Recall 22V778 covers 225 2021-2023 Spartan Fire emergency vehicles for tie rod clamps that can fail. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
Spartan Fire is recalling 225 2021-2023 FC-94, Metrostar, Gladiator, Redundant Panther, and Panther emergency vehicles because improperly heat-treated tie rod clamps can fail and let the tie rods separate. Tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering and increase crash risk; Spartan Fire dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod assembly on 2021-2023 Spartan Fire FC-94, Metrostar, Gladiator, Redundant Panther, and Panther emergency vehicles is part of the steering linkage. The recalled part is the tie rod clamp, which holds the tie rod tube in its correct position on a Meritor axle. When the steering wheel turns, the tie rod helps move the front wheels together so the vehicle tracks straight and responds predictably.
The problem starts with the clamp's heat treatment. Excess carbon from a damaged control board on a supplier furnace left suspect clamps outside Meritor's specification. A clamp that was not heat-treated correctly can crack, then fail and let the tie rod separate. If the clamps crack, the tie rod tube can rotate, reducing steering control.
The first sign is a vehicle that is out of alignment. A driver can notice the vehicle pulling, tracking poorly, or needing correction to stay straight. If both clamps on the tie rod crack, the tube can rotate and cause a partial loss of steering capability.
Who's affected?
The scope is split between Spartan Fire and Kme fire trucks, with the same tie rod clamp listed for each model year.
| 2021 Spartan Fire FC-94 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2022 Spartan Fire Metrostar | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Spartan Fire Gladiator | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Spartan Fire Metrostar | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Kme Redundant Panther | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Kme Redundant Panther | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Spartan Fire FC-94 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Spartan Fire FC-94 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Metrostar | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Kme Panther | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 225 |
| 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?
Tie rod separation can cause sudden loss of steering and increase the risk of a crash. A vehicle that feels out of alignment is the warning sign to take seriously, so slow down, stop safely, and arrange service if steering feels abnormal. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Spartan Fire FC-94, Metrostar, Gladiator, Redundant Panther, or Panther is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free tie-rod-clamp replacement that addresses the clamp failure tied to steering loss.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 22V778 when you call or arrive.
- Avoid nonessential driving until the repair is complete, because tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering.
- Call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 with questions about recall number 22V778.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician replaces the tie rod clamps covered by the recall. Those clamps help hold the tie rods in place, so the repair focuses on removing the affected clamps and installing replacement parts. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you have already paid out of pocket for a related tie rod clamp repair, Spartan Fire's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Spartan Fire customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 17, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 14, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| November 18, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 21, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 2, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V778?
Recall 22V778 covers 225 2021-2023 Spartan Fire FC-94, Metrostar, Gladiator, Redundant Panther, and Panther emergency vehicles with tie rod clamps at risk of failure. If the tie rods separate, the vehicle can suddenly lose steering. Spartan Fire dealers will replace the tie rod clamps for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Spartan Fire FC-94, Metrostar, Gladiator, Redundant Panther, or Panther is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 22V778. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule tie rod clamp replacement. Reference recall number 22V778 or Spartan Fire recall number 22007 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Spartan Fire's remedy says dealers will replace the tie rod clamps free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 22V778?
The safety risk is sudden loss of steering. The recall involves tie rod clamps that can fail and allow the tie rods to separate, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before returning the vehicle to service.
When were owners notified about recall 22V778?
Spartan Fire mailed owner notification letters on December 2, 2022. If you bought the emergency vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 or a franchised Spartan Fire dealer with recall number 22V778.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V778000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V778 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V778000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →