Kme PREDATOR PANTHER recalls by model year

Reported: 2012-06-04 (June 4, 2012) · Model years: 2010, 2011

KOVATCH MOBILE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION (KME) IS RECALLING CERTAIN 2010-2011 PREDATOR, PREDATOR SS, PREDATOR PANTHER, AND PREDATOR XL EMERGENCY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 1, 2010 THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH FEATURE CODE 04AZX MERITOR WABCO ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) UNITS. UNDER CERTAIN ROAD AND DRIVING CONDITIONS, VEHICLE BODY ROLL AND ROAD INCLINATION CHARACTERISTICS MAY ADVERSELY AFFECT THE SLIP ANGLE CALCULATION OF THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM. THIS MIGHT CAUSE THE ESC TO PERCEIVE AN OVER STEERING SITUATION AND THEREFORE APPLY THE OUTER WHEEL BRAKE ON THE FRONT AXLE UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS PERCEIVED TO BE STABLE.

Consequence: THE VEHICLE MAY DEVIATE FROM THE INTENDED LINE OF TRAVEL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: KME WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ESC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KME AT 1-570-669-5154.

Reported: 2020-06-10 (June 10, 2020) · Model years: 2015

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 equipped with optional Telma induction braking systems. The Telma axial retarder braking mechanism may separate from the vehicle while it is moving.

Consequence: A retarder that separates from the vehicle may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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 1-800-678-1910.

Reported: 2016-05-12 (May 12, 2016) · Model years: 2016, 2017

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2016 KME Predator and KME 2016-2107 Predator Severe Service and Panther emergency vehicles, equipped with pumps to provide pressurized water to aid in fighting fires. These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been improperly soldered during production and, as a result, the strainers may come apart during use, allowing parts of the strainer and debris to enter the pump, possibly damaging the pump.

Consequence: If the strainer and/or debris enters the pump, and the operator is forced to shut down the pump, reducing firefighting effectiveness, there could be an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: KME will notify owners to check the strainer for missing solder at the joints. Any strainers missing solder will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-570-669-5577 or Hale Products Customer Service Center at 1-800-533-3569.

Reported: 2016-08-01 (August 1, 2016) · Model years: 2016, 2017

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2016 Predator SS Tractor Drawn Aerial, Predator SS Aerial, Predator Pumper, Predator Aerial, M114 Tanker, 7600 Tanker, 7600 Pumper, 7400 Tanker, 4400 Pumper, and FDNY Pumper and 2016-2017 Predator SS Pumper and Predator Panther Pumper and 2015-2017 M2 Pumper vehicles. The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. This transmission sends power to the wheels of an emergency response vehicle or powers an add-on unit such as a water pump used for fighting fires. A component within the shift unit may be damaged and as a result, the operator may not be able to switch the power output.

Consequence: If the power output cannot be changed, once the fire truck arrives at the scene, it may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing the fire, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the transmissions, free of charge. The recall began on October 11, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.

Reported: 2020-04-02 (April 2, 2020) · Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Predator Custom, Predator Panther, Predator Severe Service, and 2016-2019 Commercial Cab/Chassis vehicles. An electrical short circuit can occur due to a build-up of corrosion between the positive battery jumper stud and the retaining ring for the stud.

Consequence: An electrical short circuit may drain the battery, preventing the emergency vehicle from being able to operate, thereby increasing the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy: KME will notify owners, and dealers will clean the jumper studs, connection surfaces, and connections. Additionally, 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.

Reported: 2021-11-19 (November 19, 2021) · Model years: 2021, 2022

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2022 Predator, Predator Panther and 2021-2022 Severe Service emergency vehicles. The rear axle drive pinion may fracture.

Consequence: A fractured drive pinion may contact the brake drop hose, and unintentionally engage the parking brake without detection or without the brake lights activating, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Meritor will inspect and replace the drive pinion, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

Reported: 2022-08-09 (August 9, 2022) · Model years: 2021, 2022

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2021-2022 KME Predator, Panther, and Severe Service fire trucks equipped with Sheppard Steering Gears. The steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause the gears to fracture.

Consequence: A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the serial numbers and replace the steering gears, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 3, 2022. Owners may contact KME's customer service at 1-800-235-3928.