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Campaign 18V172 Posted March 14, 2018 12 units

2007-2013 Kme Predator Recall 18V172: Spindle Cracks

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 18V172 covers 12 2007-2013 Kme Predator fire vehicles for front axle spindle cracks. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.

Kme is recalling 12 2007-2013 Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, Predator Aerial, Predator Tanker, and Predator SS Aerial vehicles with Timoney independent front suspensions because front axle spindle cracks can develop over time. A failed spindle can let a front wheel separate from the vehicle and increase crash risk, and Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The Timoney Independent Front Suspension on these 2007-2013 Kme Predator Tanker, Predator Rescue, Predator Aerial, Predator Pumper, and Predator SS Aerial vehicles supports the front of the truck and lets each front wheel move independently over uneven pavement. The spindle is the heavy axle end that holds the wheel hub in place and carries steering and road loads.

On affected vehicles, the spindle was not machined consistently during manufacturing. That leaves the transition area between the spindle shaft and mounting flange more vulnerable to fatigue cracks as the vehicle is driven. Over time, a crack can grow until the spindle fails. If that happens, a front wheel can separate from the vehicle.

There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or fleet mechanic should not expect a noise, warning light, or handling change before the spindle reaches the failure point.

Who's affected?

Covers five Predator fire apparatus configurations across the 2007-2013 model years, all tied to the front suspension.

2007 Kme Predator Tanker front suspension
2008 Kme Predator Rescue front suspension
2009 Kme Predator Rescue front suspension
2010 Kme Predator Rescue front suspension
2011 Kme Predator Rescue front suspension
Units affected12
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and Predator model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.

What's the safety risk?

If a wheel separates from the vehicle, crash risk increases. There is no warning sign before failure, so treat this as a serious axle issue and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2013 Kme Predator Tanker, Predator Rescue, Predator Aerial, Predator Pumper, or Predator SS Aerial is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free front axle spindle replacement that fixes the spindle fatigue cracks linked to front wheel separation.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V172 when you call.
  4. Ask Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 about repair timing if the dealer needs parts or scheduling help.
  5. Avoid unnecessary driving until the spindle replacement is complete.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Kme technician replaces the front axle spindle covered by recall 18V172. Parts and labor for the recall repair are free. If you already paid for front axle spindle work tied to this recall, ask Kme customer service or the dealer how to submit repair documentation. Kme states that dealers and customers will be reimbursed for all parts and labor costs connected to this repair.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

March 14, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
April 23, 2018 Dealer notification began
April 27, 2018 Dealer notification ended
April 30, 2018 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
May 2, 2018 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V172?

Recall 18V172 covers 12 2007-2013 Kme Predator Tanker, Predator Rescue, Predator Aerial, Predator Pumper, and Predator SS Aerial vehicles with Timoney independent front suspensions. Inconsistent spindle machining can lead to fatigue cracks, spindle failure, and front wheel separation. Kme dealers replace the front axle spindle for free.

What should I do if my 2007-2013 Kme Predator is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V172. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to schedule the front axle spindle replacement. Reference recall 18V172 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's remedy says dealers will replace the front axle spindle free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Kme dealer.

What is the safety risk in recall 18V172?

The safety risk is front wheel separation from the vehicle. The recall filing says fatigue cracks can develop in the front axle spindles over time, leading to spindle failure and wheel separation. That condition can increase the risk of a crash.

When did the recall repair become available?

The recall repair began on May 2, 2018. Because the remedy is available, affected owners can contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to arrange the free front axle spindle replacement.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V172000
Kme customer service1-800-235-3928
NHTSA recall #18V172
NHTSA recall # (full)18V172000

Source documents

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 →