Recall 19V528 affects 529 2016-2020 KME Predator fire trucks for hydraulic velocity fuses that fail to lock a raised cab. Repair is free at a franchised KME dealer.
Kme is recalling 529 2016-2020 Predator Panther Pumper, Predator SS Pumper, and other Predator-series fire apparatus under recall 19V528 because the hydraulic velocity fuses that hold the cab open can fail to activate during a hydraulic system failure. If the cab drops on someone working underneath, it can cause injury, and Kme dealers will inspect and repair the cab support system free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The cab on these Kme fire apparatus tilts forward on a hydraulic lift system so technicians can reach the engine for service. A cylinder pushes the cab up and holds it open while work is done, then lowers it under controlled pressure. Inside that hydraulic circuit sits a velocity fuse, a small safety valve designed to snap shut and lock the cab in place if a hose bursts or a line fails while the cab is raised.
On affected trucks, the velocity fuse is rated to trip at a flow rate too close to the flow produced by some hydraulic failures. When a line fails in that range, the fuse does not close. The cab then drops quickly instead of staying locked open, and anyone working underneath is in the path of a closing cab. The remedy fuse is rated to activate at a lower flow, so it catches failures the original part missed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect only shows itself when the hydraulic system fails with the cab raised.
Who's affected?
Spans 14 Predator and Predator Panther variants (pumper, rescue, aerial, tanker, TDA, and SS configurations) across five model years, all built on the same hood hinge assembly.
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Pumper | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Rescue | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Aerial | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Tda | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Aerial | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther Aerial | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Tanker | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Tanker | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Aerial | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Pumper | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Aerial | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Panther Aerial | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Panther Tanker | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS Pumper | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Tda | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Aerial | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Pumper | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Pumper | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Rescue | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Rescue | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Tanker | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Tda | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Pumper | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Panther Aerial | body structure |
| 2020 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther Tanker | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Panther Tanker | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Rescue | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther Rescue | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator Panther Rescue | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator Panther Rescue | body structure |
| 2020 Kme Predator Panther Tanker | body structure |
| 2020 Kme Predator Pumper | body structure |
| 2020 Kme Predator SS Pumper | body structure |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Rescue | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS Rescue | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Tda | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS Aerial | body structure |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS Tda | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Tanker | body structure |
| 2016 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | body structure |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | body structure |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper | body structure |
| Units affected | 529 |
| 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 in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
If the velocity fuses fail to engage, the cab can drop onto anyone working underneath and cause serious injury. Keep people out from under a raised cab until the fuses have been replaced, and use approved stands or props for any service work in the meantime. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 KME Predator apparatus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised KME dealer to schedule the velocity-fuse replacement that fixes the cab-lift hold function.
- Call KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928 with questions, and reference recall number 19V528 when you call.
- Keep crew members out from under the cab until the velocity fuses are replaced.
- Bring the recall notice to the appointment if KME has mailed one; if not, reference recall number 19V528 at the service desk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a KME technician replaces the velocity fuses for each cab lift cylinder. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you previously paid out of pocket to address this hydraulic fuse issue, KME has a reimbursement path: the owner notification letter directs you to contact KME customer service to start a claim. Bring your repair receipts and any related documentation when you call so the service team can confirm eligibility and walk you through the next step.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 12, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 29, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| July 29, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 23, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 29, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V528?
Recall 19V528 covers 529 2016-2020 KME Predator fire apparatus, including Pumper, Rescue, Aerial, Tanker, and TDA configurations. The hydraulic velocity fuses on the cab lift cylinders can fail to activate, letting the cab drop onto anyone working underneath. KME dealers will replace the fuses for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 KME Predator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific apparatus is included in recall 19V528. If it is, contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to arrange the velocity fuse replacement through a KME dealer. Reference recall number 19V528 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. KME dealers will replace the velocity fuses on each cab lift cylinder free of charge, regardless of where the apparatus was originally purchased or who currently owns it.
What is the safety risk?
If a hydraulic system failure happens while the cab is being raised or lowered, the velocity fuses are supposed to lock the cab in place. When they fail to activate, the cab can drop quickly and strike anyone working underneath, causing serious injury. Keep personnel clear of the cab area until the fuses are replaced.
What if I bought my KME Predator used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If KME never contacted you, check your VIN to confirm the apparatus is included in recall 19V528, then call KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to schedule the velocity fuse replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V528000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V528 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V528000 |
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 →