2017–2019 KME Commercial Pumper, 2017–2018 KME Commercial Rescue, 2017–2019 KME Commercial Tanker and 12 other models Recall: Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may…
NHTSA campaign 18V622000 · Exterior Lighting · filed Sep 13, 2018 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. (KME) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Commercial Pumper, Commercial Rescue, Commercial Tanker, Commercial Wildland, 2018-2019 Predator Aerial, Predator Panther Pumper, Predator Pumper, Predator Rescue, Predator SS Pumper, Predator Tanker, 2018 Predator Panther Aerial, Predator Panther Tanker, Predator SS Aerial, Predator SS TDA, and Predator TDA vehicles equipped with Whelen accessory brake lights. Depending on the specific wiring of the vehicle, these brake lights may illuminate when the brake pedal has not been pressed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
The risk
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a 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, and dealers will replace the brake lights, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact KME customer service at 1-800-235-3928.
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 Commercial Pumper recalls
- 2017–2020 KME Commercial Pumper and 11 other models — Lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light…
- 2014–2019 KME Commercial Pumper and 8 other models — Lock for the gas springs that support the sliding, lift-up…
- 2015–2018 KME Commercial Pumper and 6 other models — Rings securing the valves may corrode over time after…
Other campaigns involving KME vehicles
- 2023–2026 KME Panther and 6 other models — Actuator lever arm in the cab door latch may bind or become…
- 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 18V622000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.