2003–2011 KME Aerialcat Recall: Equipment
NHTSA campaign 12V027000 · Equipment · filed Jan 30, 2012 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
KOVATCH MOBILE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION (KME) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003 THROUGH 2011 AERIALCAT MODEL FIRE TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN AERIAL BUCKET THAT IS OPERATED WITH ELECTRONIC CONTROLS AND A TURNTABLE THAT HAS HYDRAULIC CONTROLS. ON THESE VEHICLES, UPON ACTIVATION OF THE DEAD MAN S SWITCH ON THE TURNTABLE, THE LADDER MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE.
The risk
IF THE LADDER UNEXPECTEDLY MOVES, THE OPERATOR CAN LOSE CONTROL OF THE BUCKET LOCATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
KME WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE TRUCKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KOVATCH MOBILE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION AT 1-570-669-5154.
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
Other campaigns involving KME vehicles
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- 2025 KME Panther and 3 other models — A missing mechanical stop may allow the cab tilt cylinder…
- 2023–2025 KME Panther and 2 other models — Lower control arm retention bolts could become brittle and…
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 12V027000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.