Recall 18V393 covers 12 2015-2018 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicles for tether-control failure. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 12 2015-2018 Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicles because an optional modular platform tether control can allow the aerial to keep carrying out its last command after the control is unplugged. If the aerial keeps moving, it can increase the risk of injury, and Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The aerial platform on 2015-2018 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicles is the raised work platform firefighters use from the truck. The modular platform tether control is the plug-in hand control that sends movement commands to that aerial platform. When it is connected and working normally, the operator controls platform movement from the tether.
On affected vehicles, the software did not include code for the moment when that tether control loses communication while the aerial is moving. If the plug backs out of the socket during operation, the aerial continues the last command instead of stopping. The updated program stops aerial movement and shows an error message if communication is lost for more than 250 milliseconds.
There is no warning sign before failure. The operator notices the problem when control is lost and the aerial keeps moving until the tether connection is restored or the updated software stops the command.
Who's affected?
Covers Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial apparatus across 4 model years, with equipment listed as the affected component.
| 2017 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Predator Aerial | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| Units affected | 12 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the aerial keeps moving after the tether is unplugged, someone near the apparatus can be injured. There is no warning sign before this movement, so keep people clear of the aerial controls and schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2018 Kme Predator Aerial or Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free software update that stops aerial movement when the tether control is unplugged.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V393 when you call.
- Avoid using the optional modular platform tether control until the software update is complete.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 with questions about scheduling or repair status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician installs updated software for the aerial platform controls. The update stops the aerial's movement when the modular platform tether control is unplugged during operation, instead of allowing the last command to continue. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. If you've already paid out of pocket for this software repair, Kme has a general reimbursement plan on file. Contact Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 with your repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 12, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 2, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 9, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 13, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 20, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V393?
Recall 18V393 covers 12 2015-2018 Kme Predator Aerial and Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicles with an aerial platform and optional modular platform tether control. If the tether control is unplugged while operating the aerial, the last command can continue. Kme dealers install updated software for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 Kme Predator Aerial or Predator SS Aerial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 18V393. If it is, contact a Kme dealer to schedule the software update that stops aerial movement when the tether control is unplugged. Reference recall number 18V393 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V393, Kme dealers install updated software that stops the aerial's movement when the tether control is unplugged, free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury from unintended aerial movement. If the tether control is unplugged while operating the aerial, the last command continues instead of stopping, which can put people near the platform or vehicle at risk. Kme's repair updates the software to stop that movement.
When did the recall repair start?
Kme began the recall repair on July 13, 2018. The remedy is available now through Kme dealers, who install the updated aerial-control software for free. Owners can also call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 with recall number 18V393.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V393000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V393 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V393000 |
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 →