2013 KME Predator Recalls
NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2013 KME Predator. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Suspension › Multiple axle › Torque armCovers: KME Predator 2013–2020
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Predator SS Rescue, 2017 Predator Emergency Tractor, 2014-2020 Predator Panther Pumper, 2013-2017 Predator Pumper, 2014 Predator Rescue, and 2013-2020 Predator SS Pumper vehicles. The welds that attach the suspension mounts and torque rod mounts to the rear axle may have been insufficiently welded, possibly causing the welds to break.
Possible consequence: Broken welds may cause the mounts to separate from the axle, resulting in loss of control of the vehicle, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the welds, and repair any defects found, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2021. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
- Service brakesCovers: KME Predator 2011, 2013–2020
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2011 and 2013-2020 Predator Severe Service, 2015 Predator Panther, 2011, 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 Predator, and 2014 KME commercial cab/chassis firetrucks equipped with optional Telma induction braking systems. The Telma axial retarder braking mechanism may separate from the vehicle while it is moving.
Possible consequence: A retarder that separates from the vehicle may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mounting hardware on axial retarders and replace any incorrect hardware, free of charge. This recall is expected to begin July 2020. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-678-1910.
- Latches/locks/linkagesCovers: KME Predator 2012–2019, Commercial Rescue 2017
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017 Commercial Rescue, 2014-2019 Predator Panther Pumper, Commercial Pumper and Predator SS Pumper, 2012-2019 Predator Pumper, 2015-2019 Commercial Wildland, 2018 Predator Rescue and 2016 Predator SS Wildland vehicles. The lock for the gas springs that support the sliding, lift-up cover may be unintentionally disabled, preventing the lock from engaging.
Possible consequence: If the lock is not engaged, the sliding, lift-up cover may fall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to personnel working under the cover.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gas springs on the sliding, lift-up cover with new gas springs with an alternative locking mechanism or new gas springs without a locking mechanism and a separate stay arm, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Owners may contact KME customer service at…
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: KME Predator 2012–2016, Predator Aerial 2015–2016
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2012-2016 KME Predator SS Pumper and Predator Pumper, and 2015-2016 Predator Aerial vehicles equipped with Cummins ISX12 engines. The braided cab lift hydraulic hoses, wire braided air lines and/or wire braided fuel cooler lines may be improperly routed and secured contacting the starter power stud, causing a leak and a possible short-circuit.
Possible consequence: A fluid leak combined with arcing between the power stud and the exposed wire can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the area around the starter and make sure that the hoses have sufficient clearance, replacing any damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses, and adding hose chafe guards, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
- Suspension › FrontCovers: KME Predator 2007–2013, Predator Aerial 2007
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2007-2012 KME Predator Pumper, 2013 Predator SS Aerial, 2007 Predator Aerial, 2008-2011 Predator Rescue, and 2007 Predator Tanker vehicles, equipped with Timoney Independent Front Suspensions. Inconsistent machining may result in fatigue cracks developing over time in the front axle spindles, causing failure of the spindle and the possible separation of a…
Possible consequence: A wheel separation from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle spindle, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
- Suspension › Front › Control armCovers: KME Predator 2013–2016, Predator Aerial 2014
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Predator SS Aerial, 2013-2016 Predator SS Pumper, 2014 Predator Aerial, Predator Pumper, and Predator Pumper TDA trucks. The ball joints on the independent front suspension (IFS) modules can loosen and separate, leading to a partial loss of steering.
Possible consequence: A separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, clean and secure the ball joint free of charge. The recall began on May 8, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-570-669-5577.
- EquipmentCovers: KME Predator 2011–2017, Predator Aerial 2011–2017
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Predator Aerial and Predator Panther Aerial, 2014 Predator TDA, 2014-2017 Predator SS TDA, and 2012-2017 Predator SS Aerial fire trucks. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the ladder position sensor allowing the ladder to make contact with the vehicle or be placed off of the short jack side of the truck.
Possible consequence: If the ladder contacts the truck or is placed off of the short jack side of the truck there may be a increased risk of injury.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ladder position sensor mount and bearing system, replacing them as needed, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
- Power train › Axle assemblyCovers: KME Predator 2009–2016, Predator Aerial 2005, 2009–2011
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2005-2016 Predator SS Aerial vehicles manufactured September 18, 2004, June 20, 2008, to May 23, 2016, and 2009-2011 Predator Aerial vehicles manufactured March 6, 2009, to January 14, 2011. The affected vehicles have tandem rear axles with S-cam brakes that may engage without the brake pedal being pressed.
Possible consequence: If the brakes engage, a rear wheel may lock up increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the excessive heat caused may increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the S-cam bracket hardware, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
- EquipmentCovers: KME Predator 2011–2015, Predator Aerial 2011–2015
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Predator Panther Aerial, 2011-2015 Predator Aerial, 2012-2015 Predator SS Aerial, 2014 Predator TDA, and 2014-2015 Predator SS TDA emergency vehicles equipped with aerial water way trollies. The aerial device water way trolley could separate from the ladder.
Possible consequence: If the water way trolley separates from the ladder, it may fall, increasing the risk of injury to those nearby.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will install re-enforcement inserts to the side clamps of the water way trolley, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
- Structure › BodyCovers: KME Predator 2012–2013, Predator Aerial 2012–2013
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Predator Pumper, Predator Panther Pumper and Predator Aerial, 2013 Predator Panther Aerial and Predator Rescue and 2012 Predator Panther Tanker emergency vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the front grille may loosen and separate from the cab face.
Possible consequence: If the front grille detaches from the vehicle while driving, it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: All the vehicles affected in this campaign have been remedied. Therefore, an owner notification will not be issued. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-570-669-5577.
- Electrical systemCovers: KME Predator 2013–2017, Predator Aerial 2013–2014
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2013 Predator Panther Rescue, 2013-2014 Predator Aerial, 2013-2016 Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue and Predator SS Aerial, 2014 7600 Tanker and Predator Tractor Drawn Aerial, 2014-2017 Predator Panther Pumper and Predator SS Pumper and 2017 Predator SS Rescue vehicles, equipped with Class 1 Ultraview Touchscreens by Hale Products. These…
Possible consequence: The unintended turning on or off of accessories such as emergency beacons or automatic snow chains can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the units, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926 or Hale Products Customer Service Center @ 1-800-533-3569 or [email protected].
- Structure › Body › DoorCovers: KME Predator 2012–2014
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Predator Severe-Service vehicles manufactured September 2, 2011, to September 20, 2013. The cab door latch retaining hardware may loosen, preventing the cab door from closing properly and allowing the cab door to open unexpectedly while moving.
Possible consequence: If the door opens while the vehicle is in motion, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cab door latch hardware, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
- Suspension › FrontCovers: KME Predator 2013–2015
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Predator emergency vehicles manufactured January 23, 2013, to January 28, 2015. The affected vehicles have front independent suspension assemblies that may have loose ball joints which could separate causing a loss of steering control.
Possible consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will correct the ball joint installation, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2015. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
- Seat beltsCovers: KME Predator 2013–2014, Panther 2013–2014
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (Kovatch) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Predator and 2014 Panther fire fighting vehicles manufactured October 2013 to March 2014, and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform…
Possible consequence: If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Remedy: Kovatch will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kovatch at 1-800-235-3926. Kovatch's number for this campaign is 2014-SR01.
- SteeringCovers: KME Predator 2009–2013, Panther 2009–2013
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (Kovatch) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Predator, Predator SS, Panther; 2010-2011 ARFF; and model year 2010-2013 Panther II emergency vehicles. The grease fitting in the steering column shaft may get caught in the column cover. The grease fitting could tear the cover which will impact the driver's ability to steer the vehicle.
Possible consequence: A sudden loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kovatch will notify owners and dealers will remove the grease fitting, free of charge. The safety recall began on May 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kovatch at 1-570-669-5173. Kovatch's recall campaign number is 2013-E01.
- Parking brake › Conventional › AirCovers: KME Predator 2012–2013, Panther 2011–2013
Reported issue: Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (Kovatch) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Predator, Predator SS, Panther, and model year 2011 Panther II emergency vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, through February 28, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with Meritor axle assemblies that were built with disc brakes using MGM J24 series air brake chambers. In the affected axles, the brake chambers may leak pressure…
Possible consequence: Overheated brake components could result in a fire.
Remedy: Kovatch will notify owners and will replace the actuators as needed, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in May 2013. Owners may contact Kovatch at 1-570-669-5132.
NHTSA investigations
- PE19016Aerial Turntable FailuresClosed · Nov 12, 2019
← All problems reported for the 2013 KME Predator
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.