The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·20V341000·Announced 2020-06-10

KME Fire Trucks Recalled for Potential Braking Mechanism Separation

KME is recalling specific fire trucks because the optional Telma induction braking mechanism may separate from the vehicle while moving, increasing crash 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 where a braking component may separate while moving, which fits the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating due to the significant risk of a crash.

Plain-English summary

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2011 and 2013-2020 Predator Severe Service, 2015 Predator Panther, 2011, 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 Predator, and 2014 KME commercial cab/chassis firetrucks. The recall affects vehicles equipped with optional Telma induction braking systems. A total of 107 vehicles are affected.

The Telma axial retarder braking mechanism may separate from the vehicle while it is moving. A retarder that separates from the vehicle may increase the risk of a crash.

KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mounting hardware on axial retarders and replace any incorrect hardware, free of charge. This recall is expected to begin July 2020. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-678-9110 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
KME PREDATOR, PREDATOR PANTHER, PREDATOR SS, COMMERCIALCAB/ CHASSIS
Brand
KME
Manufacturer
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Category
Vehicle — Fire Trucks
Hazard
Affected units
107

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 (4)

  • PREDATOR
  • PREDATOR PANTHER
  • PREDATOR SS
  • COMMERCIALCAB/ CHASSIS

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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