Recall 19V061 affects 55 2016-2018 Proterra Catalyst buses with missing air brake supply reservoirs. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
Proterra is recalling 55 2016-2018 Catalyst transit buses because they lack a Graham White air brake supply reservoir, leaving moisture to build up in the air brake system. That moisture can lead to brake failure and increase the risk of a crash, and Proterra dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2016-2018 Proterra Catalyst transit buses in this recall use an air brake system, which relies on compressed air to apply the brakes. An air dryer removes water from that compressed air before it moves through the brake system. A supply reservoir gives the system a separate tank to hold and manage that air before it reaches the service reservoirs.
On affected Catalyst buses, the customer-selected Graham White pneumatic setup was built without the additional supply reservoir required for that configuration. Without that reservoir, moisture builds up in the air brake system over long-term use. NHTSA campaign 19V061 says that means the buses do not meet FMVSS 121 for air brake systems.
The warning sign appears during maintenance, not from a dashboard alert. Operators or technicians can find excess moisture in the air system, and that moisture needs to be drained from the system.
Who's affected?
The affected Catalyst buses span 3 model years, with the same brake-system component listed for each year.
| 2017 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
| 2016 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
| Units affected | 55 |
The year and model narrow the list, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Moisture buildup in the air brake system raises the risk of brake failure and a crash. During maintenance, excess moisture in the air system is a warning sign that the system needs draining. Schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2018 Proterra Catalyst is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the free supply-reservoir installation that adds a drain for moisture in the air brake system.
- Bring the recall notice if Proterra mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V061 when you call.
- Follow the bus's normal air-brake inspection procedure before each trip until the repair is complete.
- Call Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 with questions about scheduling or repair status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician installs a supply reservoir with a drain between the air dryer and the air supply manifold. That added drain path helps keep moisture from building up in the air brake system. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this same air brake reservoir repair, Proterra's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring your receipts and repair paperwork to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 29, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 21, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 28, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 28, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V061?
Recall 19V061 covers 55 2016-2018 Proterra Catalyst transit buses that lack a Graham White air brake supply reservoir. Moisture can build up in the air brake system, which can lead to brake failure and increase crash risk. Proterra dealers install the missing supply reservoir and drain for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2018 Proterra Catalyst is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 19V061. If it is, contact a Proterra dealer or Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 to schedule the supply reservoir installation. Reference recall 19V061 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Proterra's remedy says dealers will install a supply reservoir with a drain between the air dryer and the air supply manifold free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost to the owner.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is brake failure from moisture buildup in the air brake system. The affected Catalyst buses lack the supply reservoir that helps manage that moisture. Brake failure increases crash risk, so confirm the VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if the bus is included.
When did Proterra begin this recall repair?
Proterra expected the recall to begin March 28, 2019, and that date has passed. The remedy status is available, so affected owners should contact a Proterra dealer or Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 to arrange the free reservoir installation.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V061000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V061 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V061000 |
Source documents
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →