Vehicle recall 18V654000 · September 21, 2018
Spartan Gladiator and Metrostar
Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
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 2017-2019 Spartan MetroStar and Gladiator emergency vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed.
- Consequence
- If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 2018. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-5008. Spartan's number for this recall is 18026.
- 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
- 18V654000
- Reported to NHTSA
- September 21, 2018
- Filed by
- Spartan Motors USA
- Manufacturer campaign
- 18026
- Owner notification
- October 24, 2018
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 95
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
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 (2017-2019): 2019, 2018, 2017
- Spartan Metrostar (2017-2019): 2019, 2018, 2017
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.