Recall 23V808 covers 69 2020-2023 Kme fire apparatus trucks for overloaded electrical circuits. Firmware update is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
Kme is recalling 69 2020-2023 Aerial Fire Apparatus and S-180 Pumper fire apparatus trucks under recall 23V808 because a short circuit or wiring failure can leave the vehicle multiplex system output pin on. That can overload electrical circuits and raise the risk of fire; Kme dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 8 x 16 Input Output Node in the 2020-2023 Kme Aerial Fire Apparatus, S-180 Pumper, Aerial, Pumper Fire Apparatus, and Ladder Tower Apparatus is part of the truck's multiplex electrical system. That system lets one control module manage electrical outputs across the apparatus, such as signals sent to powered equipment and body wiring. The node is supposed to sense excess current and shut off an output when wiring shorts.
On the affected trucks, the firmware calibration for current sensing was outside specification. If an external load or wiring fault creates a short circuit, the firmware can leave the electrical contact called the output pin on instead of shutting it down. That keeps current moving through the circuit and can overload wiring.
For owners and fleet technicians, the key point is that the firmware version determines whether the unit is included in NHTSA campaign 23V808. There is no warning sign before failure, so do not rely on symptoms before arranging the recall repair.
Who's affected?
The scope spans fire apparatus from the 2020 through 2023 model years, with the same wiring component named across the listed configurations.
| 2022 Kme Aerial Fire Apparatus | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2021 Spartan Fire S-180 Pumper | wiring |
| 2022 Smeal Aerial | wiring |
| 2020 Kme Aerial Fire Apparatus | wiring |
| 2020 Spartan Fire S-180 Pumper | wiring |
| 2023 Smeal Aerial | wiring |
| 2021 Kme Pumper Fire Apparatus | wiring |
| 2022 Spartan Fire S-180 Pumper | wiring |
| 2021 Kme Aerial Fire Apparatus | wiring |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Ladder Tower Apparatus | wiring |
| Units affected | 69 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year, make, and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overloaded electrical circuit can overheat and increase the risk of fire. There is no warning sign before the issue occurs, so schedule the recall repair soon and avoid delaying service once your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2023 Kme Aerial Fire Apparatus, S-180 Pumper, Aerial, Pumper Fire Apparatus, or Ladder Tower Apparatus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free firmware update that helps the multiplex system shut off output pins after a short circuit or wiring failure.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V808 when you call.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-517-543-6400 with questions about timing, parts, or service instructions.
- Avoid operating the apparatus until the repair is scheduled if you see electrical overheating, burning smell, smoke, or circuit issues.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician works with the equipment manufacturer to update the vehicle multiplex system firmware. The software update is free under the recall, and parts and labor for the recall work are covered. If you already paid for a related pre-production remedy, Weldon evaluates reimbursement individually. Bring documentation for the prior repair and ask the service desk how to submit it through the manufacturer process tied to this campaign.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 1, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 8, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| January 12, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 15, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 17, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V808?
Recall 23V808 covers 69 2020-2023 Kme fire apparatus trucks with multiplex-system firmware that can leave an output pin on after a short circuit or wiring failure. That can overload electrical circuits and raise fire risk. Spartan Fire will work with the equipment manufacturer to update the firmware for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2023 Kme Aerial Fire Apparatus, S-180 Pumper, Aerial, Pumper Fire Apparatus, or Ladder Tower Apparatus is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific apparatus is included in recall 23V808. If it is, contact Spartan Fire customer service at 1-517-543-6400 to arrange the free multiplex-system firmware update. Reference recall number 23V808 and Spartan Fire recall number 23020 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost, and Spartan Fire says it will work with the equipment manufacturer to update the firmware free of charge. The free repair applies to covered vehicles in recall 23V808.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V808?
The safety risk is fire. NHTSA campaign 23V808 says a short circuit or wiring failure can leave an output pin active in the multiplex system, overloading electrical circuits. Overloaded circuits can overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
When were owners notified about recall 23V808?
Spartan Fire mailed owner notification letters on January 17, 2024. If you operate or maintain a covered 2020-2023 Kme apparatus and never received a letter, check your VIN and contact Spartan Fire customer service with recall number 23V808.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V808000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-517-543-6400 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V808 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V808000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →