Vehicle recall 96V081000 · May 17, 1996
Spartan Alpine, Bus and 2 more models
The draglinks have been equipped with an anti-tilt seal on the pitman end that can affect the taper fit of the ball stud taper into the pitman arm.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- The draglinks have been equipped with an anti-tilt seal on the pitman end that can affect the taper fit of the ball stud taper into the pitman arm. The recommended torque on the stud nut does not overcome the compression of the anti-tilt seal.
- Consequence
- This condition can cause a loosening of the joint and ultimate separation resulting in loss of steering.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace washers with 90 degree flanges with washers having a 45 degree flange and sandwich the rubber bushing in the anti-tilt seal. The flanges allow the bushing to properly expand. If a body has been completed on the chassis, the pitman arm will also be replaced.
- Notes
- System: steering; linkages; link; drag. Vehicle description: type a motorhomes with gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) from 19,000 to 36,000 lbs. And transit bus chassis or speciality trucks with GVWR from 18,000 to 36,000 lbs. Equipped with TRW draglink assembly. Note: owner notification is expected to begin may 10, 1996. Note: owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time, should contact spartan at 1-800-722-3025. Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-800-424-9393.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 96V081000
- Reported to NHTSA
- May 17, 1996
- Filed by
- SPARTAN MOTORS, INC.
- Owner notification
- May 6, 1996
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 604
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering › Linkages › Drag › Link › Connection
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Spartan Alpine (1996): 1996
- Spartan Bus (1996): 1996
- Spartan Highlander (1996): 1996
- Spartan Mountain Master (1996): 1996
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.