Recall 20V341 covers 107 Kme Predator, Predator Panther, Predator SS, and Commercialcab/ Chassis firetrucks with Telma retarder separation risk. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 107 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Predator, Predator Panther, Predator SS, and Commercialcab/ Chassis firetrucks equipped with optional Telma induction braking systems. The Telma axial retarder braking mechanism can separate while the vehicle is moving, increasing crash risk, and Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Telma retarder on these Kme firetrucks is an auxiliary braking device mounted in the driveline. It uses electromagnetic force to help slow the truck without relying only on the service brakes, which helps control speed and reduce brake heat during heavy operation. The unit has to stay tightly fastened to the chassis and driveline while the truck is moving.
On the recalled trucks, the retarder was installed with incorrectly sized mounting fasteners. Kme found that U.S. sized hardware was used where metric hardware was needed, so the mounting points do not hold the retarder as designed. As the truck runs, vibration and driveline loads can loosen that hardware until the retarder separates from the vehicle.
Owners or fleet mechanics can notice vibration from the driveline area or bolts that are loose during inspection. Treat either sign as a warning that the retarder mounting hardware needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Spans four Kme fire apparatus and chassis models across the listed model years, with the Telma driveline retarder tied to both brake system and driveline listings.
| 2011 Kme Predator | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Kme Predator | driveline |
| 2013 Kme Predator | brake system |
| 2013 Kme Predator | driveline |
| 2014 Kme Predator | brake system |
| 2014 Kme Predator | driveline |
| 2017 Kme Predator | brake system |
| 2017 Kme Predator | driveline |
| 2018 Kme Predator | brake system |
| 2018 Kme Predator | driveline |
| 2015 Kme Predator Panther | brake system |
| 2015 Kme Predator Panther | driveline |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2011 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2011 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2020 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2020 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2013 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2013 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS | brake system |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS | driveline |
| 2014 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis | brake system |
| 2014 Kme Commercialcab/ Chassis | driveline |
| Units affected | 107 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific truck.
What's the safety risk?
If the retarder separates from the vehicle, crash risk increases. Watch for vibration or loose bolts, and stop using the vehicle for service if either appears. Schedule the inspection soon so the mounting hardware can be checked and incorrect hardware replaced. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Kme Predator, Predator Panther, Predator SS, or Commercialcab/ Chassis firetruck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free Telma axial retarder hardware inspection and replacement that keeps the braking retarder secured to the vehicle.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V341 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary trips until the dealer confirms the retarder mounting hardware is correct.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-678-1910 with questions about the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the mounting hardware on the Telma axial retarder braking system and replaces any incorrect hardware. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you've already paid to fix this issue, Kme's owner notification directs you to contact Kme for reimbursement. Keep any paid invoices or repair paperwork so customer service can connect the prior work to this recall.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 10, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 20, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 27, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 31, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V341?
Recall 20V341 covers 107 Kme firetrucks equipped with optional Telma induction braking systems. The Telma axial retarder braking mechanism can separate from the vehicle while it is moving, increasing crash risk. Kme dealers will inspect the mounting hardware and replace incorrect hardware for free.
What should I do if my 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Kme Predator, Predator Panther, Predator SS, or Commercialcab/ Chassis is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific firetruck is included in recall 20V341. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the axial retarder mounting hardware inspection. Reference recall number 20V341 when you call. 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 will inspect the axial retarder mounting hardware and replace any incorrect hardware free of charge at a franchised Kme dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V341?
The safety risk is separation of the Telma axial retarder braking mechanism while the firetruck is moving. A separated retarder creates crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the dealer inspection and hardware replacement before returning the vehicle to regular service.
What if I bought the Kme firetruck used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether the specific firetruck is included, then call a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-678-1910 with recall number 20V341.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V341000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-678-1910 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V341 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V341000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →