VehicleVerdict

2012 Kme Panther problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2012 Kme Panther — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Panther years?

Panther NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted1 complaints2006: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2023: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Panther NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Panther years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Kme Panther problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1100%

Does the 2012 Kme Panther have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V187000SteeringMay 9, 2013 · 695 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A sudden loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

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.

13V137000BrakesApril 11, 2013 · 40 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Overheated brake components could result in a fire.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“FULTON NY FIRE DEPT WAS NOTIFIED BY SYRACUSE FD OF AN ISSUE WITH THEIR KME SWING DRIVES, FULTON FD HAD OUR DRIVES INSPECTED ON 5/3/19 AND THE INFO BELOW WAS FOUND. SWING DRIVES FOR THE AERIAL WHERE INSPECTED. NO FILL PLUG COULD BE ACCESSED. DRAIN PLUGS WHERE ACCESSED. DRAIN PLUGS WHERE REMOVED. NO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 3, 2019

2012 Kme Panther — common questions

Is the 2012 Kme Panther reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Kme Panther have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Kme Panther. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.