2014 Kme Predator problems

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2011 and 2013-2020 Predator Severe Service, 2015 Predator Panther, 2011, 2013-2014 and 2017-2018 Predator, and 2014 KME commercial cab/chassis firetrucks equipped with optional Telma induction braking systems. The Telma axial retarder braking mechanism may separate from the vehicle while it is moving.

Consequence

A retarder that separates from the vehicle may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the mounting hardware on axial retarders and replace any incorrect hardware, free of charge. This recall is expected to begin July 2020. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-678-1910.

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.

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Predator emergency vehicles manufactured January 23, 2013, to January 28, 2015. The affected vehicles have front independent suspension assemblies that may have loose ball joints which could separate causing a loss of steering control.

Consequence

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

KME will notify owners, and dealers will correct the ball joint installation, free of charge. The recall began on October 30, 2015. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (Kovatch) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Predator and 2014 Panther fire fighting vehicles manufactured October 2013 to March 2014, and equipped with IMMI-brand L9 seat belt buckles. When the button is pressed to release the seat belt, the latch plate can become partially engaged with the buckle, making the seat belt difficult to unlatch. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."

Consequence

If the latch plate remains partially engaged after the button is pressed, egress from the vehicle could be hindered which would increase the risk of injury in the event of an emergency.

Remedy

Kovatch will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt buckle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 24, 2015. Owners may contact Kovatch at 1-800-235-3926. Kovatch's number for this campaign is 2014-SR01.