repaired · 2018 Q4
Electrical system: starter assembly
Risk. A starter motor that overheats may increase the risk of a fire.
2012 Spartan K3Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2012 Spartan K3, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 8 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-676 the manufacturer reports only 36% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 13, 2017. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Spartan K3 has problems
2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
1Service brakes
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
8 recalls
2012 Spartan K3 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Front: control arm
Risk. A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Hydraulic power assist: pump
Risk. An intermittent loss of power steering assist could increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2017 Q3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system
Risk. If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Show 4 more recalls
repaired · 2015 Q1
Service brakes, air: antilock
Risk. This may increase stopping distance of the vehicle or cause the vehicle to pull to one side.
no report yet
Front: wheel bearing
Risk. Incorrect wheel bearings may cause the vehicle to pull to one side and with continued use, there is a risk of a fire starting at the wheel.
no report yet
Engine and engine cooling
Risk. IF THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS DISCONNECT, HOT EXHAUST GASES CAN VENT PRIOR TO EXITING THE TAILPIPE, CREATING THE RISK OF COMBUSTION AND A FIRE.
no report yet
Service brakes, air
Risk. In a condition where constant braking may be necessary, the air systems may deplete sooner than expected.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Spartan.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other K3 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the K3 median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What K3 owners report
Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NEWMAR KING AIRE RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2012 SPARTAN CHASSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE COMPRESSOR BRAKE WAS ACTIVATED AND THEN THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE CONTINUOUSLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE COMPRESSOR BRAKE…
Own a 2012 K3?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.