RecallNotify
Sign up Check my VIN
Home/ Recalls/ Kme/ 13V187
Campaign 13V187 Posted May 9, 2013 695 units

2009-2013 Kme Predator/Panther/Arff Recall 13V187: Steering

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 13V187 covers 695 2009-2013 Kme emergency vehicles for steering-column cover interference. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.

Kme is recalling 695 2009-2013 Predator SS, Predator, Panther, Panther Ii, and Arff emergency vehicles because a grease fitting in the steering column shaft can catch on the column cover and tear it. The damage can affect steering and increase crash risk; the Kme dealer repair will be free once available.

Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?

The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.

Check my VIN at NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

The steering column on the 2009-2013 Kme Predator SS, Arff, Predator, Panther, and Panther Ii emergency vehicles carries the driver's steering input from the wheel toward the steering gear. A grease fitting on the steering column shaft is a small service point used to add lubricant so the shaft joint stays moving smoothly. The column cover sits around that shaft and is supposed to protect the moving parts without touching them.

On affected vehicles, that grease fitting is positioned so it can catch on the column cover as the steering shaft turns. When the fitting snags, it can tear the cover instead of moving freely past it. That torn cover can interfere with the driver's ability to steer the vehicle.

There is no warning sign before failure. Because the problem happens at the steering column, a driver should treat any unusual binding, rubbing, or sudden change in steering feel as a reason to stop using the vehicle and have it checked.

Who's affected?

Covers five Kme truck lines from the 2009-2013 model years, all tied to the steering system.

2009 Kme Predator SS steering system
2011 Kme Arff steering system
2010 Kme Predator steering system
2009 Kme Predator steering system
2011 Kme Predator SS steering system
Units affected695

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

A sudden loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash because the driver has less ability to guide the vehicle. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall work promptly and avoid unnecessary trips until the repair is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised Kme dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2013 Kme Predator SS, Arff, Predator, Panther, or Panther Ii is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Kme dealer to ask whether the free grease-fitting removal is ready for your VIN.
  3. Reference recall number 13V187 when you call the dealer or Kme customer service.
  4. Schedule the free grease-fitting removal that keeps the steering-column fitting from catching the column cover.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If steering feels restricted, stop using the vehicle and contact the dealer.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Kme technician removes the grease fitting from the steering column shaft so it cannot catch on the column cover. That is the core repair described for recall 13V187. The dealer repair will be free once available, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. Kovatch's remedy notice says the safety recall began on May 20, 2013, so ask the service desk to confirm the campaign is open for your VIN before arranging the visit.

Timeline

May 9, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
May 20, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V187?

Recall 13V187 covers 695 2009-2013 Kme Predator SS, Arff, Predator, Panther, and Panther Ii emergency vehicles. The steering-column grease fitting can catch in the column cover, tear it, and interfere with steering. Dealers remove the grease fitting for free.

What should I do if my 2009-2013 Kme Predator SS, Arff, Predator, Panther, or Panther Ii is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 13V187. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kovatch customer service at 1-570-669-5173 to arrange the free steering-column repair. Reference recall 13V187 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 13V187, Kme dealers remove the steering-column grease fitting free of charge, including parts and labor.

What is the safety risk in recall 13V187?

The safety risk is loss of steering control. The grease fitting in the steering column shaft can catch in the column cover and tear it, which interferes with the driver's ability to steer and increases crash risk.

What if I bought the Kme emergency vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Kme vehicle is included, then contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kovatch customer service with recall 13V187.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V187000
Kme customer service1-570-669-5173
NHTSA recall #13V187
NHTSA recall # (full)13V187000

Source documents

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 →