KME Recalls 2016 Predator Vehicles Due to Steering Defect
KME is recalling 2016 Predator Pumper, Rescue, and Airport Refueler vehicles because a loose tie rod could cause a complete loss of steering.
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 (steering linkage) that can cause a complete loss of steering, which fits the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating.
Plain-English summary
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2016 Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, and Airport Refueler vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain Dana Spicer steer axles where the castellated nut may not be properly torqued, allowing the tie rod to loosen.
If the tie rod loosens, it may disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the torque of the castellated nut and tie rod, tightening as necessary. If the nuts do not become properly secured and aligned after being adequately torqued, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on October 5, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
The recalled product
- Product
- KME PREDATOR PUMPER, PREDATOR RESCUE, AIRPORT REFUELER
- Brand
- KME
- Manufacturer
- Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
- Category
- Vehicle — Fire/Rescue/Refueler
- Affected units
- 11
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 PUMPER
- PREDATOR RESCUE
- AIRPORT REFUELER
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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