NHTSA vehicle safety data
2016 KME Predator Aerial Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2016 KME Predator Aerial has 5 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 2016 KME Predator Aerial. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
EQUIPMENT
NHTSA #18V393000Reported June 12, 2018 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 12 vehicles
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2015-2017 KME Predator SS Aerial, and 2015-2018 KME Predator Aerial emergency vehicles equipped with an aerial platform and optional modular platform tether control. If the tether control gets unplugged while it is operating the aerial, the last command will be continued to be carried out.
Safety consequence
If the aerial continues moving when the tether is unplugged, it can increase the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will install updated software to stop the aerial's movement, free of charge. The recall began July 13, 2018. 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.safercar.gov.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
NHTSA #18V237000Reported April 13, 2018 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 38 vehicles
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2012-2016 KME Predator SS Pumper and Predator Pumper, and 2015-2016 Predator Aerial vehicles equipped with Cummins ISX12 engines. The braided cab lift hydraulic hoses, wire braided air lines and/or wire braided fuel cooler lines may be improperly routed and secured contacting the starter power stud, causing a leak and a possible short-circuit.
Safety consequence
A fluid leak combined with arcing between the power stud and the exposed wire can increase the risk of a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the area around the starter and make sure that the hoses have sufficient clearance, replacing any damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses, and adding hose chafe guards, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2018. 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.safercar.gov.
EQUIPMENT
NHTSA #17V765000Reported November 22, 2017 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 74 vehicles
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2015 Predator SS Tanker and Commercial Pumper built on Freightliner chassis, 2015-2018 Predator SS Pumper and Commercial Pumper built on Navistar chassis, 2016 Predator Panther Aerial and Predator Aerial, 2015-2017 Predator Panther Pumper and 2018 Predator SS Aerial vehicles equipped with Hale pressure relief valves in the water pumps used for fire fighting. Rings securing the valves may corrode over time after exposure to water, causing the ring to fail and the pressure relief valve to open, reducing the water pressure available for fire fighting.
Safety consequence
A reduction in water pressure may hinder fire fighting efforts, increasing the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and KME dealers will install a remedy kit, free of charge. The recall began on January 8, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926 or Hale customer service at 1-800-533-3569.
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.safercar.gov.
EQUIPMENT
NHTSA #17V503000Reported August 14, 2017 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 14 vehicles
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Predator SS Aerial, and Predator Aerial vehicles. The software that controls the ladder rotation circuit may allow the ladder to rotate even after the rotation joystick is released.
Safety consequence
Unintended rotation of the ladder can increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ladder rotation software, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
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.safercar.gov.
EQUIPMENT
NHTSA #16V930000Reported December 23, 2016 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 82 vehicles
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017 Predator Aerial and Predator Panther Aerial, 2014 Predator TDA, 2014-2017 Predator SS TDA, and 2012-2017 Predator SS Aerial fire trucks. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the ladder position sensor allowing the ladder to make contact with the vehicle or be placed off of the short jack side of the truck.
Safety consequence
If the ladder contacts the truck or is placed off of the short jack side of the truck there may be a increased risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ladder position sensor mount and bearing system, replacing them as needed, free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2017. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
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.safercar.gov.
Other KME Predator Aerial model years
Check your 2016 KME Predator Aerial VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your KME Predator Aerial at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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