Recall 23V818 affects 22 2020 Kme Severe Service, Predator, and Metrostar trucks for multiplex firmware that overloads circuits. Repair is free at franchised Kme dealers.
Kme is recalling 22 2020 Severe Service, Predator, and Metrostar trucks because firmware in the vehicle multiplex system can fail to shut off an output pin after a short circuit or wiring failure. This can overload electrical circuits that overheat and increase fire risk, so Kme dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The affected 2020 Kme Severe Service, Predator, and Metrostar trucks use an 8 x 16 Input Output Node in the vehicle multiplex system. That node is an electronic control box that receives switch signals and turns electrical circuits on or off. In normal operation, it also senses excess current and shuts down an output before a shorted circuit overloads the wiring.
On these trucks, the current sensing calibration in certain node firmware was outside specification. During an external short circuit or wiring failure, the firmware does not shut off the output pin as designed. That leaves the circuit energized, which overloads the wiring and can overheat or melt external wiring.
The affected range is tied to the firmware version on the node, with version 1.00 to 1.02 included in the recall. This issue can happen without warning. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Severe Service, Predator, and Metrostar trucks all use the same multiplex input output node wiring named in the recall.
| 2020 Kme Severe Service | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2020 Kme Predator | wiring |
| 2020 Spartan Fire Metrostar | wiring |
| Units affected | 22 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching 2020 model name does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overloaded electrical circuit can overheat and increase the risk of fire. This issue has no warning sign, so take unusual electrical behavior, smoke, or burning smells seriously and contact a dealer before operating the vehicle again. Repair is free at any franchised Kme dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Kme Severe Service, Predator, or Metrostar is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the free multiplex-system firmware update that helps stop overloaded electrical circuits from overheating.
- Bring the recall notice if Kme mailed one, and reference recall number 23V818 when you call.
- Call Kme customer service at 1-800-235-3928 with questions about the firmware update.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kme technician works with the equipment manufacturer to update the vehicle multiplex system firmware. The update is free under the recall, and owner letters were mailed January 24, 2024. The firmware update addresses the output pin shutdown problem that overloads electrical circuits after a short circuit or wiring failure. If you already paid for a related firmware remedy before the recall repair, keep your repair paperwork. Weldon evaluates reimbursement for those pre-recall remedies individually, so ask the service desk or Kme customer service how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 6, 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 24, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V818?
Recall 23V818 covers 22 2020 Kme Severe Service, Predator, and Metrostar trucks with multiplex system firmware that fails to shut off an output pin after a short circuit or wiring failure. That can overload electrical circuits and overheat them, increasing fire risk. Dealers will update the firmware for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Kme Severe Service, Predator, or Metrostar is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 23V818. If it is, contact a franchised Kme dealer to schedule the multiplex system firmware update. Reference recall number 23V818 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kme says dealers will work with the equipment manufacturer to update the firmware free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Kme dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The fire risk comes from overloaded electrical circuits. In a short circuit or wiring failure, the multiplex system firmware fails to shut off the output pin, which overloads circuits and lets them overheat. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free firmware update.
When were owners notified about recall 23V818?
Kme mailed owner notification letters on January 24, 2024. If you own a 2020 Severe Service, Predator, or Metrostar truck and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall number 23V818 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V818000 |
|---|---|
| Kme customer service | 1-800-235-3928 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V818 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V818000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →