Recall 21V103 affects 73 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles for loose steering gear bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
Spartan Fire is recalling 73 2019-2021 Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles because steering gear mounting bolts can loosen and back out, making the vehicle harder to steer. Difficulty steering, or loss of steering in both directions, increases crash risk, and the Spartan Fire dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
On 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles, the steering gear is the part of the front suspension and steering system that turns driver input into movement at the front wheels. It is bolted to a mounting plate, and those bolts have to hold tight so the gear stays fixed while the vehicle steers over road vibration and load.
On affected vehicles, Reyco Granning changed the paint material on the steering gearcase mount plates. The paint did not cure all the way through, so the outer coat looked set while liquid paint remained underneath. That left the mounting joint without enough clamp load. Once the bolts loosen, road vibration lets them keep backing out, which can make the vehicle harder to steer.
The driver can notice extra steering effort to keep the vehicle straight. The fasteners also loosen without warning, so increased steering effort is the warning sign to take seriously.
Who's affected?
Covers Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles from 2019-2021, with steering system and front suspension listed as the affected areas.
| 2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator | steering system |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Metrostar | steering system |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar | steering system |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Metrostar | steering system |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Metrostar | front suspension |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator | steering system |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator | front suspension |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator | steering system |
| Units affected | 73 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Difficulty steering or an inability to steer in both directions can raise crash risk. Increased steering effort while holding the vehicle straight is a warning sign, but the steering gear fasteners can also loosen without warning. Drive cautiously, stop if steering feels abnormal, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free steering gear mounting bolt and washer replacement that fixes the loose fasteners behind the steering difficulty.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Fire mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V103 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop using the vehicle if steering becomes difficult.
- Call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 with questions, and reference Spartan Fire recall 21-01.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician replaces the steering gear mounting bolts and washers covered by recall 21V103. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for a steering gear mounting bolt or washer repair before the recall notice, Spartan Fire's general reimbursement plan covers documented eligible expenses. Bring repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk, or contact Spartan Fire customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 15, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| March 19, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 15, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V103?
Recall 21V103 covers 73 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles with steering gear mounting bolts that can loosen and back out. That defect can make steering difficult, or leave the vehicle unable to steer in both directions. Dealers replace the steering gear mounting bolts and washers for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V103. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule replacement of the steering gear mounting bolts and washers. Reference recall number 21V103 or Spartan Fire recall 21-01 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Spartan Fire dealers will replace the steering gear mounting bolts and washers free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. Loose steering gear mounting bolts can back out, making the vehicle hard to steer or unable to steer in both directions. That loss of control can increase the risk of a crash.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V103000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V103 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V103000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →