The problem
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2015 Predator SS Tanker and Commercial Pumper built on Freightliner chassis, 2015-2018 Predator SS Pumper and Commercial Pumper built on Navistar chassis, 2016 Predator Panther Aerial and Predator Aerial, 2015-2017 Predator Panther Pumper and 2018 Predator SS Aerial vehicles equipped with Hale pressure relief valves in the water pumps used for fire fighting. Rings securing the valves may corrode over time after exposure to water, causing the ring to fail and the pressure relief valve to open, reducing the water pressure available for fire fighting.
The risk
A reduction in water pressure may hinder fire fighting efforts, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
KME will notify owners, and KME dealers will install a remedy kit, free of charge. The recall began on January 8, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926 or Hale customer service at 1-800-533-3569.
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 17V765000.
- 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.