The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V137000·Announced 2013-04-11

KME Emergency Vehicles Recalled for Potential Brake Fire Risk

Kovatch is recalling specific KME emergency vehicles because brake chambers may leak, causing the parking brake to drag and potentially leading to overheated components and fire.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (brake system failure) that explicitly states overheated components could result in a fire, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 KME Predator, Predator SS, and Panther emergency vehicles, as well as model year 2011 Panther II vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured between February 1, 2011, and February 28, 2013. The recall affects 40 units equipped with Meritor axle assemblies that use disc brakes with MGM J24 series air brake chambers.

In the affected axles, the brake chambers may leak pressure, which can allow the parking brake to drag when it is supposed to be released. This brake dragging could lead to overheated brake components, which in turn could result in a fire.

Kovatch will notify owners and 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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KME PANTHER, PREDATOR SS, PANTHER II, PREDATOR
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Emergency Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
40

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 (4)

  • PANTHER
  • PREDATOR SS
  • PANTHER II
  • PREDATOR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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