Recall 13V137 affects 40 2011-2013 Kme Panther, Predator SS, Panther Ii, and Predator emergency vehicles for parking-brake drag. Repair is free.
Kme is recalling 40 2011-2013 Panther, Predator SS, Panther Ii, and Predator emergency vehicles because Meritor axle brake chambers can leak pressure and let the parking brake drag after release. Dragging brakes can overheat brake components and start a fire; the Kme dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2011-2013 Kme Panther, Predator SS, Panther Ii, and Predator emergency vehicles use air brake chambers in Meritor axle assemblies with disc brakes. An air brake chamber turns air pressure into brake force, and on these vehicles it also helps release the parking brake when the driver takes the parking brake off.
The recall issue is a pressure leak inside the MGM J24 series air brake chambers. When pressure leaks, the parking brake does not fully release. Instead of clearing the brake rotor, the brake drags while the vehicle moves. That friction builds heat in the brake parts and can overheat the brake components.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall does not list a driver warning that reliably comes before the parking brake starts dragging.
Who's affected?
Spans four Kme fire apparatus models across the 2011-2013 model years, all tied to the same air parking-brake component.
| 2013 Kme Panther | Air |
|---|---|
| 2012 Kme Panther | Air |
| 2013 Kme Predator SS | Air |
| 2012 Kme Predator SS | Air |
| 2011 Kme Panther Ii | Air |
| 2012 Kme Predator | Air |
| 2013 Kme Predator | Air |
| Units affected | 40 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Overheated brake components can start a fire. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair soon and take any brake concern seriously. Stop in a safe place if you smell burning or see smoke. Repair will be free at any franchised Kme dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Kme Panther, Predator SS, Panther Ii, or Predator is included in this recall.
- Wait for Kme's owner notice before scheduling the free actuator replacement that stops the parking brake from dragging.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-570-669-5132 with questions and reference recall number 13V137 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice to the service appointment if Kme has mailed one.
- Avoid using the vehicle for emergency service if the parking brake drags or brake components smell hot.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is the actuator replacement described in recall 13V137. Once the repair is available, a Kme technician will inspect the affected brake actuator setup and replace the actuators that need replacement, free of charge. The issue involves Meritor axle assemblies with MGM J24 series air brake chambers, where leaking pressure can leave the parking brake dragging after release. Ask the Kme dealer to confirm that the repair applies to your VIN before the vehicle is serviced.
Timeline
| April 11, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V137?
Recall 13V137 covers 40 2011-2013 Kme Panther, Predator SS, Panther Ii, and Predator emergency vehicles with Meritor axle assemblies using MGM J24 series air brake chambers. NHTSA campaign 13V137 describes pressure leakage that lets the parking brake drag after release and overheat brake components. Kme replaces the actuators as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Kme Panther, Predator SS, Panther Ii, or Predator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 13V137. If it is, contact Kme at 1-570-669-5132 or a franchised Kme service location to arrange actuator replacement as needed. Reference recall number 13V137 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kme will replace the affected actuators as needed free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 13V137.
What is the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 13V137 lists fire as the safety consequence. The defect involves air brake chambers that leak pressure, allow the parking brake to drag after it is released, and overheat brake components. If your VIN is included, arrange the free actuator replacement before returning the vehicle to normal service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V137000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-570-669-5132 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V137 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V137000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →