Recall 16V569 affects 112 2015-2017 Kme Predator fire trucks for Waterous transmission shift failure. Free repair at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 112 2015-2017 Predator SS, Predator, and Predator Panther fire trucks because certain Waterous C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions can fail to switch power output. If the truck cannot switch from drive power to pump power at a fire scene, the crew can lose water-pumping ability and injury risk increases; Kme dealers will complete the free repair.
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 NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The Waterous split-shaft transmission in the 2015-2017 Kme Predator SS, Predator, and Predator Panther is the driveline unit that routes engine power where the apparatus needs it. In road mode, it sends power to the wheels. In pump mode, it sends power to the fire pump so the truck can move water at a scene.
The problem is inside the shift unit that changes that power path. During supplier assembly, installation pliers used on the retaining ring were out of adjustment, which opened the ring past its elastic limit and left it deformed. That damaged retaining ring can keep the shift unit from changing output, so the operator cannot shift the apparatus from road mode to pump mode when the pump is needed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up when the operator tries to switch modes and the transmission does not change power output.
Who's affected?
Spans the Predator, Predator SS, and Predator Panther models across the 2015-2017 model years, all with the same manual transmission component.
| 2016 Kme Predator SS | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| 2017 Kme Predator SS | manual transmission |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS | manual transmission |
| 2016 Kme Predator | manual transmission |
| 2016 Kme Predator Panther | manual transmission |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther | manual transmission |
| Units affected | 112 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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 transmission problem that prevents changing power output can leave the fire truck unable to pump water after it reaches a fire scene. That raises the risk of injury. Schedule the inspection and repair before relying on the truck for emergency response. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2017 Kme Predator SS, Predator, or Predator Panther vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free transmission inspection and repair that restores power switching for driving and fire-pump operation.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V569 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether the truck can stay in service before repair, especially if it is assigned to fire response.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the Waterous C20 or C21 split-shaft transmission and repairs the transmission shift unit as needed. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. This transmission routes power either to the emergency vehicle's wheels or to equipment such as the fire pump, so the dealer focuses on restoring proper power output switching. Kme has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related transmission repair before the recall. Bring repair invoices and payment documentation to the service desk or contact Kme customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 1, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 20, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| September 23, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 27, 2016 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 27, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V569?
Recall 16V569 covers 112 2015-2017 Kme Predator SS, Predator, and Predator Panther emergency vehicles with certain Waterous C20 and C21 split-shaft transmissions. A damaged shift-unit component can stop the operator from changing power output. Kme dealers will inspect and repair the transmission for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2017 Kme Predator SS, Predator, or Predator Panther is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 16V569. If it is, contact a Kme dealer to schedule the transmission inspection and repair. Reference NHTSA campaign 16V569 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kme dealers will inspect and repair the affected transmissions free of charge. Kme customer service is available at 1-800-235-3926 for scheduling support.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V569?
The risk is that the truck cannot change power output after arriving at a fire scene. If that happens, the vehicle cannot pump water for firefighting, increasing injury risk. The free dealer repair addresses the split-shaft transmission problem.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair began on October 11, 2016. Since the remedy is available, owners can contact a Kme dealer now for the transmission inspection and repair. Reference recall 16V569 and have the VIN ready when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V569000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V569 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V569000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →