Recall 22V879 affects 20 2021-2023 Spartan Fire FC-94 and Metrostar fire trucks for tie rod clamp failure. Free repair at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
Spartan Fire is recalling 20 2021-2023 FC-94 and Metrostar fire trucks 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, and 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 and Metrostar fire trucks is part of the steering linkage. It connects steering movement across the front axle so the wheels stay aligned and turn together. The tie rod clamps hold the tie rod end and cross tube in the correct position under steering load.
On affected trucks, the clamps were not heat-treated correctly by the supplier. That leaves the metal susceptible to cracking. Over time, a cracked clamp can fracture, reducing the clamping force on the tie rod end. If both clamps fail, the cross tube can start to unscrew, the truck can go out of alignment, and the tie rod end can separate from the cross tube during high steering loads, such as slow turns or rough terrain.
The first warning sign is the truck being out of alignment. If both clamps crack, the tube can rotate and lead to a partial loss of steering capability.
Who's affected?
Covers the FC-94 and Metrostar across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to the same steering-linkage assembly.
| 2021 Spartan Fire FC-94 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2022 Spartan Fire Metrostar | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Spartan Fire Metrostar | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Metrostar | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2022 Spartan Fire FC-94 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2023 Spartan Fire FC-94 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 20 |
| 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 truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Tie rod separation can cause a sudden loss of steering and increase the risk of a crash. An affected vehicle can first feel out of alignment, and cracked clamps can let the tie rod tube rotate, reducing steering control. Schedule the repair soon and avoid driving 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 or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free tie rod clamp replacement that keeps the tie rods from separating.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 22V879 when you call.
- Call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-309-482-6121 with questions about scheduling or dealer handling.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, because tie rod separation can cause sudden loss of steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician replaces both tie rod clamps covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 22V879. Alexis Fire has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk or contact Alexis Fire customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 29, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 30, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| November 30, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 30, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 6, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V879?
Recall 22V879 covers 20 2021-2023 Spartan Fire FC-94 and Metrostar fire trucks with tie rod clamps that were improperly heat-treated. The clamps can fail and let the tie rods separate, causing sudden loss of steering and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Spartan Fire FC-94 or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 22V879. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule replacement of both tie rod clamps. Reference recall number 22V879 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will replace both tie rod clamps free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden loss of steering. If the tie rod clamps fail and the tie rods separate, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair before returning the truck to regular service.
When were owners notified about recall 22V879?
Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. If you bought the fire truck used or never received the letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer. Alexis Fire customer service is available at 1-309-482-6121.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V879000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-309-482-6121 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V879 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V879000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 →