- The problem
- 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 separate from the vehicle while it is moving.
- The risk
- A retarder that separates from the vehicle may increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
2017 Kme Predator SS Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2017 Kme Predator SS have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in June 2020 for the service brakes.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Predator SS year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2017 Kme Predator SS recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017 KME Predator TDA, 2016-2018 KME Predator SS TDA, and 2018 KME Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicles equipped with an aerial ladder and optional tip mounted lifting device. The lifting devices do not meet the specified load rating or safety factor.
- The risk
- Using the device to lift the rated load may cause the device to deform, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- KME has notified owners, and dealers will replace the tip lifting device, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
- The problem
- Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2016 Predator SS Tractor Drawn Aerial, Predator SS Aerial, Predator Pumper, Predator Aerial, M114 Tanker, 7600 Tanker, 7600 Pumper, 7400 Tanker, 4400 Pumper, and FDNY Pumper and 2016-2017 Predator SS Pumper and Predator Panther Pumper and 2015-2017 M2 Pumper vehicles. The affected vehicles may be equipped with certain C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions from Waterous. This transmission sends power to the wheels of an emergency response vehicle or powers an add-on unit such as a water pump used for fighting fires. A component within the shift unit may be damaged and as a result, the operator may not be able to switch the power output.
- The risk
- If the power output cannot be changed, once the fire truck arrives at the scene, it may not be able to pump water to aid in extinguishing the fire, increasing the risk of injury.
- The fix
- KME will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the transmissions, free of charge. The recall began on October 11, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
- The problem
- Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2016 KME Predator and KME 2016-2107 Predator Severe Service and Panther emergency vehicles, equipped with pumps to provide pressurized water to aid in fighting fires. These pumps have 6" intake strainers that may have been improperly soldered during production and, as a result, the strainers may come apart during use, allowing parts of the strainer and debris to enter the pump, possibly damaging the pump.
- The risk
- If the strainer and/or debris enters the pump, and the operator is forced to shut down the pump, reducing firefighting effectiveness, there could be an increased risk of injury.
- The fix
- KME will notify owners to check the strainer for missing solder at the joints. Any strainers missing solder will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on June 14, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-570-669-5577 or Hale Products Customer Service Center at 1-800-533-3569.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2017 Kme Predator SS yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Kme Predator SS: every year compared
All Predator SS years2017 Kme Predator SS vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kme Predator SS | 0 | 4 | D | |
| 2017 Kme Commercial Rescue | 1 | 3 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2017 Kme Predator SS
Does the 2017 Kme Predator SS have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Kme Predator SS: service brakes (June 2020); equipment (June 2018); manual transmission (August 2016); equipment (May 2016). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2017 Kme Predator SS had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2017 Kme Predator SS a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Kme Predator SS year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 2017 Kme Predator SS has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data