Recall 21V436 affects 1 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator firetruck because wireless remote controller batteries drain fast. Free software update for the affected controller.
Recall 21V436 covers 1 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator pumper firetruck equipped with an Akron Bass battery-powered wireless remote controller because disabled sleep mode drains the batteries faster than normal. If the remote is unavailable during a fire response, firefighting efforts can be hindered and injury risk increases; Spartan dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 3600 wireless remote controller on the 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator firetruck is the handheld control for the wireless deck gun. The deck gun is the mounted water nozzle firefighters aim and operate from the truck, so the controller needs battery power whenever the crew uses that equipment.
On the affected truck, the controller does not enter sleep mode after 30 seconds of inactivity. Sleep mode is the low-power state that preserves the batteries when no one is pressing buttons. Because that state does not start, the batteries drain faster than designed and the controller can be left with too little power when it is needed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The practical clue is a controller with weak or dead batteries, but the filing does not describe a separate light, sound, or message before the batteries discharge.
Who's affected?
Covers the Gladiator in the 2019 and 2020 model years, with the same 3600 wireless deck gun controller listed for both.
| 2019 Spartan Gladiator | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2020 Spartan 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 your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A wireless remote controller that cannot be used can keep crews from operating firefighting equipment as intended. That delay can hinder firefighting efforts and increase injury risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free software update before relying on the controller at a scene. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan dealer or customer service at 1-814-634-8373 to confirm the free wireless-remote software update.
- Return the affected wireless remote controller as directed so Akron Brass can update the software that prevents faster-than-normal battery discharge.
- Keep fresh controller batteries available until the software update is complete, since controller failure can hinder firefighting efforts.
- Reference recall number 21V436 when you call or schedule service.
What happens at the repair
Four Guys handles this recall by having owners return the affected Akron Brass wireless remote controller for a software update. The update is free, and it is focused on the controller software that leaves sleep mode disabled and drains the batteries faster than normal. The source record says Four Guys has not provided a recall notification schedule, so contact Four Guys customer service before sending the controller in. Four Guys has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented eligible expenses if you already paid for a related repair before the recall notice.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 4, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| June 9, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V436?
Recall 21V436 covers 1 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator firetruck equipped with an Akron Brass battery-powered 3600 wireless remote controller. The controller's sleep mode is disabled, which drains the batteries faster than normal. Four Guys will have the affected controller updated for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Spartan Gladiator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific firetruck is included in recall 21V436. If it is, contact Four Guys customer service at 1-814-634-8373 for instructions on returning the affected wireless remote controller to Akron Brass for the free software update.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. For recall 21V436, Four Guys will arrange a free software update for the affected Akron Brass wireless remote controller.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of remote-control use during firefighting operations. NHTSA campaign 21V436 says inability to use the wireless remote controller can hinder firefighting efforts and increase injury risk. The repair path is the free controller software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V436000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan customer service | 1-814-634-8373 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V436 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V436000 |
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 →