RecallRepo

2013 Kme Predator Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2013 Kme Predator has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 874 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the structure. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES 20V341000 2020-06-10 107 affected
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…

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.

STRUCTURE 16V263000 2016-05-02 14 affected
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…

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.

SUSPENSION 15V632000 2015-10-08 8 affected
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.

SEAT BELTS 14V455000 2014-07-25 10 affected
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…

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.

STEERING 13V187000 2013-05-09 695 affected
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…

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.

PARKING BRAKE 13V137000 2013-04-11 40 affected
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…

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.

Complaints by component

STRUCTURE:BODY
5
Total complaints5

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Door opens without warning from failure of latch mechanism to securely hold the door shut. The thru bolt loosens on its own.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2015-07-22

“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.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2014-10-30

“Cabin door opens without warning, sometimes while truck is in motion. Thru bolt loosens causing the latch to open.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2014-07-21

“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.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2014-07-21

“Cabin door opens without warning, sometimes while truck is in motion. Thru bolt loosens causing the latch to open.”

STRUCTURE:BODY · reported 2014-02-23
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2013 Kme Predator as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.