Free Preview
#BS-2012-SPAK3-713E2012 Spartan K3
Based on reports from 2 owners and 8 recalls for this exact model.
Preliminary Verdict
Green Light
Based on 2 complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 8 recalls.
Preview: What's in your full report
Each card shows a real sample from your report — unlock all 10 sections from $1.20
Mechanic Inspection Checklist
1 owners reported brakes issues — failures commonly reported around 6K miles.
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Brakes (1 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2012 Spartan K3: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Brakes Issues
Brakes complaints account for 50% of all reports filed for the 2012 Spartan K3, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 6,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 6K-mile mark.
Steering Issues
Steering complaints account for 50% of all reports filed for the 2012 Spartan K3, with 1 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to steering-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (8 recalls)
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Spartan Motors Chassis, Inc. (Spartan Chassis) is recalling certain 2011 SU and 2011 through 2012 model year MM, K2, and K3 recreational vehicle chassis manufactured from January 28, 2011, through June 28, 2011, equipped with air gauges supplied by Ametek. An incorrect value may have been used in the formula for calculating the sweep angle of the dial. This may have resulted in the accuracy of the gauge varying as much as eleven percent from the cutout pressure as opposed to the maximum allowable of +/- seven percent. Consequently, these chassis fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 121, "Air Brake Systems."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
SPARTAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010, 2011, AND 2012 RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, MODELS MM, K2, K3, BUS, FURION, GLADIATOR, AND METRO STAR, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2010, THROUGH JUNE 20, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH A CUMMINS ISB, ISC, ISL, OR ISX DIESEL ENGINE. THE V-BAND CLAMP ASSEMBLY, PART NUMBERS Q187684, Q187685, AND Q187686, USED TO CONNECT THE INLET AND OUTLET CONE SECTIONS TO THE DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST (DOC)/DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) INCLUDE A T-BOLT WHICH CAN FRACTURE AND FAIL WHEN SUBJECTED TO STRESS OR LOAD. A FRACTURE OR FAILURE OF THE T-BOLT MAY CAUSE THE CLAMP TO LOOSEN AND THE INLET OR OUTLET SECTIONS ATTACHED TO THE DOC/DPF HOUSING TO DISCONNECT.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 K2, K3, and MM motor homes manufactured March 2, 2012, through July 30, 2012 and equipped with a 1660 independent front suspension supplied by Reyco Granning. The motor homes may have incorrect wheel bearings installed in the front suspension.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Spartan Motor Chassis, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 MM, 2011-2014 K2, and 2010-2012 K3 motor home chassis. Due to contact with the steering relay rod, the ABS modulator valve may fracture resulting in air not being applied to the affected wheel end.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
Spartan Motors (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 Spartan K3 and MM motorhome chassis manufactured September 21, 2006, to March 23, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials.
+ 3 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 2 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 8 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Other Spartan K3 Model Years
View all Spartan K3 years →2012 Spartan K3: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Spartan K3?
Is the 2012 Spartan K3 reliable?
How much does it cost to fix 2012 Spartan K3 problems?
Does the 2012 Spartan K3 have any recalls?
What mileage do Spartan K3 problems start?
What’s in the full report?
How is this different from free NHTSA data?
How is this different from Carfax?
What if the report isn’t useful?
Get the Full 2012 Spartan K3 Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 2 owner reports. Know before you buy.