KME Predator Emergency Vehicles Recalled for Lifting Device Defect
KME is recalling 13 Predator emergency vehicles because tip-mounted lifting devices do not meet safety load ratings, posing an injury 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 defect in a lifting device that may deform under load, creating a significant risk of injury, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural vehicle defects or significant injury reports.
Plain-English summary
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017 KME Predator TDA, 2016-2018 KME Predator SS TDA, and 2018 KME Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicles. The recall involves 13 vehicles equipped with an aerial ladder and an optional tip-mounted lifting device.
The defect is that the lifting devices do not meet the specified load rating or safety factor. Using the device to lift the rated load may cause the device to deform, which increases the risk of injury.
KME has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tip lifting device free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 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, PREDATOR SS AERIAL, PREDATOR SS
- Brand
- KME
- Manufacturer
- Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
- Category
- Vehicle — Emergency Vehicle
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 13
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
- PREDATOR SS AERIAL
- PREDATOR SS
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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