Recall 17V527 affects 11 2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, and Airport Refueler vehicles for loose tie rods. Free repair at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 11 2016 Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, and Airport Refueler vehicles because the castellated nut on certain Dana Spicer steer axles was not properly torqued, so the tie rod can loosen. If it disconnects from the steering knuckle, the vehicle can lose steering; Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steer axle on 2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, and Airport Refueler vehicles carries the front steering hardware. The tie rod is the steering link that helps point the front wheels when the driver turns the wheel. A castellated nut, a slotted retaining nut, holds the tie rod taper joint tight at the knuckle attachment point.
On affected vehicles, the castellated nuts in the tie rods were not properly torqued during assembly. Without the correct torque, the joint can loosen as the vehicle is driven. If the tie rod separates, the front wheel no longer follows steering input correctly, and the vehicle loses normal steering control.
Before a tie rod disconnects, the driver should get significant warning. The reported signs are noise from the steering area and loosened steering, which means the vehicle should be inspected before further service use.
Who's affected?
Covers 3 Kme specialty truck models from the 2016 model year, with steering and tie rod components listed separately.
| 2016 Kme Predator Pumper | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2016 Kme Predator Pumper | steering system |
| 2016 Kme Predator Rescue | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2016 Kme Predator Rescue | steering system |
| 2016 Kme Airport Refueler | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2016 Kme Airport Refueler | steering system |
| Units affected | 11 |
| 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?
If the tie rod loosens and disconnects from the steering knuckle, steering control is lost and crash risk increases. Noise or loose steering should come first, so treat either warning sign as a reason to stop and call the dealer before another trip. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, or Airport Refueler is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free steer-axle nut torque inspection and tie-rod repair that secures the steering linkage.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V527 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the repair is complete; a loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle and cause loss of steering.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the torque on the castellated nut and tie rod, then tightens the hardware as needed. If the nuts cannot be properly secured and aligned after torque is applied, the dealer replaces the knuckle and tie rod end assemblies. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Kme says it will reimburse the customer, with Dana reimbursing Kme. If you paid for this repair before the recall work, keep your repair paperwork and ask Kme customer service how to start the reimbursement claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 28, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 5, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V527?
Recall 17V527 covers 11 2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, and Airport Refueler vehicles equipped with certain Dana Spicer steer axles. The recall addresses a castellated nut torque problem that can let the tie rod loosen and affect steering control.
What should I do if my 2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, or Airport Refueler is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V527. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the steering inspection. Reference recall number 17V527 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair at no cost, and Kme dealers will inspect the castellated nut and tie rod torque for free. If tightening does not properly secure and align the nuts, the dealer will replace the knuckle and tie rod end assemblies for free.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V527?
A loose tie rod can disconnect from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering and raising crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection before putting the vehicle back into normal service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V527000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V527 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V527000 |
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 →