2018 Kme Predator Aerial problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:body (1)
Safety recalls (3)
Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments 2019-07-12 · campaign 19V528000 · 529 vehicles
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
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights 2018-09-13 · campaign 18V622000 · 111 vehicles
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
Risk: If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Equipment 2018-06-12 · campaign 18V393000 · 12 vehicles
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.
Risk: If the aerial continues moving when the tether is unplugged, it can increase the risk of an injury.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (2)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Service Brakes 2016-12-13 · ONRD-121316 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
brake assembly fasteners.
Equipment 2016-09-29 · ONRD-00929216 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
trolley reinforcement.
What owners report
2019-06-13 · Structure:body · 3,120 mi“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 month period.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.