Recall 21V040 affects 21 2020-2021 Proterra ZX5 buses for fender flare splash over the driver window and mirror. Repair is free at a Proterra dealer.
Proterra is recalling 21 2020-2021 ZX5 vehicles because the front fender flare can splash mud, dirt, debris, rain, or snow onto the driver's side window and mirror. Reduced driver visibility increases crash risk, and Proterra dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front fender flare on the 2020-2021 Proterra ZX5 is the body trim around the wheel well. Its job is to help contain spray from the tire and keep mud, dirt, debris, rain, and snow from being thrown onto nearby glass and mirrors.
On affected buses, the fender flare design does not control that spray well enough on the driver's side. Tire splash can hit the driver's side window and side mirror during wet, muddy, or snowy operation. That buildup reduces the driver's view through the window and mirror, which is why Proterra created a retrofit kit with a revised fender flare design.
There is no warning sign before failure. The driver will notice the problem while operating the bus: dirt, mud, rain, or snow collecting on the driver's side window or mirror and making the view harder to use.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2020 and 2021 ZX5 model years, both tied to the front fender flare at the wheel well.
| 2021 Proterra ZX5 | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2020 Proterra ZX5 | body structure |
| Units affected | 21 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents 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?
Reduced driver visibility makes it harder to see traffic, pedestrians, or the road ahead and increases the risk of a crash. If visibility is blocked while driving, slow down when safe, pull over, and arrange service. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Proterra ZX5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the free retrofit fender flare installation that keeps mud, rain, snow, and debris off the driver's side window and mirror.
- Bring the recall notice if Proterra mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V040 when you call.
- Keep the driver's side window and mirror clear, and avoid operating the vehicle in rain, snow, mud, or heavy road spray until the retrofit is installed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician installs a retrofit fender flare to control splash from mud, dirt, debris, rain, and snow near the driver's side window and mirror. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Proterra has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related repair. Bring documentation for any prior related repair when you contact Proterra or the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 9, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 1, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 1, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 1, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V040?
Recall 21V040 covers 21 2020-2021 Proterra ZX5 vehicles with a front fender flare that can splash mud, dirt, debris, rain, and snow onto the driver's side window and mirror. Proterra dealers will install a retrofit fender flare for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Proterra ZX5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V040. If it is, contact a franchised Proterra dealer or Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 to schedule the retrofit fender flare installation. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Proterra's remedy says dealers will install the retrofit fender flare free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
Driver visibility can be impeded when road spray or debris reaches the driver's side window and mirror, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free retrofit fender flare repair with a franchised Proterra dealer.
When did the Proterra ZX5 recall repair start?
The recall repair began February 9, 2021. Proterra's remedy is available, so included 2020-2021 ZX5 owners can contact a franchised Proterra dealer or Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 to schedule the free retrofit fender flare installation.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V040000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V040 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V040000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →