Recall 18V433 covers 13 2016-2018 Kme Predator emergency vehicles with tip lifting devices that lack required load rating. Free repair at franchised Kme dealers.
Kme is recalling 13 2016-2018 Predator, Predator SS, and Predator SS Aerial emergency vehicles because the optional tip mounted lifting device on the aerial ladder does not meet the specified load rating or safety factor. Using the device at its rated load can deform it and increase injury risk; Kme dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
On 2016-2018 Kme Predator, Predator SS Aerial, and Predator SS emergency vehicles, the tip mounted lifting device is an attachment at the end of the aerial ladder. It is used when the ladder is positioned to lift equipment or a load from the ladder tip. The device has to hold its rated load with an added safety margin, so the ladder crew is not relying on metal at its limit.
On affected vehicles, the lifting device was built with material properties that were not strong enough for the specified load rating and safety factor. During use, the device can deflect and stay bent instead of returning to its normal shape. That permanent bending shows the part has been stressed past what it was meant to carry. The corrected component uses a larger diameter bar.
The warning sign is visible deflection of the lifting device. If the bar or device appears bent after training or lifting work, treat that as a sign the lifting device has begun to fail.
Who's affected?
Spans three Predator variants across the 2016-2018 model years, all tied to the same equipment component.
| 2017 Kme Predator | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Aerial | Equipment |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS | Equipment |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS | Equipment |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS | Equipment |
| Units affected | 13 |
| 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?
Using the tip lifting device at its rated load can deform the device and increase the risk of injury. If the lifting device visibly deflects, stop using it and have the dealer replace it before another lift. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Kme Predator, Predator SS Aerial, or Predator SS is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free tip lifting device replacement that fixes the under-rated aerial ladder lifting equipment.
- Stop using the tip mounted lifting device until the replacement is complete; the device can deform under the rated load.
- Bring the owner notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V433 when you call.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 with questions about scheduling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician replaces the tip lifting device covered by recall 18V433. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Kme has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented prior repairs tied to this condition. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related tip lifting device repair, bring the repair paperwork and payment documentation to the service desk or contact Kme customer service for reimbursement instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 27, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 10, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V433?
Recall 18V433 covers 13 2016-2018 Kme Predator, Predator SS Aerial, and Predator SS emergency vehicles with an aerial ladder and optional tip mounted lifting device. The device does not meet the specified load rating or safety factor. Kme dealers replace the tip lifting device for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Kme Predator, Predator SS Aerial, or Predator SS is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific emergency vehicle is included in recall 18V433. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule replacement of the tip lifting device. Reference recall 18V433 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 18V433, Kme dealers replace the tip lifting device free of charge. Kme customer service is also listed at 1-800-235-3928 for owner questions.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury during lifting-device use. The optional tip mounted lifting device does not meet its specified load rating or safety factor. Lifting the rated load can deform the device, increasing injury risk. The repair path is replacement of the device at no cost.
When did Kme notify owners about recall 18V433?
Kme notified owners, and the recall began July 26, 2018. Because that date has passed, owners who never received a notice should check the VIN and call a franchised Kme dealer with recall number 18V433 before using the tip mounted lifting device.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V433000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V433 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V433000 |
Source documents
-
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 →