KME Fire Trucks Recalled for Transmission Power Switching Defect
KME is recalling 112 fire trucks because a transmission component may fail, preventing operators from switching power output needed for firefighting.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in emergency response equipment where a failure could prevent firefighting operations, increasing the risk of injury, but no specific injuries or deaths are reported in the source text.
Plain-English summary
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 fire trucks, including the Predator SS, Predator, Predator Panther, and various Pumper and Tanker models. The affected vehicles may be equipped with specific C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. These transmissions are used to send power to the wheels or to operate add-on units, such as water pumps used for fighting fires.
A component within the shift unit may be damaged, which could prevent the operator from switching the power output. If the power output cannot be changed, the fire truck may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing a fire once it arrives at the scene. This failure increases the risk of injury to firefighters and the public.
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the transmissions free of charge. The recall began on October 11, 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 SS, PREDATOR, PREDATOR PANTHER
- Brand
- KME
- Manufacturer
- Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
- Category
- Vehicle — Fire Trucks
- Affected units
- 112
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 (3)
- PREDATOR SS
- PREDATOR
- PREDATOR PANTHER
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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