NHTSA vehicle safety data
2021 KME Panther Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2021 KME Panther has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized KME dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 KME Panther. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
PARKING BRAKE
NHTSA #23V798000Reported November 26, 2023 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 44 vehicles
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Predator, Panther, and Severe Service fire trucks. A defect in the inversion valve may delay park brake engagement, which could allow the vehicle to move unintentionally. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Safety consequence
Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the inversion valves as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
NHTSA #22V871000Reported November 23, 2022 · Marion Body Works Inc.
Potentially affected: 6 vehicles
Defect description
Marion Body Works Inc. (Marion) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator, MetroStar, FC-94 and KME Panther fire trucks. The tie rod clamps may have been improperly heat-treated, causing them to fail and allowing the tie rods to separate.
Safety consequence
Tie rod separation can result in a sudden loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace both tie rod clamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Marion's customer service at 1-715-754-5261. Marion's number for this recall is 22V-778.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
NHTSA #22V778000Reported October 17, 2022 · Spartan Fire, LLC
Potentially affected: 225 vehicles
Defect description
Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Gladiator, MetroStar, FC-94, and KME Panther emergency vehicles. The tie rod clamps may have been improperly heat-treated, causing them to fail and allowing the tie rods to separate.
Safety consequence
Tie rod separation can result in a sudden loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the tie rod clamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 2, 2022. Owners may contact Spartan Fire's customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Fire's number for this recall is 22007.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Other KME Panther model years
Check your 2021 KME Panther VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your KME Panther at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a KME VIN