VehicleVerdict

2021 Kme Panther problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2021 Kme Panther — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Panther years?

Panther NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Panther years to avoid →

Does the 2021 Kme Panther have recalls?

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

23V798000BrakesNovember 26, 2023 · 44 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Predator, Panther, and Severe Service fire trucks. A defect in the inversion valve may delay park brake engagement, which could allow the vehicle to move unintentionally. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 121, "Air Brake Systems."

Consequence

Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the inversion valves as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 24, 2024. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

22V871000SteeringNovember 23, 2022 · 6 units

Defect

Marion Body Works Inc. (Marion) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Spartan Fire Gladiator, MetroStar, FC-94 and KME Panther fire trucks. The tie rod clamps may have been improperly heat-treated, causing them to fail and allowing the tie rods to separate.

Consequence

Tie rod separation can result in a sudden loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace both tie rod clamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 13, 2022. Owners may contact Marion's customer service at 1-715-754-5261. Marion's number for this recall is 22V-778.

22V778000SteeringOctober 17, 2022 · 225 units

Defect

Spartan Fire, LLC (Spartan Fire) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Gladiator, MetroStar, FC-94, and KME Panther emergency vehicles. The tie rod clamps may have been improperly heat-treated, causing them to fail and allowing the tie rods to separate.

Consequence

Tie rod separation can result in a sudden loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the tie rod clamps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 2, 2022. Owners may contact Spartan Fire's customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan Fire's number for this recall is 22007.

2021 Kme Panther — common questions

Is the 2021 Kme Panther reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Kme Panther have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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.