Recall 23V192 affects 12 2020, 2022, 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles for loose steer-axle fasteners. Free repair at a franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
Spartan Fire is recalling 12 2020, 2022, and 2023 Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles because front-drive steer axle fasteners can loosen and let axle assembly joints separate. Axle separation can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; Spartan Fire dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steer axle on 2020, 2022, 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar emergency response cab chassis is the front axle assembly that carries the front wheels and lets the driver steer. A pro-torque spindle nut keeper holds the axle fastener in position so the joint stays clamped while the truck turns, brakes, and carries load.
In NHTSA campaign 23V192, the concern is the keeper installation inside the Meritor steer axle. Installing that keeper is a manual process, and the required procedure was not followed at Meritor. On affected trucks, the fasteners can loosen. If the axle assembly joints separate, steering control is at risk.
The warning sign is vibration from the steer axle. If the driver feels new vibration through the front end or steering wheel, that is the sign Spartan Fire identified before the joint separates.
Who's affected?
Covers two Spartan Fire fire truck models across the 2020, 2022, and 2023 model years, all tied to the same steer axle keeper.
| 2022 Spartan Fire Gladiator | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2023 Spartan Fire Metrostar | steering system |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Gladiator | steering system |
| 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator | steering system |
| Units affected | 12 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
Steer axle assembly separation can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. Vibration from the steer axle is the warning sign to take seriously. If you feel it, slow down, pull over safely, and arrange service before using the vehicle again. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020, 2022, 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free inspection and pro-torque nut keeper replacement that secures the steer axle fasteners.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Fire mailed one, and reference recall number 23V192 when you call.
- Call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 with questions about scheduling or moving the vehicle.
- Drive only as directed by the dealer until the steer axle repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician inspects the steer axle assembly and replaces the pro-torque nut keeper covered by this recall. The inspection and replacement are free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. The repair focuses on the front-drive steer axle fasteners, which are the parts tied to the axle assembly joint separation described in NHTSA campaign 23V192. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair with a Spartan Fire dealer.
Timeline
| March 23, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 28, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 1, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 10, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V192?
Recall 23V192 covers 12 2020, 2022, and 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar vehicles with front-drive steer axle fasteners that can loosen and allow axle assembly joints to separate. Spartan Fire dealers will inspect the steer axle assembly and replace the pro-torque nut keeper for free.
What should I do if my 2020, 2022, 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V192. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the steer axle assembly inspection and pro-torque nut keeper replacement. Reference Spartan Fire recall number 23009 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Spartan Fire dealers will inspect and replace the pro-torque nut keeper on the steer axle assembly free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V192?
The risk is loss of vehicle control. Spartan Fire reported that loosened front-drive steer axle fasteners can lead to complete separation of the axle assembly joints, which raises crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer inspection and repair if your vehicle is included.
When were owners notified about recall 23V192?
Spartan Fire mailed owner notification letters on May 10, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your Gladiator or Metrostar is included. Spartan Fire customer service is available at 1-517-543-6400.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V192000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V192 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V192000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →