NHTSA vehicle safety data
2016 KME Predator Panther Aerial Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2016 KME Predator Panther Aerial 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 2016 KME Predator Panther Aerial. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
NHTSA #20V487000Reported August 18, 2020 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 38 vehicles
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Commercial Pumper and Predator SS Rescue, 2018 Predator Panther Pumper and Commercial Skid, 2018-2020 Predator SS Aerial, 2020 Predator Panther Tanker, 2016 Predator Panther Aerial and Commercial Rescue, 2015-2019 Commercial Tanker, 2018-2019 Commercial Wildland, 2017 Predator SS Chassis and 2018-2021 Predator SS Pumper vehicles equipped with certain Code 3 7x9 Stop-Tail-Turn Reverse All-in-One LED stop, tail, turn, and reverse lights. The lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed which may adversely affect the vision of drivers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Safety consequence
The excessive brightness may affect the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will instruct vehicle owners to contact Code 3 to obtain a filter kit (Part No. CZ0199), free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2020. 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 #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 Panther Aerial model years
Check your 2016 KME Predator Panther Aerial VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your KME Predator Panther Aerial at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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