2021 Custom Fire Spartan Gladiator problems, complaints & recalls

Defect: Custom Fire Apparatus, Inc. (Custom Fire) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Spartan Gladiator, MetroStar, and MetroStar-RT emergency vehicles. The rear axle drive pinion may fracture.

Risk: A fractured drive pinion may contact the brake drop hose, and unintentionally engage the parking brake without detection or without the brake lights activating, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the differential carrier housing assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 9, 2022. Owners may contact Custom Fire's customer service at 1-715-294-2555.

Defect: Custom Fire Apparatus, Inc. is recalling certain 2009-2021 Spartan Gladiator, MetroStar, and MetroStarX emergency vehicles. The fire water pump solenoid may corrode internally, causing a loss of power to the pump control module.

Risk: A loss of power to the pump control module can cause a loss of water pressure for fighting fires, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Spartan Fire LLC will remove and replace the pump shift solenoid, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact Custom Fire's customer service at 1-715-294-2555.

Defect: Custom Fire Apparatus, Inc. (Custom Fire) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Spartan Gladiator, MetroStar, and MetroStarX emergency vehicles equipped with Cummins L9 diesel engines. The sealing washer may not seat correctly in the pilot boreholes, allowing the high pressure fuel rail assembly to leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Cummins will inspect the rail threads and fuel lines, and replace the rail as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 8, 2021. Owners may contact Custom Fire's customer service at 1-715-294-2555.

Defect: Custom Fire Apparatus, Inc. (Custom Fire) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar emergency vehicles. Pressure may build in the power steering pump and break the shaft seal, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Spartan will remove and replace the power steering pump, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Custom Fire's customer service at 1-715-294-2555.