Recall 19V402 affects 147 2017-2018 Proterra Catalyst buses for a swivel valve that risks air brake failure. Repair is free at Proterra.
Proterra is recalling 147 2017-2018 Catalyst buses under recall 19V402 because swivel valves in the air brake system do not adequately protect against air leaks between the service reservoir and the air pressure source. The defect can lead to service brake failure or uncontrolled application of the safety brake, and Proterra dealers will repair the buses free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On a Proterra Catalyst bus, the air brake system stores compressed air in reservoirs and uses that pressure to apply the brakes. A check valve sits between the air source and the service reservoir to hold pressure in if there is a leak upstream, so the driver keeps stopping power. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 121 requires that protection.
On the recalled buses, a swivel valve was installed in place of the check valve because of an outdated manufacturing instruction at one facility. A swivel valve does not isolate the reservoir the same way. If a leak develops between the air source and the reservoir, stored brake air can bleed off faster than designed, which is why these buses do not meet FMVSS 121.
If air pressure drops below 70 PSI, a warning light and buzzer alert the driver. If pressure falls into the 25 to 45 PSI range, a second mechanical safety brake engages automatically to provide braking power.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017 and 2018 model years of the Catalyst, both built between May 2017 and February 2019 with the same brake-system check valve.
| 2017 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Proterra Catalyst | brake system |
| Units affected | 147 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A swivel valve that fails to protect the air brake system can cause service brake failure or trigger an uncontrolled application of the safety brake, and either condition raises the risk of a crash. An air pressure warning light and buzzer sound when system pressure drops below 70 PSI, and the secondary mechanical safety brake engages between 25 and 45 PSI. Treat any air pressure warning as a reason to stop and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Proterra Catalyst bus is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the swivel-valve replacement that protects the air brake system from air-pressure loss.
- Reference recall number 19V402 when you call, and bring the owner notice if Proterra has mailed one.
- Call Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 with any questions about the free check-valve replacement.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and watch for any loss of air-brake pressure or unexpected safety-brake application.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician removes the swivel valve and installs a check valve that properly protects the air brake system from an air leak between the service reservoir and the source of air pressure. Parts and labor are free under the recall. The recall began on July 26, 2019, so fleet operators can schedule the repair now. Owners and fleet contacts with questions about the repair process can reach Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
Timeline
| May 30, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 26, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 26, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V402?
Recall 19V402 covers 147 2017-2018 Proterra Catalyst buses equipped with swivel valves that do not adequately protect the air brake system from an air leak between the service reservoir and the air pressure source. Proterra will replace the swivel valve with a compliant check valve free of charge.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Proterra Catalyst is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 19V402. If it is, contact a Proterra service location to schedule the check valve replacement. Reference recall number 19V402 when you call, or contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform the recall repair at no cost. Proterra will replace the swivel valve with a check valve sufficient to protect the air brake system free of charge for owners of affected 2017-2018 Catalyst buses.
What is the safety risk of the swivel valve defect?
If the swivel valves fail to protect the air brake system against loss of air pressure, the service brakes can fail or the safety brake can apply without warning. Either condition increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the free check valve replacement as soon as your VIN confirms inclusion in recall 19V402.
How long does the recall repair take?
Proterra dealers replace the swivel valve with a compliant check valve in a single service visit. Call ahead to confirm parts availability and to schedule the work. Reference recall number 19V402 when you contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 or your Proterra service location.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V402000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V402 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V402000 |
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 →