Recall 20V353 affects 1 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator firefighting vehicle for wireless remote battery drain. Software update is free at a franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
Spartan Fire is recalling one 2019 Gladiator firefighting vehicle because the battery-powered 3600 wireless remote controller for the electric firefighting monitor does not enter sleep mode, draining batteries faster than normal. A dead remote can hinder firefighting efforts by blocking wireless control of the water stream and spray pattern; the Spartan Fire dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The 3600 wireless remote controller on the 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator is a battery-powered handheld unit for the electric firefighting monitor. In this context, the monitor is the water-stream device on the firefighting vehicle, not a screen. The controller lets the operator move that monitor and change the spray pattern without standing at the nozzle.
On the affected unit, the battery-saving sleep mode is disabled. Sleep mode is supposed to reduce power draw when the controller is not being used. Instead, it stays awake and drains its batteries faster than designed. Once the batteries run down, the wireless controller loses power and the operator loses that remote control function until the batteries are replaced or the unit is corrected.
The warning sign is on the controller itself. LED lights blink when battery charge is low, then go out or fail to turn on when the batteries are depleted.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator | Equipment |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 1 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If the wireless remote controller stops working, firefighters lose remote operation during a response. That can hinder firefighting efforts and increases injury risk. Watch the unit lights: blinking means low battery, while no light means the batteries are depleted. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free wireless remote controller software update.
- Ask the dealer to send the affected wireless remote controller to Akron Brass for the sleep-mode update that fixes faster-than-normal battery discharge.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Fire mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V353 when you call.
- Keep the firefighting monitor remote charged and ready until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician arranges for the affected wireless remote controller to be sent to Akron Brass. Akron Brass updates the controller software so sleep mode works, then coordinates return shipping of the repaired controller. The software update, shipping, and related retrofit work are free under the recall, with no direct charge to the customer for costs tied to this defect.
Timeline
| June 15, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 15, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| June 19, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V353?
Recall 20V353 covers 1 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator firefighting vehicle with a battery-powered 3600 wireless remote controller for the electric firefighting monitor. The controller's sleep mode is disabled, which drains the batteries faster than normal. Spartan Fire will have the controller updated for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V353. If it is, contact the Spartan Fire dealer handling the unit and ask for the wireless remote controller software update through Akron Brass. Reference recall number 20V353 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan Fire's remedy says the affected wireless remote controller will receive the software update free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced firefighting capability. If the wireless remote controller batteries discharge faster than normal, firefighters lose use of that controller, which can hinder firefighting efforts and increase injury risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V353000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-800-228-1161 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V353 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V353000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →