The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·18V237000·Announced 2018-04-13

KME Predator Fire Trucks Recalled for Hydraulic Hose Fire Risk

KME is recalling 38 Predator fire trucks because improperly routed hydraulic hoses may contact electrical components, creating a fire risk.

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 (hydraulic line routing) that poses a significant risk of fire, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for significant injury/property-damage reports or structural defects.

Plain-English summary

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2012-2016 KME Predator SS Pumper and Predator Pumper, and 2015-2016 Predator Aerial vehicles equipped with Cummins ISX12 engines. The recall involves 38 vehicles in total.

The defect involves braided cab lift hydraulic hoses, wire braided air lines, and/or wire braided fuel cooler lines that may be improperly routed and secured. These lines can contact the starter power stud, causing a fluid leak and a possible short-circuit. A fluid leak combined with arcing between the power stud and the exposed wire can increase the risk of a fire.

KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the area around the starter to ensure hoses have sufficient clearance. Dealers will replace any damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses and add hose chafe guards free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KME PREDATOR PUMPER, PREDATOR SS PUMPER, PREDATOR AERIAL
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Fire Apparatus
Hazard
Affected units
38

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 SS PUMPER
  • PREDATOR AERIAL

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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