Vehicle recall 17V160000 · March 13, 2017
Spartan K3, Gladiator and 4 more models
The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Gladiator, 2016-2017 MetroStar, 2012-2018 K2, 2011-2018 K3, 2017-2018 K4, and 2011-2017 MM vehicles. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering.
- Consequence
- A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will remove, clean, apply thread locker, and reinstall the properly torqued ball joint, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2017. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Spartan's number for this recall is 17004.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 17V160000
- Reported to NHTSA
- March 13, 2017
- Filed by
- Spartan Motors USA
- Manufacturer campaign
- 17004
- Owner notification
- March 24, 2017
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 2,783
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Suspension › Front › Control arm
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Spartan Gladiator (2011-2017): 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
- Spartan K2 (2012-2018): 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012
- Spartan K3 (2011-2018): 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
- Spartan K4 (2017-2018): 2018, 2017
- Spartan Metrostar (2016-2017): 2017, 2016
- Spartan MM (2011-2017): 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011
Has your Spartan been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Spartan dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.