NHTSA Recall 18V622000: Brake lights (exterior lighting)
Kovatch Mobile Equipment Corp. reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 111 vehicles. It affects 15 models including the Kme Commercial Pumper.
| NHTSA campaign | 18V622000 |
|---|---|
| Component | EXTERIOR LIGHTING › BRAKE LIGHTS |
| Report received | September 13, 2018 |
| Owner notification | November 2, 2018 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
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."
Safety risk
If the brake lights incorrectly illuminate, it can confuse other drivers, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Notes
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.
Vehicles covered by recall 18V622000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Kme Commercial Pumper | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Commercial Rescue | 2017, 2018 |
| Kme Commercial Tanker | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Commercial Wildland | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Predator Aerial | 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Predator Panther Aerial | 2018 |
| Kme Predator Panther Pumper | 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Predator Panther Tanker | 2018 |
| Kme Predator Pumper | 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Predator Rescue | 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Predator SS Aerial | 2018 |
| Kme Predator SS Pumper | 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Predator SS Tda | 2018 |
| Kme Predator Tanker | 2018, 2019 |
| Kme Predator Tda | 2018 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.