The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·20V192000·Announced 2020-04-02

KME Emergency Vehicles Recalled for Battery Corrosion Electrical Short Risk

KME is recalling 2016-2020 emergency vehicles because battery corrosion can cause electrical shorts, potentially draining the battery and preventing operation during emergencies.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (emergency vehicle) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the High severity criteria for potential operational failure during emergencies.

Plain-English summary

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Predator Custom, Predator Panther, Predator Severe Service, and 2016-2019 Commercial Cab/Chassis vehicles. The recall involves 678 vehicles.

The defect is caused by a build-up of corrosion between the positive battery jumper stud and the retaining ring for the stud. This corrosion can lead to an electrical short circuit, which may drain the battery. If the battery is drained, the emergency vehicle may be unable to operate, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

KME will notify owners, and dealers will clean the jumper studs, connection surfaces, and connections. The connection surfaces and wire terminals will then be sealed with a silicone electrical sealant. All services will be performed free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. 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 COMMERCIALCAB/ CHASSIS, PREDATOR PANTHER, PREDATOR
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Emergency Vehicle
Hazard
Affected units
678

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)

  • COMMERCIALCAB/ CHASSIS
  • PREDATOR PANTHER
  • PREDATOR

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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