Recall 15V140 affects 311 2014-2015 Kalmar Ottawa T2 terminal tractors for misrouted battery ground cables. Repair is free at any franchised Kalmar dealer.
Kalmar is recalling 311 2014-2015 Ottawa T2 terminal tractors under recall 15V140 because an improperly routed battery ground cable can detach from the transmission and send excessive current through the engine harness. If the harness melts, it can short electrically and increase fire risk; Kalmar dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The battery ground cable on 2014-2015 Kalmar Ottawa T2 terminal tractors gives electrical current a return path back to the battery. During engine cranking, that cable carries heavy current through its ground point on the transmission. The system depends on the cable staying tight and being routed so it can move without stressing the end fitting.
On affected tractors, the ground cable was routed too tightly. Because the cable cannot flex as the drivetrain moves, the eyelet at the transmission is bent again and again until it fails from fatigue. Once that ground path is lost, cranking current finds another route through the engine harness. Those harness wires are not built to carry that load, so the insulation can melt and start a fire.
There is no warning sign before failure. The cable eyelet can fatigue and separate without giving the driver a light, noise, or clear change in operation first.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same battery-cable component, so the VIN is the deciding check for an individual truck.
| 2014 Kalmar Ottawa T2 | battery |
|---|---|
| 2015 Kalmar Ottawa T2 | battery |
| Units affected | 311 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A melting engine harness can create an electrical short and increase the risk of a fire. Because the defect involves wiring and fire risk, schedule the repair soon and avoid delaying service once your VIN is confirmed. Repair is free at any franchised Kalmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Kalmar Ottawa T2 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kalmar dealer to schedule the free battery-cable replacement and routing correction that keeps the ground cable attached and prevents engine-harness melting.
- Bring the recall notice if Kalmar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V140 when you call.
- Limit use until the repair is complete, and stop using the tractor if the battery cable or engine harness shows heat damage.
- Call Kalmar customer service at 1-785-229-6327 with questions about scheduling or dealer support.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kalmar technician replaces the battery ground cable and corrects the cable routing so it no longer pulls against its transmission attachment point. The repair is meant to keep excessive current from traveling through the engine harness and melting it. The recall repair is available now, and the replacement parts and labor are free. Kalmar customer service can also confirm dealer handling for this campaign.
Timeline
| March 11, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 24, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| March 26, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 31, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 31, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V140?
Recall 15V140 covers 311 2014-2015 Kalmar Ottawa T2 terminal tractors built from June 20, 2014, to November 14, 2014. The battery ground cable can detach at the transmission, sending excess current through the engine harness and melting it.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Kalmar Ottawa T2 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific terminal tractor is included in recall 15V140. If it is, contact a franchised Kalmar dealer to schedule the battery cable replacement and routing correction. Reference recall number 15V140 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost. Kalmar's remedy states dealers will replace the battery cable and correct its routing free of charge, eliminating stress on the cable attachment point.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V140?
The safety risk is an electrical short and fire. If the battery ground cable detaches, excess current can travel through the engine harness and melt it. Kalmar's free dealer repair replaces the cable and corrects the routing that caused the stress.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V140000 |
|---|---|
| Kalmar customer service | 1-785-229-6327 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V140 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V140000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →