VehicleVerdict

2012 Kme Predator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2012 Kme Predator — 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.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Predator years?

Predator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted5 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 5 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Predator NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Predator years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Kme Predator problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure2100%

Does the 2012 Kme Predator have recalls?

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

16V263000Body & StructureMay 2, 2016 · 14 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the door opens while the vehicle is in motion, the occupants are at an increased risk of injury.

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.

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.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 15, 2015

2012 Kme Predator — common questions

Is the 2012 Kme Predator reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Kme Predator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Kme Predator. 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.