Recall 16V626 affects 56 2014-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper and Fdny Pumper fire trucks for driveshaft failure. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 56 2014-2016 Predator SS Pumper and Fdny Pumper fire trucks under recall 16V626 because replacement drive shafts can twist and fail during use. A failed driveshaft can leave the truck immobilized in traffic or unable to respond to an emergency, and Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The drive shaft on 2014-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper and Fdny Pumper trucks is the rotating tube that carries engine power from the transmission to the drive axle. It has to stay straight and strong while the truck accelerates, slows, and works under load. If that tube twists, power transfer through the driveline is no longer controlled.
On affected trucks, replacement drive shafts were built with tubing walls thinner than the specified material. That weaker tube can twist during use and then fail. Kme traced the issue to drive shaft material from Machine Service Inc. that did not meet specification; the corrected replacement drive shafts use tubing that met or exceeded the required thickness.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or crew should not rely on noise, vibration, or a dashboard alert to identify the defect before the drive shaft twists.
Who's affected?
Spans both pumper models across the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, with the same driveline component listed for each.
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Pumper | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper | driveline |
| 2016 Kme Fdny Pumper | driveline |
| 2015 Kme Fdny Pumper | driveline |
| 2014 Kme Fdny Pumper | driveline |
| Units affected | 56 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
A driveshaft failure can leave the fire truck stopped in traffic, which increases crash risk. It can also keep the truck from answering an emergency call, increasing injury risk for people waiting for help. Schedule service promptly and keep the truck ready for inspection. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper or Fdny Pumper is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kme dealer to confirm or schedule the free drive-shaft replacement that fixes shafts that can twist and fail.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V626 when you call.
- Avoid placing the fire truck in service until Kme or the dealer confirms the drive-shaft replacement is complete.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926 with questions about the recall or repair record.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician replaced the affected replacement drive shafts so they no longer twist and fail during use. Kme has notified owners and reports that all affected vehicles have already had the free remedy completed. Parts and labor were covered under the recall. If your vehicle still shows recall 16V626 as open, call a Kme dealer or Kme customer service and ask them to confirm the drive shaft replacement record before the vehicle returns to service.
Timeline
| August 7, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| August 29, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V626?
Recall 16V626 covers 56 2014-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper and Fdny Pumper fire trucks with replacement driveshafts that can twist and fail during use. Kme says dealers replaced the driveshafts for free, and all affected vehicles have been remedied.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper or Fdny Pumper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific fire truck was included in recall 16V626. If it was, verify that the driveshaft replacement is complete in the service records. For missing paperwork, contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kme's remedy was a free driveshaft replacement. Kme says all affected vehicles have already been remedied free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
A driveshaft failure can leave the fire truck immobilized in traffic, increasing crash risk. The truck also can be unable to respond to an emergency, increasing injury risk for people waiting for help. The recall fix is the free driveshaft replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V626000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V626 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V626000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →