Recall 23V316 covers 2 2023 Custom Fire Spartan Metrostar RT fire trucks for TCM software that can miss 4th-gear lockup. Repair is free through Custom Fire.
Custom Fire is recalling 2 2023 Spartan Metrostar RT fire trucks because after reversing, the transmission control module can fail to reach the 4th gear lockup needed to start the water pump. That failure can cause unexpected vehicle movement and stop the pump from operating during an emergency, increasing crash and injury risk; Custom Fire dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission control module on the 2023 Custom Fire Spartan Metrostar RT is the computer that manages automatic transmission gear commands. During pump operation, the truck needs a 4th gear transmission lockup before the water pump sequence starts. In normal use, the module confirms that lockup and lets the pump shift procedure continue.
On the recalled fire truck chassis, the sequence fails after the truck has been reversed. The transmission control module can miss the 4th gear lockup needed to start the water pump, so the pump shift does not complete as intended. Custom Fire traced the issue to Spartan Fire Chassis transmissions installed in the chassis supplied to Custom Fire.
The operator has a warning sign during the pump shift procedure. If the display does not show 4-4, 4th gear lockup was not achieved, and the range inhibit message will display.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Custom Fire Spartan Metrostar RT | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
| 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?
If 4th gear lockup is not achieved, the truck can move unexpectedly, which increases crash risk. The water pump also will not operate, which increases injury risk during an emergency. If 4-4 does not display after the pump shift procedure, stop pump use and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Custom Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Custom Fire Spartan Metrostar RT is included in this recall.
- Contact a Custom Fire dealer to confirm the free TCM software update is complete.
- Schedule the TCM software update if it has not been done; the update fixes the transmission lockup problem that can stop the water pump from operating.
- Bring the recall notice if Custom Fire mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V316 when you call.
- Avoid relying on the truck for emergency pump operations until Custom Fire confirms the TCM software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Custom Fire technician updates the transmission control module software at no charge. The update corrects the truck's transmission control programming so the water pump can initiate after the fire truck has been reversed. The recall repair is free, including the software work and related labor. Custom Fire reported that both affected vehicles were repaired in May 2023.
Timeline
| May 4, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 4, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| May 4, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 10, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 31, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V316?
Recall 23V316 covers 2 2023 Custom Fire Spartan Metrostar RT fire trucks with TCM software that can fail to achieve 4th gear lockup after reversing. That failure can allow unexpected vehicle movement and stop the water pump from operating during an emergency.
What should I do if my 2023 Custom Fire Spartan Metrostar RT is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 23V316. If it is, contact a Custom Fire dealer or Custom Fire customer service at 1-715-294-2555 to confirm the TCM software update is complete.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Custom Fire dealers will update the TCM software free of charge, and Custom Fire reported that both affected vehicles were repaired in May 2023.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is unexpected vehicle movement and loss of water-pump operation. If the TCM does not achieve 4th gear lockup after reversing, the truck can move unexpectedly, increasing crash risk, and the pump will not operate during an emergency.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V316000 |
|---|---|
| Custom Fire customer service | 1-715-294-2555 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V316 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V316000 |
Source documents
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 →