Recall 19V577 covers 3 2018-2019 Kme Predator fire trucks for loose front shocks. Repair is free at a franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 3 2018-2019 Predator Pumper, Predator Tda, and Predator SS Aerial fire trucks because the front shocks can separate from the upper mount on the front suspension. A loose shock can damage the steering gear housing, cause a steering fluid leak, and lead to loss of power steering assist; Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front shock absorber on 2018-2019 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Tda, and Predator SS Aerial fire trucks helps control front suspension movement. It keeps the front axle from bouncing after bumps and helps the truck stay predictable while steering and braking. The upper mount holds the top of the shock in place so it can do that work.
On affected trucks, the shock mounting pocket was built too wide, and the supplied nut and bolt did not create enough clamp force at the specified torque. That lets the upper shock joint loosen. As the shock separates, it can move far enough to hit the steering gear housing, damage it, leak steering fluid, and reduce power steering assist.
Before full separation, the loose joint can rattle or clunk. A service inspection can find a shock eyelet that moves by hand. As the problem gets worse, the clunk gets louder, handling feels degraded, steering assist drops, or a steering fluid puddle appears under the truck.
Who's affected?
Covers three Predator fire truck configurations from the 2018 and 2019 model years, each tied to the front suspension.
| 2019 Kme Predator Pumper | front suspension |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kme Predator Tda | front suspension |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS Aerial | front suspension |
| Units affected | 3 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents 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?
A loose shock mount can damage the steering gear box housing, causing a leak and loss of hydraulic steering assist. That makes the vehicle harder to steer and increases the risk of a crash. Listen for rattles or clunks and watch for fluid on the ground, then schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Tda, or Predator SS Aerial is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free front-shock mount repair that keeps the shocks secured and protects the steering gear housing.
- Reference recall number 19V577 when you call, and ask whether Reyco Granning must coordinate parts with the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one; the dealer can still look up the recall by VIN and campaign number.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop service if the truck develops heavy steering or a steering fluid leak.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician, with Reyco Granning support, installs a new shock mount bolt and nut, hardened washer, and shims to keep the front shocks secured to the upper mount. The recall repair is available, and parts and labor are free. If you have already paid to fix this shock mount issue, the owner letter directs you to contact Kme for reimbursement. Bring proof of the completed repair and payment when you ask the service desk or Kme customer service about the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 6, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 3, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 20, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V577?
Recall 19V577 covers 3 2018-2019 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Tda, and Predator SS Aerial fire trucks with front shocks that can separate from the upper front suspension mount. A loose shock can damage the steering gear housing, causing a steering fluid leak and loss of power steering assist.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Tda, or Predator SS Aerial is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 19V577. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer and reference recall 19V577. Kme and Reyco Granning will work together on the shock mount hardware repair, and 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 states that the new shock mount bolt and nut, hardened washer, and shims will be installed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of hydraulic steering assist. If a front shock separates, it can hit and damage the steering gear housing, causing a steering fluid leak. Loss of power steering assist can make the fire truck harder to control and increase crash risk.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V577000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-765-543-5815 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V577 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V577000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →