NHTSA vehicle safety data
2018 KME Predator Aerial Recalls & Complaints
The 2018 KME Predator Aerial has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized KME dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 KME Predator Aerial. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2018 KME Predator Aerial owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2018 KME Predator Aerial, describing incidents dated June 11, 2019.
Most-cited components
- Structure 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11219799 · Filed
THE CREW CAB INTERIOR DOOR RELEASE MALFUNCTIONS. THIS CAUSES NOT TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE TRAPPING THEM. THE CAUSE IS DUE TO THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT ATTACHED THE INTERIOR DOOR RELEASE HANDLE CONNECTING ROD TO THE LATCH RELEASE MECHANISM FAILING. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITHIN A 7…
Hydraulic Velocity Fuses May Not Activate
NHTSA #19V528000 · Structure — Body — Hood — Hinge and Attachments · NHTSA notice
Reported July 12, 2019 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 529 vehicles
Repair completion: 72.02% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified August 29, 2019 · Vehicles built June 3, 2016 – April 18, 2019 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Predator Rescue, SS Rescue, SS Aerial, Aerial, SS TDA and Tanker and Predator Panther Rescue and Aerial, 2016-2020 Predator Panther Pumper and Predator SS Pumper, 2017-2020 Predator Panther Tanker and Predator Pumper, 2017 Predator SS Tanker and 2017-2018 Predator TDA. In the event of a hydraulic system failure while raising or lowering the cab, the hydraulic velocity fuses may not activate and lock the cab in place to prevent the cab from quickly closing.
Safety consequence
If the velocity fuses do not activate and stop the cab from lowering, the cab may hit occupants working underneath, increasing the risk of an injury.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the velocity fuses for each cab lift cylinder, free of charge. The recall began August 29, 2019. 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.
Brake Light may Randomly Illuminate/FMVSS 108
NHTSA #18V622000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice
Reported September 13, 2018 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 111 vehicles
Repair completion: 25.23% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified November 2, 2018 · Vehicles built November 1, 2017 – August 31, 2018 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Commercial Pumper, Commercial Rescue, Commercial Tanker, Commercial Wildland, 2018-2019 Predator Aerial, Predator Panther Pumper, Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, Predator SS Pumper, Predator Tanker, 2018 Predator Panther Aerial, Predator Panther Tanker, Predator SS Aerial, Predator SS TDA, and Predator TDA vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety consequence
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 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.
Platform Tether Control Failure
NHTSA #18V393000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice
Reported June 12, 2018 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 12 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified July 13, 2018 · Vehicles built June 19, 2014 – October 25, 2017 (per NHTSA)
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.
Other KME Predator Aerial model years
Check your 2018 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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