Kalmar Recalls 16,127 Ottawa T2 Terminal Tractors for Fire Risk

Kalmar Solutions is recalling 16,127 Ottawa T2 terminal tractors because damaged printed-circuit-board insulation can allow a short circuit and increase the risk of fire. Commercial Carrier Journal reported October 20 that the action covers model-year 2014 through 2026 Ottawa T2 4x2 units and model-year 2016 through 2026 T2 6x4 DOT/EPA terminal tractors. NHTSA identifies the campaign as recall 26V-648.

The reported failure can occur while a vehicle is parked, switched off and unoccupied. Although the root cause of the initial insulation breakdown has not been determined, recall documents say the existing electrical protection may not control a printed-circuit-board short. The defect generally may occur without warning, though some reports described unusual horn or lighting behavior before a failure.

Owners are advised to park affected tractors outdoors and away from structures until the repair is completed. Kalmar will rewire cabin power and add a 5-amp fuse to the printed circuit board at no charge. Owner notification letters are expected by December 4. The manufacturer has also described the campaign as a proactive safety update intended to isolate relevant electrical circuits and prevent thermal events.

Fleet managers should identify covered yard tractors by VIN, share the parking instruction with every affected terminal and contact an authorized service provider for scheduling. Drivers and yard teams should report unexplained horn, lighting, odor or electrical behavior immediately without attempting an improvised repair. Maintenance records should show which units were moved, inspected and corrected. Because these tractors often work close to docks, trailers and buildings, following the temporary parking guidance is an essential risk-control step rather than a routine paperwork exercise.