Recall 21V323 affects 1,447 2017-2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar and Gladiator vehicles for a fuel rail leak. Free repair once Spartan Fire opens it.
Spartan Fire is recalling 1,447 2017-2020 Metrostar and Gladiator fire trucks under recall 21V323 because a sealing washer in the high pressure fuel rail can fail to seat correctly, allowing fuel to leak. A fuel leak near an ignition source raises the risk of a fire, and the dealer repair will be free once Spartan Fire opens it.
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What's wrong?
The high pressure fuel rail on these 2017-2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response cab chassis is part of the diesel fuel injection system. It holds fuel under very high pressure and feeds it to the injectors that fire it into the engine cylinders. A small sealing washer sits in a pilot bore at the end of the rail to keep that pressurized fuel inside the joint.
On the affected trucks, the pilot bore for the sealing washer is undersized. The washer does not seat the way it should, so the joint does not hold the load it needs to stay sealed in service. Over time, high pressure diesel fuel works past the washer and leaks out of the rail end.
The operator will often see or smell diesel fuel around the engine before a larger failure. In some cases, the check engine light comes on. Both are early warning signs that the fuel rail joint has started to leak.
Who's affected?
Covers both Metrostar and Gladiator fire-apparatus chassis across the 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years, all built with the same diesel fuel rail.
| 2019 Spartan Fire Metrostar | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Spartan Fire Metrostar | fuel system |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar | fuel system |
| 2017 Spartan Fire Metrostar | fuel system |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator | fuel system |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator | fuel system |
| 2018 Spartan Fire Gladiator | fuel system |
| 2017 Spartan Fire Gladiator | fuel system |
| Units affected | 1,447 |
| 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 in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A fuel leak near an ignition source raises the risk of a vehicle fire. Operators who see or smell diesel fuel, or notice the check engine light, should stop driving, shut the engine down, and call the dealer to arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar or Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Wait for Spartan Fire's owner notification letter. The final repair schedule has not been set, so the dealer cannot book the fuel-rail service yet.
- Park the vehicle outside and away from structures until the repair is complete, since a fuel leak near an ignition source raises the risk of a fire.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer once the remedy opens to schedule the free fuel-rail inspection and replacement that fixes the leaking high-pressure fuel rail.
- Call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 with questions and reference recall number 21V323 when you call.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is under development, so Spartan Fire has not opened scheduling yet. Once the remedy is available, a Spartan Fire technician will inspect the fuel rail threads and the fuel lines, then replace the rail if the inspection finds a problem. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Spartan Fire has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid out of pocket for a related repair before the recall notice. Keep your receipts and any service paperwork, and bring them to the dealer when the final repair opens.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 6, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 24, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V323?
Recall 21V323 covers 1,447 2017-2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator and MetroStar fire apparatus vehicles. A sealing washer that does not seat correctly in the pilot bore holes can allow the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak, and a fuel leak near an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
What should I do if my 2017-2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator or MetroStar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V323. If it is, contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 to ask about inspection and repair scheduling. Reference recall number 21V323 when you call. The inspection and any rail replacement are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost. Spartan Fire dealers will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Parts and labor are covered regardless of where the apparatus was purchased.
When will the recall repair be available?
Spartan Fire has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. The remedy is still under development. Owners can contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 for status updates, and check your VIN to confirm your vehicle is included so you are ready to schedule once the repair opens.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for the smell of diesel fuel around the engine compartment, visible fuel residue or wet spots near the high pressure fuel rail, or fuel pooling under the apparatus after operation. If you notice any of these signs, stop using the vehicle and contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V323000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V323 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V323000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →