The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·13V613000·Announced 2013-12-06

Spartan Emergency Vehicles Recalled for Defective Seat Belt Buckles

Spartan Motors is recalling specific emergency vehicles because seat belt buckles may fail to release, potentially hindering egress during an emergency.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where injury has not yet been reported, specifically a failure to conform to FMVSS No. 209 that could hinder egress and increase injury risk during an emergency.

Plain-English summary

Spartan Motors, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2002 MetroStar, 2009 Gladiator, and 2013 Gladiator emergency response vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles that may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

The defect involves the latch plate becoming partially engaged with the buckle when the release button is pressed, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. If the latch plate remains partially engaged, egress from the vehicle could be hindered, which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Spartan Chassis will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in January 2014. Owners may contact Spartan at 1-517-543-6400 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
SPARTAN GLADIATOR, METROSTAR
Brand
SPARTAN
Manufacturer
Spartan Motors, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Emergency Response Vehicles
Hazard
Affected units
3

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • GLADIATOR
  • METROSTAR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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