Recall 21V097 covers 88 2013-2020 Kme Predator vehicles for rear-axle mount weld defects. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 88 2013-2020 Predator Pumper, Predator Panther Pumper, and Predator SS Pumper vehicles because rear axle suspension and torque rod mount welds were insufficient. Broken welds can let the mounts separate from the axle, leading to loss of control and a higher crash risk; Kme dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear suspension on the 2013-2020 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, Predator Panther Pumper, Predator SS Pumper, Predator SS Rescue, and Predator uses suspension mounts and torque rod mounts welded to the rear axle. Those mounts help hold the axle in the correct position while the suspension carries weight, absorbs road movement, and reacts to braking or acceleration. The torque rod mount is a locating point, so the welds are part of how the axle stays controlled under the truck.
On affected trucks, the weld instructions for this rear axle assembly were not followed during assembly. That left the welds that attach the suspension mounts and torque rod mounts insufficiently welded. With use, those welds can crack and break, allowing separation between the axle housing and the torque rod mount.
The warning sign is cracking in the welds, found during a visual inspection. Do not rely on a change in how the truck feels before inspection confirms the weld condition.
Who's affected?
Spans 6 Predator configurations across the 2013-2020 model years, all tied to the same rear suspension component.
| 2013 Kme Predator Pumper | suspension component |
|---|---|
| 2014 Kme Predator Pumper | suspension component |
| 2015 Kme Predator Pumper | suspension component |
| 2016 Kme Predator Pumper | suspension component |
| 2014 Kme Predator Rescue | suspension component |
| 2014 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | suspension component |
| 2015 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | suspension component |
| 2016 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | suspension component |
| 2017 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | suspension component |
| 2014 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2015 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2016 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2017 Kme Predator SS Rescue | suspension component |
| 2013 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2017 Kme Predator | suspension component |
| 2018 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | suspension component |
| 2019 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | suspension component |
| 2019 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2017 Kme Predator Pumper | suspension component |
| 2020 Kme Predator Panther Pumper | suspension component |
| 2020 Kme Predator SS Pumper | suspension component |
| 2018 Kme Predator SS Rescue | suspension component |
| Units affected | 88 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and Predator model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Broken welds can let the mounts separate from the axle, causing loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash. Cracked welds are visible during inspection, so treat any visible cracking as a reason to stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2020 Kme Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, Predator Panther Pumper, Predator SS Pumper, Predator SS Rescue, or Predator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free rear-axle weld inspection and repair that secures the suspension and torque-rod mounts to the axle.
- Reference recall number 21V097 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, ask the dealer to confirm the recall by VIN.
- Avoid using the vehicle until the rear-axle mount welds are inspected and any defects are repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the welds that attach the suspension mounts and torque rod mounts to the rear axle. If a weld defect is found, the technician repairs it. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. If you already paid out of pocket for rear axle weld or mount repairs tied to this defect, keep the repair paperwork and ask Kme customer service or the dealer how to submit documentation under the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 19, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 23, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 29, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 5, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 5, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V097?
Recall 21V097 covers 88 2013-2020 Kme Predator vehicles with rear-axle suspension mount and torque rod mount welds that were not welded enough. Broken welds can let the mounts separate from the axle, causing loss of control and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2013-2020 Kme Predator vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V097. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 to schedule the rear-axle weld inspection and any needed weld repair. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Kme dealers will inspect the rear-axle welds and repair defects free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles under recall 21V097.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. If the welds break, the suspension mounts or torque rod mounts can separate from the rear axle, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair path is an inspection of the welds and repair of any defect found.
When did recall 21V097 begin?
Kme began the recall on April 9, 2021. Owner notices and dealer repair instructions were tied to that recall launch, and the remedy is available. Check your VIN before scheduling service because the year and model alone do not confirm inclusion.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V097000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V097 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V097000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →