VehicleVerdict

2021 Kme Predator problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2021 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.

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 Predator years?

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

See all Predator years to avoid →

Does the 2021 Kme Predator 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.

22V607000SteeringAugust 9, 2022 · 11 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2021-2022 KME Predator, Panther, and Severe Service fire trucks equipped with Sheppard Steering Gears. The steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which can cause the gears to fracture.

Consequence

A fractured steering gear can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the serial numbers and replace the steering gears, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 3, 2022. Owners may contact KME's customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

21V960000Fuel SystemDecember 10, 2021 · 85 units

Defect

Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Predator and 2020-2022 Severe Service vehicles. The fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for cylinders four, five, and six may fatigue and crack, which can result in a high pressure fuel leak.

Consequence

A high pressure fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel tubes, and install vibration isolators, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 2022. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.

2021 Kme Predator — common questions

Is the 2021 Kme Predator 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 Predator have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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.