Recall 21V261 covers 72 2019 Tropos Able ST vehicles with firmware that permits speeds over 25 mph. Free update at any franchised Tropos dealer.
Tropos is recalling 72 2019 Able ST low speed vehicles because a motor controller firmware defect lets the vehicle exceed 25 mph. Driving faster than the low speed vehicle limit increases injury risk in a crash, and Tropos dealers will update the firmware free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The GLB AC Indrive II motor controller on the 2019 Tropos Able ST manages power delivery to the drive motor. It is the electronic control unit that tells the motor how much output to send to the wheels, including the software limit that keeps a low-speed vehicle within its allowed top speed.
On these vehicles, the controller has incorrect firmware, which is the built-in software that runs inside the controller. That firmware does not prevent the Able ST from exceeding 25 mph. Tropos traced the issue to vehicles with the same generation motor controller and the same firmware installed, including vehicles using the tire setup tied to the higher speed test result.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a specific symptom before the vehicle exceeds the low-speed vehicle limit.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Tropos Able ST | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 72 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2019 Tropos Able ST is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Driving over 25 mph in the Able ST raises the injury risk during a crash because the vehicle is built as a low speed vehicle. Stay at or below the low speed vehicle limit until the firmware update is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Tropos dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Tropos Able ST is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Tropos dealer to schedule the free motor controller firmware update that keeps the low speed vehicle from exceeding 25 mph.
- Bring the recall notice if Tropos mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V261 when you call.
- Keep the vehicle at 25 mph or below until the firmware update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Tropos technician updates the motor controller firmware covered by recall 21V261. The repair is a software update to the controller that limits the 2019 Able ST to the required low-speed vehicle range. Parts and labor are covered, and the recall repair is free. Tropos has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for this firmware repair. Contact Tropos customer service and ask how to submit repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 13, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 26, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 3, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 10, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 23, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 20, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V261?
Recall 21V261 covers 72 2019 Tropos Able ST vehicles with motor controller firmware that can allow the vehicle to exceed 25 mph. That speed exceeds the low-speed vehicle limit under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 500. Tropos dealers will update the firmware for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Tropos Able ST is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V261. If it is, contact a franchised Tropos dealer to schedule the motor controller firmware update. Reference recall number 21V261 or Tropos recall number TRO-21-02 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Tropos dealers will update the motor controller firmware free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V261.
Is it safe to drive my Tropos Able ST before the repair?
The safety risk is tied to speed. Driving over 25 mph in a low-speed vehicle increases the risk of injury during a crash. Until the firmware update is complete, keep the vehicle within low-speed vehicle limits and schedule the free dealer repair.
When were owners notified about recall 21V261?
Tropos mailed owner notification letters beginning April 26, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call Tropos customer service at 1-408-571-6104 or a franchised Tropos dealer for repair scheduling.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V261000 |
|---|---|
| Tropos customer service | 1-408-571-6104 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V261 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V261000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →