- The 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.
- The risk
- A loose steering gearbox can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2016 Proterra Catalyst Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 2016 Proterra Catalyst have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 6 recalls, the latest in February 2022 for the gear box (other than rack and pinion).
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Catalyst year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
2016 Proterra Catalyst recalls 6
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Proterra, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Catalyst 40 buses equipped with an optional tow fitting and airline that allows a tow truck to operate the rear brakes on the vehicle. The mesh cap covering the airline for the tow fitting can be clogged with road debris in inclement weather, possibly resulting in a build up of air pressure in the rear brake system.
- The risk
- A build up of air pressure can cause the brakes to drag and possibly overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
- The fix
- Proterra will notify owners, and dealers will install an additional shield to the tow fitting that protects the mesh cap, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2019. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
- The problem
- Proterra Inc., (Proterra) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Catalyst 40 and 35 transit buses. The affected vehicles are equipped with a four point height control system that may cause a load imbalance, overloading the front tires.
- The risk
- An overloaded front tire may fail unexpectedly, increasing the risk of crash.
- The fix
- Proterra will notify owners, and dealers will convert the current four point ride height system into a three point system to prevent the front tires from being overloaded, free of charge. The recall began March 26, 2019. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
- The problem
- Proterra Inc., (Proterra) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Catalyst 40 transit buses. The affected vehicles lack a Graham White air brake supply reservoir, possibly resulting in long term moisture build up in the air brake system. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
- The risk
- Built-up of moisture in the air brake system may lead to brake failure, increasing the risk of crash.
- The fix
- Proterra will notify owners, and dealers will install a supply reservoir with a drain between the air dryer and the air supply manifold, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 28, 2019. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
- The problem
- Proterra, Inc is recalling certain 2015-2018 Catalyst 40, and Catalyst 35 buses. The certification label may list an incorrect gross front axle weight rating and/or incorrect tire pressures. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
- The risk
- If the tire pressure is understated, an underinflated tire may result in an increased risk of tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Proterra will notify owners, and dealers will replace the certification labels with correct information for all affected customers, free of charge. The recall began March 12, 2019. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
- The problem
- Proterra is recalling certain 2016-2017 Proterra Catalyst 40 transit buses equipped with axles with radial air disk brakes. Surface roughness of a guide pin in the radial brake calipers may cause the brake carriage guide pin support bolt to break.
- The risk
- Breakage of the guide pin can cause loss of braking ability or loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Proterra will notify owners and have them replace the calipers on the affected axles, free of charge. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
What owners say
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No complaints about the 2016 Proterra Catalyst yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Proterra Catalyst: every year compared
All Catalyst yearsQuestions about the 2016 Proterra Catalyst
Does the 2016 Proterra Catalyst have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2016 Proterra Catalyst: gear box (other than rack and pinion) (February 2022); service brakes (April 2019); tires (January 2019); reservoir / tank (January 2019) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 2016 Proterra Catalyst had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 2016 Proterra Catalyst a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 63 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than a typical Proterra Catalyst year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
What should I do if my 2016 Proterra Catalyst has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data