The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·18V172000·Announced 2018-03-14

KME Predator Fire Apparatus Recalled for Front Axle Spindle Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment is recalling specific KME Predator fire apparatus vehicles because inconsistent machining may cause front axle spindles to crack and fail, potentially leading to wheel separation.

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 (front axle spindle failure) that can lead to wheel separation and increased crash risk, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2007-2012 KME Predator Pumper, 2013 Predator SS Aerial, 2007 Predator Aerial, 2008-2011 Predator Rescue, and 2007 Predator Tanker vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with Timoney Independent Front Suspensions. The recall involves 12 affected units.

The defect involves inconsistent machining that may result in fatigue cracks developing over time in the front axle spindles. This can cause the spindle to fail and the possible separation of a front wheel from the vehicle. A wheel separation from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle spindle, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928. 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 TANKER, PREDATOR RESCUE, PREDATOR AERIAL, PREDATOR PUMPER
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Fire Apparatus
Hazard
Affected units
12

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 TANKER
  • PREDATOR RESCUE
  • PREDATOR AERIAL
  • PREDATOR PUMPER
  • PREDATOR SS AERIAL

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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