Recall 20V192 affects 678 2016-2020 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis, Predator Panther, and Predator vehicles for battery-jumper-stud corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 678 2016-2020 Predator, Predator Panther, and Commercialcab/ Chassis emergency vehicles because corrosion can build up between the positive battery jumper stud and its retaining ring, creating an electrical short circuit. A drained battery can keep the vehicle from operating during an emergency, increasing injury risk, and Kme dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive battery jumper stud on 2016-2020 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis, Predator Panther, and Predator trucks is an external electrical connection point for battery power. It lets service personnel connect jumper cables or power equipment without going directly to the battery. The retaining ring holds that stud in place near the battery mounting tray.
On affected trucks, a small gap sits between the positive jumper stud and the retaining ring. Road salt and corrosion byproducts can build up in that gap if the oil-based corrosion coating breaks down, was not applied well enough, or gets washed or rubbed away. Once that material bridges the stud and ring, electricity can travel where it should not, causing a short circuit.
The warning sign is visible corrosion on the positive jumper stud or its connections. If that area looks crusted, discolored, or dirty around the stud and mounting plate, the connection needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Spans Commercialcab/ Chassis, Predator Panther, and Predator trucks across 5 model years, all tied to the same battery-cable corrosion preventative.
| 2019 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis | battery |
|---|---|
| 2019 Kme Predator Panther | battery |
| 2019 Kme Predator | battery |
| 2018 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis | battery |
| 2017 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis | battery |
| 2016 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis | battery |
| 2018 Kme Predator Panther | battery |
| 2020 Kme Predator Panther | battery |
| 2016 Kme Predator | battery |
| 2016 Kme Predator Panther | battery |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther | battery |
| 2017 Kme Predator | battery |
| 2018 Kme Predator | battery |
| 2020 Kme Predator | battery |
| Units affected | 678 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents 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?
A short circuit can drain the battery and leave the emergency vehicle unable to operate, which increases injury risk during an emergency. Corrosion on the positive jumper stud and connections is the visible warning sign. If your VIN is included, schedule the cleaning and sealing repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2020 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis, Predator Panther, or Predator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free jumper-stud cleaning and sealing repair that stops corrosion from causing an electrical short and battery drain.
- Ask the dealer whether the vehicle needs service before it is used for emergency response.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one, or reference recall number 20V192 when you call.
- Avoid relying on the vehicle for emergency response until the jumper-stud corrosion repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician cleans the positive battery jumper studs, connection surfaces, and related connections where corrosion can build up. The technician then seals the connection surfaces and wire terminals with silicone electrical sealant. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this electrical connection repair, Kme's standard reimbursement plan covers documented eligible expenses. Bring repair invoices and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact Kme customer service about the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 2, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| May 15, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 18, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 18, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V192?
Recall 20V192 covers 678 2016-2020 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis, Predator Panther, and Predator vehicles with corrosion at the positive battery jumper stud. The corrosion can cause an electrical short circuit that drains the battery and prevents the emergency vehicle from operating. Kme dealers clean and seal the connections for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2020 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis, Predator Panther, or Predator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V192. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the battery jumper stud cleaning and sealing. Reference recall number 20V192 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. Kme dealers will clean the jumper studs, connection surfaces, and connections, then seal the connection surfaces and wire terminals with silicone electrical sealant free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of emergency vehicle availability. An electrical short circuit can drain the battery and prevent the vehicle from operating, increasing injury risk during an emergency. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair before relying on the vehicle for emergency service.
When did Kme start this recall repair?
Kme began the recall on May 18, 2020. Because the repair is available, owners with an included VIN can contact a franchised Kme dealer now for the free battery jumper stud cleaning, connection sealing, and related service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V192000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V192 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V192000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →