 2018-2019 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency response chassis with a brake relay valve air-flow restriction. The defect can increase stopping distance and crash risk. Spartan dealers will inspect and replace the valve if needed, free of charge.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chassis is included in recall 19V874. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer to schedule the brake relay valve inspection. Reference recall number 19V874 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 19V874, Spartan dealers will inspect the brake relay valve and replace it if needed, with parts and labor covered.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is longer stopping distance. The brake relay valve can restrict air flow in the brake system, which means the vehicle needs more distance to stop and has increased crash risk. The repair path is a free dealer inspection and valve replacement if needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V874000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-715-754-5261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V874 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V874000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →