VehicleVerdict

2012 Kme Predator Pumper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2012 Kme Predator Pumper — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

Does the 2012 Kme Predator Pumper have recalls?

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

19V267000Latches & LocksApril 2, 2019 · 148 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017 Commercial Rescue, 2014-2019 Predator Panther Pumper, Commercial Pumper and Predator SS Pumper, 2012-2019 Predator Pumper, 2015-2019 Commercial Wildland, 2018 Predator Rescue and 2016 Predator SS Wildland vehicles. The lock for the gas springs that support the sliding, lift-up cover may be unintentionally disabled, preventing the lock from engaging.

Consequence

If the lock is not engaged, the sliding, lift-up cover may fall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury to personnel working under the cover.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gas springs on the sliding, lift-up cover with new gas springs with an alternative locking mechanism or new gas springs without a locking mechanism and a separate stay arm, free of charge. The recall began May 23, 2019. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

18V237000BrakesApril 13, 2018 · 38 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2012-2016 KME Predator SS Pumper and Predator Pumper, and 2015-2016 Predator Aerial vehicles equipped with Cummins ISX12 engines. The braided cab lift hydraulic hoses, wire braided air lines and/or wire braided fuel cooler lines may be improperly routed and secured contacting the starter power stud, causing a leak and a possible short-circuit.

Consequence

A fluid leak combined with arcing between the power stud and the exposed wire can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the area around the starter and make sure that the hoses have sufficient clearance, replacing any damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses, and adding hose chafe guards, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

18V172000SuspensionMarch 14, 2018 · 12 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2007-2012 KME Predator Pumper, 2013 Predator SS Aerial, 2007 Predator Aerial, 2008-2011 Predator Rescue, and 2007 Predator Tanker vehicles, equipped with Timoney Independent Front Suspensions. Inconsistent machining may result in fatigue cracks developing over time in the front axle spindles, causing failure of the spindle and the possible separation of a front wheel from the vehicle.

Consequence

A wheel separation from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle spindle, free of charge. The recall began on May 2, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

16V606000Body & StructureAugust 16, 2016 · 27 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Predator Pumper, Predator Panther Pumper and Predator Aerial, 2013 Predator Panther Aerial and Predator Rescue and 2012 Predator Panther Tanker emergency vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the front grille may loosen and separate from the cab face.

Consequence

If the front grille detaches from the vehicle while driving, it could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

All the vehicles affected in this campaign have been remedied. Therefore, an owner notification will not be issued. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-570-669-5577.

2012 Kme Predator Pumper — common questions

Is the 2012 Kme Predator Pumper reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Kme Predator Pumper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Kme Predator Pumper. 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.