Recall 19V871 affects 140 2019 Proterra Catalyst buses for disabled brake-interlock warnings. Software repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
Proterra is recalling 140 2019 Catalyst buses under recall 19V871 because a body controller software update can leave operators without audible and visible warnings when the brake interlock is engaged. Without that warning, the rear brakes can overheat and increase the risk of a fire or crash; Proterra dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2019 Proterra Catalyst uses body controller software to manage warning lights and sounds tied to the parking brake and brake interlock. Those warnings are supposed to tell the operator when the brake interlock is engaged, so the bus is not driven against the rear brakes.
On affected Catalyst buses, a software update unintentionally turned off the normal audible and dash warnings after the vehicle was shut down without setting the parking brake. The brake interlock can stay engaged without the operator getting the usual alert. If the bus is driven that way, the rear brakes drag, build heat, and braking performance drops or the vehicle is damaged.
The operator can notice the rear brakes dragging even though the normal dash warning and sound are missing. Continued driving can also lead to visible smoke and a burning smell from the overheated rear brakes.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Proterra Catalyst | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 140 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific bus is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the brake interlock stays engaged without the normal dash warning, the rear brakes can drag and overheat, increasing the risk of fire or crash. Treat brake drag, visible smoke, or a burning smell as a reason to stop the trip and call for service. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Proterra Catalyst is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the free body controller software update that restores brake interlock warnings.
- Bring the recall notice if Proterra mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V871 when you call.
- Avoid operating the bus with brake interlock warning problems until the software update is complete.
- Call Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician updates the body controller software so the bus uses the corrected brake interlock warning logic. The recall repair is free, with dealer labor covered. Proterra has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair. Bring repair documentation to the service desk or contact Proterra customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 9, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 9, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| January 9, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 9, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 16, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V871?
Recall 19V871 covers 140 2019 Proterra Catalyst buses with body controller software that disabled audible and visible brake-interlock warnings. If the operator is not warned that the brake interlock is engaged, the rear brakes can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire or crash.
What should I do if my 2019 Proterra Catalyst is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 19V871. If it is, contact a franchised Proterra service location to schedule the body controller software update. Reference recall number 19V871 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Proterra dealers will update the body controller software free of charge. The recall repair began January 16, 2020.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is rear brake overheating. The disabled warning alerts can leave the operator unaware that the brake interlock is engaged. If the bus continues operating in that condition, the rear brakes can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire or crash.
What warning signs should I watch for?
This recall is about missing operator warnings, not a separate warning sign to watch for. The body controller software disabled the audible and visible alerts that tell the operator the brake interlock is engaged. The repair updates the software so those alerts work as intended.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V871000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V871 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V871000 |
Source documents
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Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →