The worst 2016 Proterra Catalyst problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
Recalls 6
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 22V114000 · Recall details
Service brakes
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A build up of air pressure can cause the brakes to drag and possibly overheat, increasing the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V283000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An overloaded front tire may fail unexpectedly, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V062000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: supply: reservoir/tank
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- Built-up of moisture in the air brake system may lead to brake failure, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V061000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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."
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V034000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Breakage of the guide pin can cause loss of braking ability or loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 18V750000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Proterra Catalyst 15
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Repair instructions for the telemetry system on the heavy duty transit buses if the system is not reporting.
- Repair instructions for transit buses that are not TPI bodies to replace the gearbox fasteners with...
- Transit bus repair to the electrical cabinet behind the drivers area
- Repair instructions for ADA ramp brackets that have come debonded due to water intrusion.
- Transit bus update to the air in take of the air compressor to support the compressor getting clean air...
- Transit bus quality check on bus bodies not produced by TPI. Inspecting the steering gear bolts to ensure...
- Transit bus repair instructions to install a drain in the cavity where the ADA ramp sits.
- Transit bus repair to the air compressor, the previous banjo fitting was prone to leaking, the solid drain...
- Transit bus fleet check to inspect the steering gearboxes and replace hardware.
- Transit bus repair to the exterior compartment panels to include a larger latch catch to support tolerance...
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Questions about the 2016 Proterra Catalyst
Is the 2016 Proterra Catalyst reliable?
Owners have filed 0 complaints about the 2016 Proterra Catalyst.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Proterra Catalyst?
There are not enough complaints to tell.
How many recalls does the 2016 Proterra Catalyst have?
6 recalls, covering steering, service brakes and tires.
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