Recall 23V798 affects 44 2021-2023 Kme Predator, Panther, and Severe Service fire trucks for delayed park brake engagement. Free repair at a franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 44 2021-2023 Redundant Predator, Severe Service, Predator, Redundant Panther, and Panther fire trucks because an inversion valve defect can delay park brake engagement. If the park brake does not engage on time, the truck can move unintentionally and increase the risk of a crash or injury; Kme dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The inversion valve is part of the air brake system that helps the parking brake apply when the operator sets it. On affected Kme 2021-2023 fire trucks, this valve is tied to park brake engagement, so the truck depends on it to route air pressure at the right time and confirm the brake has set.
The recalled valve was built out of specification because of a machining issue with the piston inside the valve. In plain terms, the piston was not centered the way it was designed to be. When that happens, the valve does not react as quickly as it should, and park brake engagement is delayed. That delay leaves the truck able to move after the operator expects it to be parked.
The warning sign is the missing normal audible set when the parking brake is applied. If the operator does not hear that sound, the park brake has not confirmed engagement in the expected way.
Who's affected?
Covers 5 Kme truck models across the 2021, 2022, and 2023 model years, all involving the same parking brake inversion valve.
| 2023 Kme Redundant Predator | Parking brake |
|---|---|
| 2022 Kme Severe Service | Parking brake |
| 2021 Kme Severe Service | Parking brake |
| 2022 Kme Redundant Predator | Parking brake |
| 2021 Kme Predator | Parking brake |
| 2022 Kme Redundant Panther | Parking brake |
| 2023 Kme Redundant Panther | Parking brake |
| 2023 Kme Severe Service | Parking brake |
| 2021 Kme Panther | Parking brake |
| Units affected | 44 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no 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?
Unintentional vehicle movement can increase the risk of a crash or injury. If the audible set signal is not heard, treat that as a warning sign and keep the vehicle secured until a dealer checks it. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2023 Kme Redundant Predator, Severe Service, Predator, Redundant Panther, or Panther fire truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free inversion-valve inspection and replacement that fixes delayed parking brake engagement.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V798 when you call.
- Secure the truck when parked until the repair is complete, because delayed park brake engagement lets the vehicle move unintentionally.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 with recall questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician inspects the inversion valves in the air brake system and replaces any valves that need replacement. The recall covers the parts and labor, so the repair is free. Kme has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this defect. If you've already paid for an inversion valve repair, contact Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 and ask what documentation is required.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 26, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 18, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| December 22, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 15, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 24, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V798?
Recall 23V798 covers 44 2021-2023 Kme Predator, Panther, and Severe Service fire trucks with an inversion-valve defect that can delay park brake engagement. That delay can let the vehicle move unintentionally, increasing crash or injury risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the inversion valves for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2023 Kme Redundant Predator, Severe Service, Predator, Redundant Panther, or Panther is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific fire truck is included in recall 23V798. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the inversion-valve inspection and replacement. Reference recall 23V798 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Kme dealers will inspect and replace the inversion valves for free. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unintentional vehicle movement. The inversion valve defect can delay park brake engagement, so an affected fire truck can move after the operator expects the park brake to hold. That increases the risk of a crash or injury until the dealer completes the free repair.
When were owners notified about recall 23V798?
Kme mailed owner notification letters on January 24, 2024. If you bought the fire truck used or never received a letter, the VIN check is still the deciding step. Use the VIN to confirm coverage before scheduling dealer service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V798000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V798 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V798000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →