2021 Proterra Catalyst recalls and problems
The 2021 Proterra Catalyst has 5 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Proterra dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2021 Proterra Catalyst vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2021 Proterra Catalyst recalls
Recall 24V-655: Electrical System
Problem: Phoenix Motorcars (Phoenix) is recalling certain 2019-2021 800V Catalyst and 2020-2022 ZX5 transit buses. The vehicle controller software may allow the electrical circuit for the radiator fan to overheat.
Risk: Electrical circuits that overheat increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 15, 2024. Owners may contact Phoenix customer service at 1-909-987-0815.
Recall 23V-697: Electrical System
Problem: Proterra Operating Company, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2019-2022 40' and 35' Catalyst 800V transit buses equipped with ProDrive 1.0, and 40' and 35' ZX5 800V transit buses equipped with ProDrive 1.0. A transistor inside the inverter may overheat and fail, which can result in a loss of power steering and drive power.
Risk: A loss of power steering and/or drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2023. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
Recall 23V-078: Visibility
Problem: Proterra Operating Company, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2020-2022 35" Catalyst, 35" ZX5, and 40" ZX5 vehicles. The windshield wiper motors may operate intermittently or may fail to operate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."
Risk: Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2023. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
Recall 22V-855: Parking Brake
Problem: Proterra Operating Company, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Catalyst and 2019-2022 ZX5 transit buses. Back pressure in the shared air exhaust for the pneumatic ride height system and parking brake control valve may engage the parking brake while the vehicle is in motion.
Risk: Unintentional engagement of the parking brake increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Proterra will install a redesigned air circuit, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 21, 2022. Owners may contact Proterra's customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
Recall 22V-114: Steering
Problem: Proterra, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2017-2019 35 foot Catalyst E2, 2017-2019 40 foot E2, 2020-2021 35 foot RR, 2019-2020 40 foot RR, 2019-2022 40 foot ZX5, and 2020-2022 35 foot ZX5 buses. The plexus adhesive between the torque limiter plate and the bus body may be insufficient, causing the bolts that secure the steering gearbox to loosen.
Risk: A loose steering gearbox can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a mechanical fastener and new bolts on the steering gearbox, and install a new torque plate, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Proterra's customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
2021 Proterra Catalyst problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 15,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2021 Proterra Catalyst complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Proterra Catalyst years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Proterra Catalyst have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Proterra Catalyst: 24V-655 (electrical system), 23V-697 (electrical system), 23V-078 (visibility), 22V-855 (parking brake), 22V-114 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Proterra Catalyst?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 15,000 miles.
Are Proterra recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Proterra dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.