Recall 20V020 affects 22 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E vehicles for transmission speed sensor interference. Repair is free at a franchised Kalmar dealer.
Kalmar is recalling 22 2019 Ottawa T2E battery electric vehicles because electromagnetic interference can disrupt the transmission tailshaft speed sensor and trigger an unexpected shift. Unexpected transmission movement can make the vehicle move when the driver does not expect it, increasing crash risk; Kalmar dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission tailshaft speed sensor on the 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E reads how fast the output end of the transmission is turning. The transmission uses that signal to choose and hold the correct gear as the battery electric drivetrain sends power to the wheels.
On affected Ottawa T2E vehicles, electromagnetic interference reaches that sensor and distorts the speed signal. When the transmission receives bad speed information, it can shift erratically instead of staying in the expected gear. That erratic shifting can make the vehicle move unexpectedly, which is the safety concern in NHTSA campaign 20V020.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is electrical interference at the sensor, not a wear item that gives the driver a noise, leak, smell, or dashboard warning before the unexpected shift.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 22 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
Not every 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E truck is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected transmission shifting can make the Ottawa T2E move when the driver does not intend it, increasing the risk of a crash. Use extra care when shifting and schedule recall service soon. Repair is free at any franchised Kalmar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kalmar dealer to schedule the free transmission tail shaft speed sensor replacement and software update that stops interference from causing unexpected transmission shifts.
- Bring the recall notice if Kalmar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V020 when you call.
- Limit use until the repair is complete, and leave extra space around the vehicle when shifting or parking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kalmar technician replaces the transmission tail shaft speed sensor and updates the related software so the transmission does not shift unexpectedly from sensor interference. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. For a repair already paid before the recall notice, Kalmar's general reimbursement plan is the path for a documented claim. Bring proof of payment and repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Kalmar customer service for the claim process tied to this campaign.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 15, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 10, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 10, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 12, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 12, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V020?
Recall 20V020 covers 22 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E battery electric vehicles with a transmission tailshaft speed sensor that can be affected by electromagnetic interference. That interference can make the transmission shift unexpectedly and cause unexpected vehicle movement, increasing crash risk. TransPower will replace the sensor and update software for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V020. If it is, contact Kalmar customer service at 1-785-229-6327 and ask how to arrange the transmission tailshaft speed sensor replacement and software update. Reference recall 20V020 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Kalmar's remedy for recall 20V020 says TransPower will replace the transmission tailshaft sensor and update the software free of charge. The free recall repair applies to included 2019 Kalmar Ottawa T2E vehicles regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is unexpected vehicle movement. In recall 20V020, electromagnetic interference can affect the transmission tailshaft speed sensor and make the transmission shift unexpectedly. That movement increases crash risk, so confirm the VIN and arrange the free sensor replacement and software update if the vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V020000 |
|---|---|
| Kalmar customer service | 1-785-229-6327 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V020 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V020000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →