Recall 23V389 covers 5 2018-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles for improperly assembled hoist rings. Repair is free at Spartan Fire dealers.
Spartan Fire is recalling 5 2018-2021 Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles because the rope rescue anchor point, also called the hoist ring, was improperly assembled. A hinge pin can separate from the ring, cause hoist ring failure, and increase injury risk; Spartan Fire dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The rope rescue anchor point on the 2018-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar is a hoist ring mounted to the emergency vehicle for rescue work. It gives rescue personnel a defined attachment point for rope equipment, so the ring and its hinge pin have to stay locked together under load.
On affected vehicles, the HR-125/125M Frame 2 Hoist Ring was built with a supplier manufacturing defect. The hinge pin was improperly assembled, so it can separate from the ring. Once that pin separates, the anchor point no longer holds together the way the rescue equipment expects.
There is no warning sign before failure. The ring can look ready for use until the pin separates, so crews should treat the anchor point as suspect until the recall repair confirms the correct assembly.
Who's affected?
Spans Gladiator and Metrostar fire apparatus across 2018-2021, all tied to the same hoist ring equipment.
| 2018 Spartan Fire Gladiator | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator | Equipment |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar | Equipment |
| Units affected | 5 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If a hinge pin separates from the hoist ring, the hoist ring can fail and increase the risk of injury. This failure can happen without warning, so keep people clear of hoist equipment and schedule the inspection before the vehicle is used for hoisting work. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar emergency vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free hoist-ring inspection and replacement that fixes the rope-rescue anchor point.
- Bring the owner letter mailed July 20, 2023, or reference recall number 23V389 when you call.
- Keep the rope rescue anchor point out of service until Spartan Fire completes the inspection and any needed hoist-ring replacement.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician inspects the rope rescue anchor point hoist rings and replaces any hoist rings that do not pass inspection. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid to replace the hoist ring before the owner notice, Spartan Fire says it will reimburse the customer. Ask Spartan Fire customer service or the dealer how to submit the repair paperwork for that prior replacement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 1, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 10, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| July 14, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 17, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 20, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V389?
Recall 23V389 covers 5 2018-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles with rope rescue anchor point hoist rings that were improperly assembled. The hinge pin can separate from the ring, leading to hoist ring failure and increased injury risk. Spartan Fire dealers will inspect and replace the hoist rings for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 23V389. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the hoist ring inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 23V389 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Spartan Fire's remedy states that dealers will inspect and replace the hoist rings, as needed, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is hoist ring failure at the rope rescue anchor point. If the hinge pin separates from the hoist ring, the ring can fail and increase the risk of injury. Spartan Fire's free dealer repair is an inspection and replacement of the hoist rings.
When were owners notified about recall 23V389?
Spartan Fire mailed owner notification letters on July 20, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received the letter, check your VIN and contact a Spartan Fire dealer with recall number 23V389.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V389000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 517-588-4700 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V389 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V389000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 →