Recall 20V621 affects 8 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst buses for a leaking power steering hose. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
Proterra is recalling 8 2019-2020 Catalyst buses because the power steering hose at the pump and reservoir can leak and sweat fluid through the hose. A power steering fluid leak can increase crash risk, and Proterra dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power steering hose on 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst buses is part of the hydraulic assist system that helps the driver turn the bus with less effort. This hose sits at the pump and reservoir on the low-pressure return side, where fluid flows back to the tank so the pump has a steady supply.
On affected buses, Proterra installed a heater hose where a hydraulic power steering hose belonged. That material is not the specified hose for steering fluid service. It can sweat fluid through the hose wall or leak near the pump and reservoir. If enough fluid leaves the reservoir, the pump loses its supply and steering assist is reduced.
The bus has a fluid-level sensor in the power steering reservoir. When the level drops below the sensor, a red dash light turns on. That light is the warning sign to report before the hose is replaced.
Who's affected?
Covers Catalyst buses from the 2019 and 2020 model years, both tied to the power steering system.
| 2019 Proterra Catalyst | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Proterra Catalyst | power steering system |
| Units affected | 8 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific bus.
What's the safety risk?
A power steering fluid leak can increase the risk of a crash. If fluid drops low enough, a red dash light illuminates. Because the hose is on the low pressure return side, steering pressure is not affected while the reservoir still feeds the pump. Schedule the inspection and hose replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the free power-steering-hose inspection and replacement that stops the pump and reservoir hose leak.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 20V621 when you call.
- Call Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 with service questions.
- Avoid operating the bus with an active power steering fluid leak until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician inspects the power steering hose at the pump and reservoir and replaces the hose if it is affected by the recall. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Proterra has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall work was completed. Bring repair invoices or payment records to the service desk and ask how to submit them under Proterra's reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 6, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 7, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 7, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 7, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V621?
Recall 20V621 covers 8 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst buses with a power steering hose that can leak or sweat fluid near the pump and reservoir. A power steering fluid leak increases crash risk, and Proterra dealers will inspect and replace the hose for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 20V621. If it is, contact a Proterra dealer to schedule the power steering hose inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 20V621 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 will inspect and replace the affected power steering hose free of charge. The recall repair is available through Proterra dealers.
Is it safe to drive my Proterra Catalyst before the repair?
The recall does not tell owners to stop driving, but the defect affects steering fluid and crash risk. If you see fluid near the power steering pump or reservoir, or steering assist feels abnormal, contact a Proterra dealer before putting the bus back in service.
When did the Proterra Catalyst recall repair start?
The recall began October 6, 2020. Proterra said owners would be notified, and dealers would inspect and replace the power steering hose. For scheduling help, contact a Proterra dealer and reference recall number 20V621.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V621000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V621 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V621000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →