Recall 17V765 affects 74 2015-2018 Kme fire vehicles because corroded pressure-relief-valve rings reduce firefighting water pressure. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 74 2015-2018 Predator SS Tanker, Predator SS Pumper, and other fire apparatus equipped with Hale pressure relief valves in the water pumps used for fire fighting. Rings that secure the valves can corrode after water exposure, letting the valve open and reduce water pressure; that can hinder fire fighting efforts and increase the risk of injury, and Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Hale pressure relief valve is part of the water pump system on 2015-2018 Kme Predator and Commercial fire apparatus. Its job is to control pump pressure while crews flow water, so the pump can deliver steady pressure through hoses and nozzles during fire fighting. The valve is held in place by a retaining ring.
On affected vehicles, the retaining ring was made with material outside Hale's specification. After repeated water exposure, the ring can corrode. Once the ring weakens or fails, the pressure relief valve can open when it should stay closed. That reduces the water pressure available through the pump during fire fighting.
A service technician can spot corrosion on the retaining ring during routine service. Leakage at the relief valve assembly is another warning sign before the ring fails.
Who's affected?
Covers 7 Kme fire apparatus models across 2015-2018, all tied to the Equipment component.
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Tanker | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Pumper | Equipment |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| 2018 Kme Commercial Pumper | Equipment |
| 2017 Kme Commercial Pumper | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Commercial Pumper | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Commercial Pumper | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator Panther Aerial | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Pumper | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Pumper | Equipment |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | Equipment |
| Units affected | 74 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents 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 reduction in water pressure can hinder fire fighting efforts and increase injury risk. Corrosion on the retaining ring or leakage at the relief valve assembly is a warning sign; have the apparatus inspected and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2018 Kme Predator SS Tanker, Predator SS Pumper, Predator SS Aerial, Commercial Pumper, Predator Panther Aerial, Predator Aerial, or Predator Panther Pumper is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free remedy-kit installation for the Hale pressure relief valve issue that can reduce firefighting water pressure.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V765 when you call.
- Limit firefighting use until the remedy kit is installed; reduced pump pressure can hinder firefighting efforts.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926 with questions about scheduling or the repair kit.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician installs the remedy kit for the Hale pressure relief valves in the firefighting water pump system. The kit addresses valve retaining rings that corrode after water exposure and let the pressure relief valve open, reducing water pressure available for firefighting. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Kme's general reimbursement plan is on file for owners who already paid for this repair before recall service. Contact Kme customer service with your repair paperwork and ask how to submit documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 22, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 18, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| December 29, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 2, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 2, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 8, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V765?
Recall 17V765 covers 74 2015-2018 Kme fire apparatus vehicles equipped with Hale pressure relief valves in the water pumps. Corrosion can cause the retaining ring to fail, open the valve, and reduce water pressure available for fire fighting. Kme dealers install a remedy kit for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 Kme fire apparatus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 17V765. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule installation of the remedy kit. Reference recall number 17V765 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Kme dealers will install the remedy kit free of charge. You can also contact Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3926 with the recall number.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced water pressure during fire fighting. If the pressure relief valve opens after the retaining ring fails, the pump can lose pressure needed at the scene. That can hinder fire fighting efforts and increase the risk of injury.
When did the repair become available?
The recall repair began on January 8, 2018. Kme dealers install the remedy kit free of charge for included vehicles. If your vehicle was never repaired, check your VIN and schedule the repair with a franchised Kme dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V765000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3926 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V765 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V765000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - 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 →