Recall 17V503 affects 14 2014-2016 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial vehicles for ladder-rotation software. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 14 2014-2016 Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial vehicles because software in the ladder rotation circuit can keep the ladder rotating after the joystick is released. Unintended ladder rotation increases the risk of injury, and Kme dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ladder rotation software on 2014-2016 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial trucks controls how the aerial ladder turns at the turntable. The joystick sends a rotation command, and the control software is supposed to stop rotation when the joystick returns to neutral. That stop command is what keeps ladder movement tied to the operator's hand.
On the recalled trucks, the program logic reads the wrong signal in the rotation circuit. It reads the rotation control channel instead of the math channel, so the ladder can keep rotating after the joystick is released. Kme identified the issue on straight-ladder trucks with electronic turntable controls and Applied Fluid Power software. The repair is a software program change, not a physical part replacement.
The warning sign is a message on the operator's control console stating that the rotation circuit is out of the neutral position. If that message appears, the ladder control system is not seeing the neutral state as intended.
Who's affected?
Both Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial appear across the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years, with electrical system software and equipment listed for each.
| 2014 Kme Predator Aerial | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2014 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Predator Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2015 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2016 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| Units affected | 14 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year, model, and aerial configuration narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended ladder rotation increases the risk of injury around the apparatus. If the operator console warns that the rotation circuit is out of neutral, stop ladder operations and arrange service before further aerial use. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Kme Predator Aerial or Predator SS Aerial is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free ladder-rotation software update that stops the ladder from rotating after the joystick is released.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V503 when you call.
- Keep people clear of the ladder operating area until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician reprograms the ladder rotation software that controls the ladder rotation circuit. The update is free under the recall, with labor covered by Kme. The recall began on October 3, 2017, so the repair is open now. Kme has a general reimbursement plan on file for eligible out-of-pocket repairs. If you already paid for a related ladder-rotation software repair, ask Kme customer service or the service desk how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 22, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 29, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 29, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 3, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 6, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V503?
Recall 17V503 covers 14 2014-2016 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial vehicles with ladder rotation software that can let the ladder rotate after the rotation joystick is released. Unintended ladder rotation increases injury risk, and Kme dealers will reprogram the software for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2016 Kme Predator Aerial or Predator SS Aerial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V503. If it is, contact a Kme dealer to schedule the ladder rotation software reprogramming. Reference recall number 17V503 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and Kme will have dealers reprogram the ladder rotation software free of charge. Parts and labor for this recall repair are covered.
What is the safety risk?
The ladder can rotate after the operator releases the rotation joystick. That unintended movement increases the risk of injury around the aerial device. Until the software is reprogrammed, operators should follow Kme's recall instructions and keep people clear of the ladder's rotation area during use.
When did the recall repair become available?
The recall repair became available when the recall began on October 3, 2017. Kme instructed owners to have dealers reprogram the ladder rotation software free of charge. Owners can contact Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926 for recall scheduling details.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V503000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V503 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V503000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (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 →