Recall 20V163 covers 4 2019-2020 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles for a loose park-brake line. Free repair at a franchised Spartan dealer once available.
Spartan recall 20V163 covers 4 2019-2020 Metrostar and Gladiator emergency response vehicles because the park brake control air line can loosen and come out of its fitting while the vehicle is moving. If that happens, the park brake can apply suddenly and slow the vehicle, increasing crash risk; the Spartan dealer repair will be free once available.
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 park brake control line on 2019-2020 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency response vehicles is part of the air brake system. It carries the air signal that controls the parking brake, so the brake applies and releases when the driver commands it. That line has to stay locked into its fitting while the vehicle is moving and while the brake system is under pressure.
On the affected vehicles, the control line can loosen at the fitting. If it comes out while the vehicle is in motion, the parking brake system no longer has the connection it needs to operate as designed. Spartan's filing says this condition means the vehicles do not meet FMVSS 121 for air brake systems.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator should not expect a warning light, sound, or change in pedal feel before the line separates.
Who's affected?
Spans the Metrostar and Gladiator across the 2019 and 2020 model years, tied to the same parking brake control line.
| 2020 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2020 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2019 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 4 |
| 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?
If the park brake control air line comes out of its fitting while the vehicle is moving, the park brake can apply on its own. That sudden deceleration increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair when it is available. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer for current repair timing before scheduling service.
- Reference recall number 20V163 when you call, and ask about the park brake control-line inspection and tightening that keeps the air line secured in its fitting.
- Bring the owner notice if Spartan has sent one to you.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Leave extra following distance and stop using the vehicle if the park brake applies unexpectedly.
What happens at the repair
Spartan's final dealer remedy is still under development, so do not assume the completed recall work is open for scheduling yet. Once available, a Spartan technician will inspect the park brake control line and tighten it properly so the line stays secured in its fitting. The dealer repair will be free under the recall. Vehicles still waiting for delivery will be repaired before customers receive them, with no charge for that work.
Timeline
| March 20, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V163?
Recall 20V163 covers 4 2019-2020 Spartan Metrostar and Gladiator emergency response vehicles modified by SVI Trucks. The park brake control line can loosen and come out of its fitting while the vehicle is moving, which can apply the park brake and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Spartan Metrostar or Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V163. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan dealer or SVI customer service at 1-888-784-1112 and reference SVI recall number 20V138. The dealer will inspect and tighten the park brake control line for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and SVI dealers will inspect and properly tighten the park brake control line free of charge. SVI also said the affected vehicles would be repaired before delivery to customers.
Is it safe to drive a Spartan emergency response vehicle with this recall?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects the parking brake air line. If the line comes out while the vehicle is moving, the park brake can apply and the vehicle can suddenly decelerate. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V163000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-888-784-1112 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V163 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V163000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →