Recall 17V223 covers 9 2013-2016 Kme Predator trucks for front-suspension ball joints that can separate. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 9 2013-2016 Predator SS Aerial, Predator SS Pumper, Predator Aerial, Predator Pumper, and Predator Tda trucks because front suspension ball joints can loosen, separate, and cause a partial loss of steering. A separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk, and Kme dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The independent front suspension on 2013-2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator SS Aerial, Predator Aerial, Predator SS Pumper, and Predator Tda trucks supports the front axle area and lets the wheels move while the driver steers. Its central steering relay rod uses ball joints, which are pivoting connections that transfer steering movement while the suspension moves over the road.
On affected trucks, the ball joints in the relay rod were not properly tightened at the supplier and were not secured with the required thread-locking compound. A loose ball joint can back out of position and separate from the steering linkage. If that happens, the truck can have a partial loss of steering because the driver's input no longer reaches the front wheels as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. Treat looseness, clunking from the front suspension, or a sudden change in steering response as a reason to stop using the truck and have it checked.
Who's affected?
Covers 5 Kme Predator fire-apparatus variants across 4 model years, all tied to the front control arm.
| 2014 Kme Predator Pumper | control arm |
|---|---|
| 2013 Kme Predator SS Aerial | control arm |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS Aerial | control arm |
| 2014 Kme Predator Aerial | control arm |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS Pumper | control arm |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Pumper | control arm |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper | control arm |
| 2014 Kme Predator Tda | control arm |
| 2013 Kme Predator SS Pumper | control arm |
| Units affected | 9 |
| 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 separated ball joint can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection soon and limit use until the ball joint has been checked, cleaned, and secured. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator SS Aerial, Predator Aerial, Predator SS Pumper, or Predator Tda truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free inspection, cleaning, and securing of the front suspension ball joint that can loosen and affect steering.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one, or reference recall number 17V223 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, since a separated ball joint can cause loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the ball joints on the independent front suspension modules, cleans the affected joint area, and secures the ball joint so it cannot loosen and separate. 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 repair before the recall work was completed. If you have prior repair paperwork, contact Kme customer service at 1-570-669-5577 and ask how to submit documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 31, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 1, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| May 6, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 8, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V223?
Recall 17V223 covers 9 2013-2016 Kme Predator fire trucks with independent front suspension ball joints that can loosen and separate. A separated ball joint can cause partial loss of steering control and increase crash risk. Kme dealers inspect, clean, and secure the ball joint for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 Kme Predator truck is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 17V223. If it is, contact a Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-570-669-5577 to arrange the front suspension ball joint inspection and repair. Reference recall 17V223 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 17V223, Kme dealers inspect, clean, and secure the independent front suspension ball joint free of charge.
Is it safe to drive a Kme Predator truck with this recall?
The safety risk is loss of steering control if a front suspension ball joint separates. Check your VIN first. If your truck is included, contact Kme or a Kme dealer before continued service so they can inspect and secure the ball joint under the free recall repair.
When did the Kme recall 17V223 repair start?
The recall repair began on May 8, 2017. That means the dealer remedy is available now for included vehicles. Kme dealers perform the inspection, cleaning, and ball joint securing work free of charge.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V223000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-570-669-5577 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V223 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V223000 |
Source documents
-
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →