Recall 20V006 affects 6 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Kme Firestix aerial devices for missing swing-drive oil. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 6 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Firestix aerial devices under recall 20V006 because the swing drives need to be checked for missing lubricating oil. A dry swing drive can damage or seize the internal gears, cause uncontrolled ladder movement, and raise injury risk; Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The swing drive on the Kme Firestix aerial device is the geared unit that turns the aerial structure on its turntable. On these 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Firestix units, the swing drives sit under the turntable with the drive gear on top. When the operator rotates the aerial device, the swing drive transfers motor force through internal gears so the structure moves smoothly and stays controlled.
The problem is lubrication. Kme traced recall 20V006 to a missed production step where the swing drive was not filled with lubricating oil. Without that oil, the internal gears run metal against metal. The gears become damaged, and the swing drive can seize instead of rotating as commanded.
The warning sign is a grinding noise from inside the swing drive. If an operator hears grinding while moving the aerial device, the drive needs inspection for oil before continued use.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 model years under the same equipment component.
| 2017 Kme Firestix | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 2014 Kme Firestix | Equipment |
| 2015 Kme Firestix | Equipment |
| 2013 Kme Firestix | Equipment |
| 2012 Kme Firestix | Equipment |
| Units affected | 6 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Damaged or seizing swing drive gears can let the ladder move without control, increasing the risk of injury. Grinding noises from inside the swing drive are the warning sign. Stop ladder operation and call the dealer if you hear them. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Kme Firestix is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free swing-drive inspection and repair that addresses missing lubricating oil, internal gear damage, and uncontrolled ladder movement.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V006 when you call.
- Keep the aerial ladder out of service until the dealer confirms the swing drives contain lubricating oil or completes the rebuild.
- 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 inspects the swing drives to confirm whether they contain lubricating oil. If a swing drive lacks oil, the dealer rebuilds it so the internal gears are protected from damage and seizing. The inspection and repair are free under the recall. If you already paid to fix this issue before receiving the owner letter, Kme directs owners to contact Kme for reimbursement. Have your repair paperwork ready when you call customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 8, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 17, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 21, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 24, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 25, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V006?
Recall 20V006 covers 6 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017 Kme Firestix aerial devices with swing drives that lack lubricating oil. Damaged or seizing internal gears can allow uncontrolled ladder movement and raise injury risk. Kme dealers will inspect the swing drives and rebuild affected units for free.
What should I do if my 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 Kme Firestix is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Firestix is included in recall 20V006. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to schedule the swing-drive inspection. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost. For recall 20V006, Kme dealers will inspect the swing drives and rebuild them for free if they do not contain the required lubricating oil.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is uncontrolled ladder movement. If the swing drive's internal gears become damaged or start seizing, the ladder can move without proper control and increase injury risk. Confirm inclusion by VIN, then arrange the free inspection and rebuild through a Kme dealer.
When did the Kme Firestix recall repair start?
The recall repair began on February 25, 2020. Kme's remedy is available, so included owners can contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to schedule the free swing-drive inspection and any needed rebuild.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V006000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V006 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V006000 |
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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →