The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·16V129000·Announced 2016-03-03

KME Predator Emergency Vehicles Recalled for Transmission Gearbox Defect

KME is recalling 2015-2016 Predator emergency vehicles because the gearbox may shift to neutral while driving, increasing crash risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (transmission shifting to neutral) that could result in a vehicle crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Predator emergency vehicles manufactured between May 19, 2014, and August 15, 2015. These vehicles are equipped with K gearboxes manufactured by Hale Products, Inc.

The affected gearboxes may shift out of gear from "road" to "neutral" while the vehicle is in transit. An unexpected shift in the transmission could result in a vehicle crash.

KME will notify owners to inspect the existing gearbox and, where necessary, order and install a replacement gearbox. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KME PREDATOR
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Emergency Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
18

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 (1)

  • PREDATOR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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