NHTSA vehicle safety data
2012 KME Predator Recalls & Complaints
The 2012 KME Predator has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized KME dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 KME Predator. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2012 KME Predator owner complaints
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 KME Predator, describing incidents dated July 15, 2015 to October 20, 2015.
Most-cited components
- Structure 2 complaints
Newest complaints
ODI #10849914 · Filed
CABIN DOOR LATCHES COME OPEN WITHOUT WARNING. THE MIDDLE THRU BOLT FOR THE LATCH LOOSENS, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR AND LOOSENING OF THE LATCH MECHANISM, AND ALSO CAUSING THE LATCH TO FAIL TO SECURE THE DOOR.
ODI #10849712 · Filed
CABIN DOOR OPENS WITHOUT WARNING, SOMETIMES WHILE TRUCK IS IN MOTION. THRU BOLT LOOSENS CAUSING THE LATCH TO OPEN.
Cab Doors may Open Unexpectedly
NHTSA #16V263000 · Structure — Body — Door · NHTSA notice
Reported May 2, 2016 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 14 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified May 25, 2016 · Vehicles built September 2, 2011 – September 20, 2013 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Predator Severe-Service vehicles manufactured September 2, 2011, to September 20, 2013. The cab door latch retaining hardware may loosen, preventing the cab door from closing properly and allowing the cab door to open unexpectedly while moving.
Safety consequence
If the door opens while the vehicle is in motion, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cab door latch hardware, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on May 25, 2016. 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.
Steering Column Grease Fitting may Hinder Steering
NHTSA #13V187000 · Steering · NHTSA notice
Reported May 9, 2013 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 695 vehicles
Manufacturer campaign 2013-E01 · Owners notified May 20, 2013 · Vehicles built September 1, 2008 – April 30, 2013 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (Kovatch) is recalling certain model year 2009-2013 Predator, Predator SS, Panther; 2010-2011 ARFF; and model year 2010-2013 Panther II emergency vehicles. The grease fitting in the steering column shaft may get caught in the column cover. The grease fitting could tear the cover which will impact the driver's ability to steer the vehicle.
Safety consequence
A sudden loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Kovatch will notify owners and dealers will remove the grease fitting, free of charge. The safety recall began on May 20, 2013. Owners may contact Kovatch at 1-570-669-5173. Kovatch's recall campaign number is 2013-E01.
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.
Air Brake Leakage may cause Brake Drag
NHTSA #13V137000 · Parking Brake — Conventional — Air · NHTSA notice
Reported April 11, 2013 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 40 vehicles
Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (Kovatch) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Predator, Predator SS, Panther, and model year 2011 Panther II emergency vehicles manufactured February 1, 2011, through February 28, 2013. These vehicles are equipped with Meritor axle assemblies that were built with disc brakes using MGM J24 series air brake chambers. In the affected axles, the brake chambers may leak pressure allowing the parking brake to drag when it is supposed to be released. Brake dragging could lead to overheated brake components.
Safety consequence
Overheated brake components could result in a fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Kovatch will notify owners and will replace the actuators as needed, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in May 2013. Owners may contact Kovatch at 1-570-669-5132.
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 model years
Check your 2012 KME Predator VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your KME Predator at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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