2021–2022 KME Predator Panther, 2022 KME Predator SS, 2022 KME Redundant Predator Recall: Rear axle drive pinion may fracture
NHTSA campaign 21V905000 · Power Train · filed Nov 19, 2021 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2022 Predator, Predator Panther and 2021-2022 Severe Service emergency vehicles. The rear axle drive pinion may fracture.
The risk
A fractured drive pinion may contact the brake drop hose, and unintentionally engage the parking brake without detection or without the brake lights activating, increasing the risk of a crash.
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
Meritor will inspect and replace the drive pinion, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 7, 2022. 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.nhtsa.gov.
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| KME | Predator Panther | 2021, 2022 |
| KME | Predator SS | 2022 |
| KME | Redundant Predator | 2022 |
Related recalls
More KME Predator Panther recalls
- 2021 KME Predator and 3 other models — Steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which…
- 2014 KME Commercialcab/ Chassis and 3 other models — Telma axial retarder braking mechanism may separate from…
- 2016–2019 KME Commercialcab/ Chassis and 2 other models — An electrical short circuit can occur due to a build-up of…
- 2016 KME Predator and 2 other models — Affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21…
- 2016 KME Predator and 4 other models — These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been…
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 21V905000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.