Recall 20V203 affects 9 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles for a loose park brake line. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
Spartan is recalling 9 2019-2020 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency-response chassis 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 without command and the vehicle can suddenly decelerate, raising crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The parking brake control line on the 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response chassis is part of the system that holds the vehicle still when it is parked. The line carries the parking brake control signal between the control valve and the brake system, so the brake releases and applies only when commanded. On an emergency response chassis, that connection has to stay secure while the vehicle is moving and when it is stopped.
On affected chassis, the control line can loosen at its fitting. If it backs out far enough, the line can come out of the fitting while the vehicle is in motion. That leaves the parking brake system without the control connection it needs to work as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not list a noise, warning light, or change in brake feel that tells an owner the control line has started to loosen.
Who's affected?
Gladiator and Metrostar trucks are included across the 2019 and 2020 model years, with parking brake listed for each version.
| 2020 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2019 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | Parking brake |
| 2020 Spartan Metrostar | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 9 |
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 air line that leaves its fitting while the vehicle is moving can apply the park brake without driver input. That sudden deceleration increases crash risk, and there is no warning sign before it happens. Confirm whether your VIN is included and contact the dealer for repair timing. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Watch for the owner notice, then contact a franchised Spartan dealer to ask whether the repair is open for your VIN.
- Schedule the free park-brake-control-line inspection and tightening that secures the air line so the parking brake does not apply while driving.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V203 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until a Spartan dealer confirms the park brake control line is properly tightened. Leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer remedy is not listed as available yet. Once it opens, a Spartan technician will inspect the park brake control line and tighten it properly so it stays secured in its fitting. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. The filing also says the vehicles will be repaired before delivery to customers, so confirm the repair status before accepting delivery or placing the vehicle back in service.
Timeline
| April 8, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V203?
Recall 20V203 covers 9 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar Emergency Response chassis vehicles modified by Marion Body Works. The park brake control air line can loosen and come out of its fitting while the vehicle is moving, causing sudden deceleration and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency response vehicle is included in recall 20V203. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan service dealer to schedule inspection and proper tightening of the park brake control line. Reference recall number 20V203 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. The recall remedy is an inspection and proper tightening of the park brake control line, free of charge, through the dealer repair path for the affected Spartan chassis vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden deceleration while the vehicle is in motion. If the park brake control air line comes out of its fitting, the park brake can apply unexpectedly and increase crash risk. Confirm the VIN and arrange the free repair before relying on the vehicle for service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V203000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-715-754-5261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V203 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V203000 |
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 →