NHTSA vehicle safety data
2013 KME Predator Recalls & Complaints
The 2013 KME Predator has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 5 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 2013 KME Predator. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2013 KME Predator owner complaints
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 KME Predator, describing incidents dated February 23, 2014 to July 22, 2015.
Most-cited components
- Structure 5 complaints
Newest complaints
ODI #10849907 · 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 #10849905 · 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 #10849713 · Filed
CABIN DOOR OPENS WITHOUT WARNING, SOMETIMES WHILE TRUCK IS IN MOTION. THRU BOLT LOOSENS CAUSING THE LATCH TO OPEN.
Telma Braking Mechanism May Separate from Vehicle
NHTSA #20V341000 · Service Brakes · NHTSA notice
Reported June 10, 2020 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 107 vehicles
Repair completion: 62.62% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified July 31, 2020
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2011 and 2013-2020 Predator Severe Service, 2015 Predator Panther, 2011, 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 Predator, and 2014 KME commercial cab/chassis firetrucks equipped with optional Telma induction braking systems. The Telma axial retarder braking mechanism may separate from the vehicle while it is moving.
Safety consequence
A retarder that separates from the vehicle may increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mounting hardware on axial retarders and replace any incorrect hardware, free of charge. This recall is expected to begin July 2020. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-678-1910.
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.
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.
Ball Joints may Detach from Front Suspension
NHTSA #15V632000 · Suspension — Front · NHTSA notice
Reported October 8, 2015 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 8 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Owners notified October 30, 2015 · Vehicles built January 25, 2013 – January 28, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Predator emergency vehicles manufactured January 23, 2013, to January 28, 2015. The affected vehicles have front independent suspension assemblies that may have loose ball joints which could separate causing a loss of steering control.
Safety consequence
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
KME will notify owners, and dealers will correct the ball joint installation, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2015. 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.
Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA #14V455000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice
Reported July 25, 2014 · Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp.
Potentially affected: 10 vehicles
Repair completion: 100% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Manufacturer campaign 2014-SR01 · Owners notified August 24, 2015 · Vehicles built October 1, 2013 – March 30, 2014 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation
Defect description
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (Kovatch) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Predator and 2014 Panther fire fighting vehicles manufactured October 2013 to March 2014, and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Safety consequence
If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.
Manufacturer remedy
Kovatch will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kovatch at 1-800-235-3926. Kovatch's number for this campaign is 2014-SR01.
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 2013 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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