2015–2016 KME Predator Recall: Affected gearboxes may shift out of gear from "road" to "neutral" while…
NHTSA campaign 16V129000 · Power Train · filed Mar 3, 2016 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Predator emergency vehicles manufactured from May 19, 2014, through August 15, 2015, equipped with K gearboxes manufactured by Hale Products, Inc. The affected gearboxes may shift out of gear from "road" to "neutral" while the vehicle is in transit.
The risk
An unexpected shift in the transmission could result in a vehicle crash.
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. The existing gearbox will be inspected and, where necessary, a replacement gearbox will be ordered and installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 8, 2016. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3926.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More KME Predator recalls
- 2023–2026 KME Panther and 6 other models — Actuator lever arm in the cab door latch may bind or become…
- 2020 KME Predator and 2 other models — In the event of a short circuit or wiring failure, the…
- 2021 KME Panther and 4 other models — A defect in the inversion valve may delay park brake…
- 2021 KME Predator and 3 other models — Steering gears may have been assembled incorrectly, which…
- 2020–2021 KME Predator and 1 other model — Fuel tubes between the fuel rail and the injectors for…
Other campaigns involving KME vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 16V129000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.