The problem
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.
The fix
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.
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.nhtsa.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 21V905000.
- 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.