Recall 21V252 affects 243 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles for power-steering pump seal failure. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
Spartan Fire is recalling 243 2019-2021 Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles because pressure can build in the power steering pump and break the shaft seal, causing a loss of power steering assist. Loss of assist increases steering effort and raises crash risk, and Spartan Fire dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering pump on 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles supplies hydraulic pressure for steering assist. When it works normally, the pump helps move fluid through the steering system so the driver can turn the wheels with much less effort, especially at low speed or during tight maneuvers.
On affected vehicles, the pump rotor was made with too much variation in flatness at the rotor end face. That flatness problem comes from the slot grind process inside the pump. When pressure builds in the pump, it can break the shaft seal. Once that seal fails, the steering system loses power assist, and the driver has to steer with manual effort.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing the driver notices can be a sudden increase in steering effort, with the wheel becoming harder to turn than expected.
Who's affected?
Covers Gladiator and Metrostar fire apparatus across 2019-2021, all tied to the power steering system.
| 2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Metrostar | power steering system |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator | power steering system |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator | power steering system |
| Units affected | 243 |
| 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?
Power steering assist can stop without warning, making the vehicle harder to steer and increasing crash risk. If steering assist is lost, slow down, use extra steering effort, and arrange service promptly. 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 power steering pump replacement that fixes the shaft-seal failure tied to loss of power steering assist.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Fire sent one. If not, reference recall number 21V252 when you call.
- Use extra care while steering until the repair is complete, and report heavy steering to the dealer before driving.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician replaces the power steering pump with a new pump. The replacement part and labor are free under recall 21V252. This repair addresses pressure buildup in the pump that can break the shaft seal and reduce power steering assist. If you've already paid out of pocket for a power steering pump repair tied to this recall, Spartan Fire's general reimbursement plan covers documented eligible costs. Bring invoices or repair paperwork to the service desk so the dealer can explain the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 24, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| May 28, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 31, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 4, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V252?
Recall 21V252 covers 243 2019-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles with a power steering pump defect. Pressure can build in the pump and break the shaft seal, causing loss of power steering assist. Spartan Fire dealers will install a new power steering pump 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 21V252. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the power steering pump replacement. Reference recall number 21V252 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Spartan Fire dealers will provide a new power steering pump free of charge, and owners can contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 for recall support.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of power steering assist. If the pump shaft seal breaks, steering effort can increase and make the vehicle harder to control, increasing crash risk. This risk is referenced in NHTSA campaign 21V252, and the repair path is a free pump replacement.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available after the recall began on June 4, 2021. Spartan Fire said dealers would provide a new power steering pump free of charge. If your VIN is included, call a franchised Spartan Fire dealer and ask for recall 21V252.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V252000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V252 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V252000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation 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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →