The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·17V223000·Announced 2017-03-31

KME Predator Fire Trucks Recalled for Front Suspension Ball Joint Defect

KME is recalling certain Predator fire trucks because front suspension ball joints can loosen, potentially causing a loss of steering control.

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 (suspension ball joint separation) that can cause a loss of steering control, which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

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 recall involves a defect in the independent front suspension (IFS) modules where the ball joints can loosen and separate.

A separated ball joint can lead to a partial loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash. 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. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
KME PREDATOR PUMPER, PREDATOR SS AERIAL, PREDATOR AERIAL, PREDATOR SS PUMPER
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Fire Apparatus
Hazard
Affected units
9

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 (5)

  • PREDATOR PUMPER
  • PREDATOR SS AERIAL
  • PREDATOR AERIAL
  • PREDATOR SS PUMPER
  • PREDATOR TDA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · KME

Same manufacturer · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.

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Same hazard · loss of steering

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