VehicleVerdict

2018 Kme Predator Aerial problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2018 Kme Predator Aerial — 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.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Predator Aerial years?

Predator Aerial NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1 complaint2005: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 1 complaints2019: 0 complaints
Predator Aerial NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Predator Aerial years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kme Predator Aerial problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1100%

Does the 2018 Kme Predator Aerial have recalls?

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

19V528000Body & StructureJuly 12, 2019 · 529 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Predator Rescue, SS Rescue, SS Aerial, Aerial, SS TDA and Tanker and Predator Panther Rescue and Aerial, 2016-2020 Predator Panther Pumper and Predator SS Pumper, 2017-2020 Predator Panther Tanker and Predator Pumper, 2017 Predator SS Tanker and 2017-2018 Predator TDA. In the event of a hydraulic system failure while raising or lowering the cab, the hydraulic velocity fuses may not activate and lock the cab in place to prevent the cab from quickly closing.

Consequence

If the velocity fuses do not activate and stop the cab from lowering, the cab may hit occupants working underneath, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the velocity fuses for each cab lift cylinder, free of charge. The recall began August 29, 2019. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

18V622000LightingSeptember 13, 2018 · 111 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Commercial Pumper, Commercial Rescue, Commercial Tanker, Commercial Wildland, 2018-2019 Predator Aerial, Predator Panther Pumper, Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, Predator SS Pumper, Predator Tanker, 2018 Predator Panther Aerial, Predator Panther Tanker, Predator SS Aerial, Predator SS TDA, and Predator TDA vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence

If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

18V393000OtherJune 12, 2018 · 12 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2015-2017 KME Predator SS Aerial, and 2015-2018 KME Predator Aerial emergency vehicles equipped with an aerial platform and optional modular platform tether control. If the tether control gets unplugged while it is operating the aerial, the last command will be continued to be carried out.

Consequence

If the aerial continues moving when the tether is unplugged, it can increase the risk of an injury.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will install updated software to stop the aerial's movement, free of charge. The recall began July 13, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THE CREW CAB INTERIOR DOOR RELEASE MALFUNCTIONS. THIS CAUSES NOT TO BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE TRAPPING THEM. THE CAUSE IS DUE TO THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT ATTACHED THE INTERIOR DOOR RELEASE HANDLE CONNECTING ROD TO THE LATCH RELEASE MECHANISM FAILING. THIS HAPPENED 3 TIMES WITHIN A 7…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 11, 2019

2018 Kme Predator Aerial — common questions

Is the 2018 Kme Predator Aerial reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Kme Predator Aerial have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kme Predator Aerial. 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.