Recall 22V607 covers 11 2021-2022 Kme Predator SS, Predator Panther, Predator, and Redundant Predator fire trucks for fracture-prone steering gears. Free Kme dealer repair.
Kme is recalling 11 2021-2022 Predator SS, Predator Panther, Predator, and Redundant Predator fire trucks because Sheppard steering gears were assembled incorrectly and can fracture. A fractured steering gear can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk; the Kme dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The Sheppard Master Steering Gear on 2021-2022 Kme Predator SS, Predator Panther, Predator, and Redundant Predator fire trucks is the main gear box that turns steering wheel input into movement at the front wheels. Inside the gear, recirculating balls roll through a track to reduce friction and help the worm shaft move smoothly under heavy steering loads.
On affected trucks, the steering gear was assembled without the required number of recirculating balls. That assembly problem puts abnormal load on the worm shaft, the internal shaft that carries steering force through the gear. Under use, the worm shaft can fracture, which leaves the steering gear unable to carry the driver's steering input as designed.
Before the internal fracture, the driver can feel the steering become strained or unusually heavy. There is no audible or visual warning sign before failure, so a strained steering feel is the warning sign to take seriously.
Who's affected?
Spans four Predator configurations across the 2021 and 2022 model years, all tied to the steering system.
| 2021 Kme Predator SS | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2022 Kme Predator SS | steering system |
| 2022 Kme Predator Panther | steering system |
| 2021 Kme Predator | steering system |
| 2022 Kme Redundant Predator | steering system |
| 2021 Kme Predator Panther | steering system |
| Units affected | 11 |
| 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 truck.
What's the safety risk?
A fractured steering gear can cause loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash. The steering can feel strained before the internal fracture, and there is no audible or visual warning. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection soon and avoid driving if steering feels strained. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2022 Kme Predator SS, Predator Panther, Predator, or Redundant Predator is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free steering-gear inspection and replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 22V607 when you call.
- Ask the dealer to inspect the steering-gear serial numbers and replace any steering gear tied to the fracture risk.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, since a fractured steering gear can cause loss of steering control.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the steering gear serial numbers and replaces any steering gear covered by the recall. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free. Kme has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related steering gear repair before the recall work. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact Kme customer service, so they can review the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 1, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
|---|---|
| August 9, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 15, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| August 22, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 5, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 3, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V607?
Recall 22V607 covers 11 2021-2022 Kme Predator SS, Predator Panther, Predator, and Redundant Predator fire trucks with Sheppard steering gears assembled incorrectly. The gears can fracture, causing loss of steering control and raising crash risk. Kme dealers will inspect and replace the steering gears for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Kme Predator SS, Predator Panther, Predator, or Redundant Predator is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 22V607. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the steering gear serial-number inspection. The dealer will replace the steering gear as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kme dealers will inspect the steering gear serial numbers and replace the steering gears as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 22V607?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. Kme reported that an incorrectly assembled Sheppard steering gear can fracture, which can cause the driver to lose steering control and raise crash risk. Confirm the VIN before scheduling the free dealer inspection.
When were owners notified about recall 22V607?
Kme mailed owner notification letters on October 3, 2022. If you manage or bought one of these fire trucks and never received a notice, check your VIN and reference recall 22V607 when you call a franchised Kme dealer or Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V607000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V607 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V607000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →