Recall 18V237 covers 38 2012-2016 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator SS Pumper, and Predator Aerial vehicles for misrouted hoses. Free repair at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 38 2012-2016 Predator SS Pumper, Predator Pumper, and Predator Aerial vehicles equipped with Cummins ISX12 engines because braided hydraulic, air, or fuel cooler lines can contact the starter power stud. A leak with electrical arcing can raise the risk of a fire, and Kme dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2012-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper, Predator Aerial, and Predator Pumper vehicles use braided hydraulic, air, and fuel cooler lines near the Cummins ISX12 starter. The cab lift hydraulic hose carries pressurized fluid for raising the cab during service, while the air and fuel cooler lines route compressed air or fuel through the engine area. The starter power stud is an exposed connection that carries battery power to the starter motor.
On these vehicles, the cab lift hydraulic hose was not routed or secured with enough clearance near that starter power stud. The braided line can rub against the stud or connected ring terminals. Once the metal braid contacts that powered connection, it can arc, damage the hose, and create a leak. Hydraulic fluid near an electrical arc can ignite in the engine compartment.
There is no warning sign before failure. A crew member should not expect a light, gauge change, smell, or handling change before the hose contacts the powered starter connection.
Who's affected?
Spans the Predator SS Pumper, Predator Aerial, and Predator Pumper across the 2012-2016 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake hose.
| 2012 Kme Predator SS Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
|---|---|
| 2013 Kme Predator SS Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2016 Kme Predator Aerial | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2015 Kme Predator Aerial | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2012 Kme Predator Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2016 Kme Predator Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2015 Kme Predator Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2014 Kme Predator Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| 2013 Kme Predator Pumper | hydraulic brake hose |
| Units affected | 38 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A fluid leak near exposed wiring can arc between the power stud and the wire, raising the risk of a fire. There is no warning sign listed before this condition, so schedule the inspection promptly if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper, Predator Aerial, or Predator Pumper is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free hose-clearance inspection and repair.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the starter area, replace damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses, and add hose chafe guards to stop hose contact that can lead to leaks and arcing.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one, or reference recall number 18V237 when you call.
- Keep the vehicle parked and contact the dealer before driving if you see a fluid leak or signs of electrical arcing near the starter area.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the area around the starter and checks the cab lift hydraulic hoses for proper clearance. If any cab lift hydraulic hose is damaged, the dealer replaces it, then adds hose chafe guards to keep the hoses from rubbing or touching the starter power stud. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. For prior related repairs, contact Kme customer service and ask how the general reimbursement plan applies to documented expenses.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| May 18, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 21, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 22, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V237?
Recall 18V237 covers 38 2012-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper, Predator Aerial, and Predator Pumper vehicles with Cummins ISX12 engines. The cab lift hydraulic hoses, air lines, or fuel cooler lines can contact the starter power stud, creating leak and fire risk. Kme dealers inspect and repair the routing for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper, Predator Aerial, or Predator Pumper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V237. If it is, contact a Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to schedule the starter-area inspection, hose clearance correction, damaged-hose replacement, and chafe-guard installation. 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 covers the inspection, hose clearance correction, replacement of damaged cab lift hydraulic hoses, and added hose chafe guards free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V237?
The safety risk is fire. If a hydraulic, air, or fuel cooler line leaks near the starter power stud, arcing between the power stud and exposed wire can ignite the leaked fluid. The free dealer repair adds clearance and protection around that starter area.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V237000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V237 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V237000 |
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 →