The problem
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Predator emergency vehicles manufactured from May 19, 2014, through August 15, 2015, equipped with K gearboxes manufactured by Hale Products, Inc. The affected gearboxes may shift out of gear from "road" to "neutral" while the vehicle is in transit.
The risk
An unexpected shift in the transmission could result in a vehicle crash.
The fix
KME will notify owners. The existing gearbox will be inspected and, where necessary, a replacement gearbox will be ordered and installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
Contacts
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.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Kme dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 16V129000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.