Recall 24V181 covers 42 2023-2024 Spartan Fire Metrostar, Gladiator, FC-94, Commercial, and Redundant Panther trucks for overheating circuits. Firmware update is free.
Spartan Fire is recalling 42 2023-2024 Metrostar, Gladiator, FC-94, Commercial, and Redundant Panther trucks because Hercules HC 1.7 multiplex node firmware can leave an output pin on after a short circuit or wiring failure, overloading electrical circuits. Overloaded circuits can overheat and increase fire risk; Spartan Fire dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Hercules HC 1.7 Node in these 2023-2024 Spartan Fire trucks is a multiplex node, which is an electronic control module that sends power commands to vehicle circuits. On Metrostar, Redundant Panther, Gladiator, FC-94, and Commercial trucks, it helps route electrical outputs from the control system to the equipment those circuits operate. The node depends on firmware to sense trouble and shut an output pin off when a circuit is overloaded.
On affected trucks, the firmware does not shut off the output pin after a short circuit, wiring failure, or fault in another installed device. That leaves the electrical circuit energized when it should be protected. The circuit then overloads, and testing found that the node can overheat under those fault conditions.
The recalled devices are identified by firmware version, serial number, and date range. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans 2023 and 2024 fire apparatus across Metrostar, Redundant Panther, Gladiator, FC-94, and Commercial models, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2024 Spartan Fire Metrostar | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2024 Kme Redundant Panther | electrical system |
| 2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator | electrical system |
| 2024 Spartan Fire FC-94 | electrical system |
| 2024 Spartan Fire Commercial | electrical system |
| 2023 Spartan Fire Metrostar | electrical system |
| 2024 Spartan Fire Gladiator | electrical system |
| Units affected | 42 |
| 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?
Overloaded electrical circuits can overheat and increase the risk of fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the firmware update soon instead of waiting for symptoms. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2024 Spartan Fire Metrostar, Redundant Panther, Gladiator, FC-94, or Commercial truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free Weldon firmware update for the Hercules HC 1.7 multiplex node, which fixes the output-pin shutdown problem tied to overheated circuits.
- Reference recall number 24V181 when you call, and ask how the dealer wants the truck brought in for service.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Fire mailed one, along with any service records tied to the electrical system.
- Call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 with questions before the appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician updates the firmware in the Hercules HC 1.7 multiplex node so the node can shut off the output pin after a short circuit or wiring failure. The firmware update and labor are free under recall 24V181. If you already paid out of pocket for a related firmware repair before the recall notice, contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 and have your repair paperwork ready. Spartan Fire reviews reimbursement requests individually.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 7, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 1, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 1, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| April 5, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 8, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V181?
Recall 24V181 covers 42 2023-2024 Spartan Fire Metrostar, Redundant Panther, Gladiator, FC-94, and Commercial trucks with Hercules HC 1.7 multiplex nodes. A short circuit or wiring failure can leave an output pin on, overload electrical circuits, and raise fire risk. Weldon will update the firmware for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 Spartan Fire Metrostar, Redundant Panther, Gladiator, FC-94, or Commercial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 24V181. If it is, contact Spartan Fire customer service or your Spartan Fire service provider to arrange the free Weldon firmware update. Reference recall number 24V181 and Spartan Fire recall number 24003 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair to be performed at no cost, and Spartan Fire's remedy says Weldon will update the Hercules HC 1.7 multiplex node firmware free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire from overheated electrical circuits. If a short circuit or wiring failure occurs, the multiplex node firmware can fail to shut off the output pin. That can overload the circuit. The repair path is the free Weldon firmware update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V181000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V181 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V181000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →