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2018 KME Predator
2 recall campaigns and 0 complaints are on NHTSA's register for the 2018 KME Predator; the recalls concern power train and electrical system.
No consumer complaints for this model year are in the NHTSA file.
Complaints are consumer reports and have not been verified by NHTSA. Recall text is the manufacturer's Part 573 report as filed with NHTSA. Complaint file through 15 May 2019; recall file through 29 Sep 2026.
Recalls by model year:
Recall campaigns
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.; components: power train:driveline:driveshaft; service brakes.
Defect, as filed: 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.
Filed by Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp..
Each entry links to the NHTSA record. NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are free of charge at an authorised dealer; check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
No consumer complaints for this model year are in the NHTSA file.
Investigations
No NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation action in the current file names this model year.
Other KME Predator model years
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Units in campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 122 |
| 2007 | 2 | 0 | 186 |
| 2008 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 64 |
| 2009 | 2 | 0 | 759 |
| 2010 | 3 | 3 | 778 |
| 2011 | 4 | 1 | 885 |
| 2012 | 3 | 2 | 749 |
| 2013 | 6 | 5 | 874 |
| 2014 | 4 | 2 | 139 |
| 2015 | 2 | 0 | 26 |
| 2016 | 5 | 0 | 919 |
| 2017 | 4 | 0 | 886 |
| 2018 | 2 | 0 | 785 |
| 2019 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 678 |
| 2020 | 3 | 0 | 785 |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | 140 |
| 2024 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 1,261 |
| 2025 NHTSA | 1 | 0 | 1,261 |
Model years with a single campaign and fewer than 25 complaints have no page here; the NHTSA link opens the agency's record for that year.
All KME Predator model years · KME: 24 model lines
Questions and answers
How many recalls does the 2018 KME Predator have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns name this model year; the most recent, 20V341000, was reported to NHTSA on 10 Jun 2020 and concerns power train:driveline:driveshaft. Across all model years the KME Predator line has 22 campaigns.
Is there an open NHTSA investigation into the 2018 KME Predator?
No NHTSA investigation in the current file names this model year.
What component do owners of the 2018 KME Predator complain about most?
No complaints for this model year are in the NHTSA file.
How do I get a recall repaired?
NHTSA states that safety recall repairs are performed free of charge by the manufacturer's authorised dealers. Each campaign's remedy text above is the manufacturer's statement as filed with NHTSA. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Where does this data come from?
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation recall, complaint and investigation flat files, public domain, downloaded 29 Sep 2026. Complaint counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; component figures count each component a complaint names. The NHTSA record linked from each campaign is authoritative.
Provenance
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Defects Investigation flat files (recalls, complaints, investigations), public domain, files dated 29 Sep 2026 (recalls) and 15 May 2019 (complaints). Complaints since 1 Jan 1995. Counts are unique complaint numbers per make, model and model year; per-1,000 rates divide a component's mentions by all mentions for the same group. Errors in processing are corrected at the next daily build; see corrections and the methodology.