Recall 17V504 covers 20 2012-2017 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial vehicles for faulty ladder speed software. Repair is free at franchised Kme dealers.
Kme is recalling 20 2012-2017 Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial vehicles because a software error lets the aerial ladder tip control speed jump from 20 percent to full speed without warning. That sudden acceleration raises injury risk for the ladder user or people nearby, and Kme dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The aerial ladder control software on 2012-2017 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial vehicles manages how the ladder responds from the turntable controls and from controls at the ladder tip. At the tip, the system is supposed to keep ladder movement at a reduced speed so the operator can make fine adjustments while working near people, buildings, or equipment.
On affected vehicles, the program logic can change from tip-control speed to base-control speed when the tip control activation switch is released out of sequence. That software error lets the ladder tip momentarily move at full overall speed instead of the reduced tip speed. The repair is a software program change, not a physical part replacement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The concern happens during control operation, so an operator would notice the ladder tip changing speed only when the software logic switches incorrectly.
Who's affected?
Covers both Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial trucks across the 2012-2017 model years, with equipment and electrical system software listed in the scope.
| 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 |
| 2013 Kme Predator Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2013 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2014 Kme Predator Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2014 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2012 Kme Predator Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2012 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial | electrical system software |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS Aerial | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 20 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
A ladder that accelerates without warning raises the risk of injury to the ladder user or people nearby. Keep people clear of ladder movement, stop ladder operation if the speed changes unexpectedly, and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial or Predator Aerial is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free ladder-tip speed software update that fixes the sudden speed increase.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V504 when you call.
- Keep operators and nearby personnel clear of the ladder tip during any necessary aerial use until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician updates the ladder speed software that controls aerial ladder tip speed. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. If you already paid out of pocket for a related ladder speed control repair before the recall notice, Kme's general reimbursement plan gives you a way to request repayment. Bring repair invoices or other documentation to the service desk, or contact Kme customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 3, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V504?
Recall 17V504 covers 20 2012-2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial and Predator Aerial vehicles with ladder speed software that can switch the aerial ladder tip control from 20 percent speed to 100 percent speed. Kme dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial or Predator Aerial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V504. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the ladder speed software update. Reference recall number 17V504 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 will update the ladder speed software free of charge through its dealer network. Owners can also contact Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden ladder speed acceleration without warning. NHTSA says the ladder tip control speed can momentarily change from 20 percent speed to 100 percent speed, increasing injury risk for the ladder user or people nearby. The free dealer software update fixes the defect.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning before the ladder speed change. The recall describes a software error that can make the aerial ladder tip control speed accelerate without warning. If your VIN is included, schedule the free software update before using the aerial ladder again.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V504000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V504 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V504000 |
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 →