Recall 16V129 affects 18 2015-2016 Kme Predator emergency vehicles because gearboxes can shift from road to neutral. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 18 2015-2016 Predator emergency vehicles because Hale K gearboxes can shift from road to neutral while the vehicle is moving. That unexpected transmission shift can lead to a crash, and Kme dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The K gearbox in a 2015-2016 Kme Predator emergency vehicle is part of the power train, the system that keeps engine power routed to the wheels while the vehicle is driving. In normal road use, the gearbox holds the selected road gear so the vehicle stays in drive instead of dropping into neutral. That matters because these emergency vehicles need steady drive power while responding or moving between locations.
On affected Predators, the K gearbox was built during a Hale Products production period tied to worn gearbox tooling. The worn tooling left extra material inside the gearbox housing. That extra material can interfere with the gearbox and allow it to shift from "road" to "neutral" while the vehicle is in transit, cutting drive power without the driver choosing neutral.
There is no warning sign before failure. The gearbox is tracked by serial number, so the dealer can identify whether the specific gearbox has received the recall remedy.
Who's affected?
Covers the Predator across the 2015 and 2016 model years with the same automatic-transmission component.
| 2015 Kme Predator | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 Kme Predator | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 18 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
An unexpected transmission shift can lead to a crash if the vehicle moves or changes gear without the driver intending it. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the gearbox inspection and repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Kme Predator is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free gearbox inspection and replacement if needed, which addresses gearboxes that shift from road to neutral in transit.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V129 when you call.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926 with questions about the inspection or repair.
- Limit driving until the gearbox inspection and repair are complete; if the vehicle shifts toward neutral in transit, stop using it and contact the dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the existing Hale K gearbox. If inspection shows the gearbox needs replacement, the dealer orders and installs a replacement gearbox. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Kme has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related gearbox repair before the recall notice. Keep any invoices and repair paperwork, and ask Kme customer service how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 29, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
|---|---|
| March 3, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 8, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V129?
Recall 16V129 covers 18 2015-2016 Kme Predator emergency vehicles with Hale K gearboxes that can shift from road to neutral while the vehicle is moving. Kme will inspect the gearbox and install a replacement where needed for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Kme Predator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 16V129. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926 to arrange the gearbox inspection and any needed replacement. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V129, Kme will inspect the existing gearbox and, where needed, order and install a replacement gearbox free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk in recall 16V129 is an unexpected shift from road to neutral while the vehicle is in transit. NHTSA says that transmission shift can result in a crash. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free gearbox inspection and repair.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available after the recall began on April 8, 2016. Kme's remedy is to inspect the gearbox and replace it where needed. If your VIN is included and the work has not been completed, the dealer repair is still free.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V129000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V129 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V129000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →