Recall 19V283 affects 39 2015-2018 Proterra Catalyst buses with tow-fitting debris that raises rear brake pressure. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
Proterra is recalling 39 2015-2018 Catalyst buses with the optional tow fitting and airline because road debris can clog the tow-fitting airline cap and let air pressure build in the rear brake system. That pressure can make the brakes drag and overheat, increasing the risk of fire; Proterra dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tow fitting on 2015-2018 Proterra Catalyst buses is an optional connection used when the bus needs to be towed. Its airline lets a tow truck supply air to operate the rear brakes, so the bus can be moved safely during a tow.
The problem is the mesh cap that covers that tow airline. In wet or dirty road conditions, road spray and debris can clog the mesh cap. When the cap is blocked, air pressure builds in the rear brake system instead of venting as designed. That pressure can leave the rear brakes dragging, which means the brakes stay partly applied after the driver expects them to release.
A routine visual inspection can show whether the mesh cover is clogged, and the cover can be cleaned. A professional bus driver can also notice rear brake drag while operating the bus, because the vehicle will feel held back or resistant to normal movement.
Who's affected?
Each model year covered here points to the same brake system component.
| 2017 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
| 2015 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
| 2016 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
| Units affected | 39 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
Air pressure buildup can make the brakes drag and overheat, increasing the risk of fire. A clogged mesh cover can be seen during visual inspection, and a professional bus driver can feel rear brake drag. Treat brake drag as a reason to stop service and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2018 Proterra Catalyst is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the free tow-fitting shield installation that protects the mesh cap from road debris.
- Bring the owner notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V283 when you call.
- Avoid operating the bus in wet or debris-heavy conditions until the shield is installed, since brake drag and overheating increase fire risk.
- Call Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 with questions about scheduling or the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician installs an additional shield on the tow fitting to protect the mesh cap for the airline that lets a tow truck operate the rear brakes. The shield is meant to keep road debris from clogging the cap during bad weather and creating air pressure build up in the rear brake system. The recall repair is open, and parts and labor are covered under recall 19V283.
Timeline
| April 9, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 4, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V283?
Recall 19V283 covers 39 2015-2018 Proterra Catalyst buses with an optional tow fitting and airline for rear-brake operation during towing. Road debris can clog the mesh cap, build air pressure in the rear brake system, and cause brake drag and overheating. Proterra dealers install an added shield for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2018 Proterra Catalyst is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 19V283. If it is, contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the tow-fitting shield installation. Reference recall number 19V283 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Proterra dealers will install the added shield to protect the tow-fitting mesh cap free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is brake drag and overheating in the rear brake system. If road debris clogs the mesh cap on the tow-fitting airline, air pressure can build in the rear brake system, increasing the risk of fire. Confirm inclusion by VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
When did the Proterra Catalyst recall repair begin?
The recall repair began June 4, 2019. Proterra's remedy is available, so included owners can contact a franchised Proterra dealer or Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 to schedule the free shield installation.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V283000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V283 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V283000 |
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 →