2015–2016 KME Predator Aerial, 2012–2016 KME Predator Pumper, 2012–2016 KME Predator SS Pumper Recall: Braided cab lift hydraulic hoses, wire braided air lines and/or wire…
NHTSA campaign 18V237000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · filed Apr 13, 2018 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2012-2016 KME Predator SS Pumper and Predator Pumper, and 2015-2016 Predator Aerial vehicles equipped with Cummins ISX12 engines. The braided cab lift hydraulic hoses, wire braided air lines and/or wire braided fuel cooler lines may be improperly routed and secured contacting the starter power stud, causing a leak and a possible short-circuit.
The risk
A fluid leak combined with arcing between the power stud and the exposed wire can increase the risk of a fire.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the area around the starter and make sure that the hoses have sufficient clearance, replacing any damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses, and adding hose chafe guards, free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More KME Predator Aerial recalls
- 2017–2019 KME Predator Aerial and 13 other models — In the event of a hydraulic system failure while raising or…
- 2017–2019 KME Commercial Pumper and 14 other models — Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these…
- 2015–2018 KME Predator Aerial and 1 other model — If the tether control gets unplugged while it is operating…
- 2007 KME Predator Aerial and 4 other models — Inconsistent machining may result in fatigue cracks…
- 2015–2018 KME Commercial Pumper and 6 other models — Rings securing the valves may corrode over time after…
Other campaigns involving KME vehicles
- 2023–2026 KME Panther and 6 other models — Actuator lever arm in the cab door latch may bind or become…
- 2025 KME Panther and 3 other models — A missing mechanical stop may allow the cab tilt cylinder…
- 2023–2025 KME Panther and 2 other models — Lower control arm retention bolts could become brittle and…
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 18V237000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.