Recall 24V453 covers 17 2017-2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar fire trucks for delayed air-brake engagement. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
Spartan Fire is recalling 17 2017-2019 Gladiator and Metrostar fire trucks because the service brake can take longer than expected to engage. Delayed brake engagement can extend stopping distance and increase crash risk, and Spartan Fire dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air brake system on 2017-2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar fire trucks uses air pressure to apply the service brakes. A quick release valve helps air move out of the brake circuit quickly after the pedal is released, and ABS valves manage front-wheel braking so the wheels keep rotating during hard stops. The front brake plumbing depends on air lines that are sized correctly for that timing.
On affected trucks, Spartan Fire found an incorrectly sized air line between the quick release valve and the ABS valves for the front air brakes. Some trucks also used wire braid air hoses in this configuration. Because the brake plumbing was not verified for these designs, the service brake takes longer than expected to engage when the driver applies the pedal.
There is no warning sign before the delayed brake application. The timing problem happens during brake application, so a driver should not expect a warning light, sound, or pedal change before it occurs.
Who's affected?
Covers Gladiator and Metrostar fire trucks across the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years, all using the same quick release valve in the air brake system.
| 2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Spartan Fire Gladiator | brake system |
| 2017 Spartan Fire Gladiator | brake system |
| 2019 Spartan Fire Metrostar | brake system |
| 2018 Spartan Fire Metrostar | brake system |
| Units affected | 17 |
| 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?
Delayed brake engagement can extend stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash. The timing issue happens without warning, so keep extra following distance and schedule the recall repair promptly if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Spartan Fire dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer to schedule the free air-brake inspection and repair for delayed brake engagement.
- Bring the recall notice if Spartan Fire mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V453 and Spartan Fire recall 24009 when you call.
- Allow extra stopping distance until the repair is complete, since delayed brake engagement can increase stopping distance.
- Call Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 with questions about scheduling or repair status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Spartan Fire technician inspects the service brake fittings, plumbing, and quick release valve. The technician replaces the fittings and plumbing or the quick release valve if the inspection shows it is needed. Parts and labor are free under recall 24V453. Spartan will reimburse owners who already paid to complete this remedy. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk and ask Spartan Fire customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 18, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 29, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| August 2, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 5, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 5, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V453?
Recall 24V453 covers 17 2017-2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator and Metrostar fire trucks with an air-brake issue. The service brake can take longer than expected to engage, which extends stopping distance and increases crash risk. Spartan Fire dealers will inspect the brake plumbing and replace fittings, plumbing, or the quick release valve for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Spartan Fire Gladiator or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 24V453. If it is, contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer or Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 to schedule the inspection and repair. Reference recall number 24V453 and Spartan Fire recall 24009 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
No. 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 needed brake fittings, plumbing, or quick release valve free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
Delayed brake engagement increases the stopping distance for the fire truck. That raises crash risk when the driver expects immediate air-brake response. If your VIN is included, arrange the free inspection and repair before relying on the vehicle for emergency service.
When were owners notified about recall 24V453?
Spartan Fire mailed owner notification letters on August 5, 2024. If you did not receive a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Gladiator or Metrostar is included, then contact a franchised Spartan Fire dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V453000 |
|---|---|
| Spartan Fire customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V453 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V453000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →