Recall 21V268 affects 12 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst buses for rear-door software tied to unexpected door opening. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
Proterra is recalling 12 2019-2020 Catalyst buses under recall 21V268 because a body-controller software defect can let the rear door open unexpectedly while the driver is unaware. The open door increases the risk of injury, and Proterra dealers will update the controller software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The door system on the 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst uses software in a body controller to operate the rear door motor. The body controller is the electronic module that sends commands to the door motor, so the door opens and closes only when the bus is being operated as intended. On these 40 foot buses, that software is part of the electrical system that manages the door function.
The defect is incorrect software in the body controller. With the wrong software loaded, the controller can command or allow rear door movement at the wrong time, which lets the rear door open unexpectedly. Proterra identified the fix as a new software release, not a replacement of the door hardware itself.
There is no warning sign before failure. An operator should not expect a warning light, noise, or change in door feel before the rear door opens unexpectedly.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same Version 6.7.0 electrical system software.
| 2020 Proterra Catalyst | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2019 Proterra Catalyst | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 12 |
| 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.
What's the safety risk?
If the rear door opens without the driver noticing, people near the door face a higher risk of injury. There is no warning sign before the door opens, so confirm the VIN and schedule the software update 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 Proterra dealer to schedule the free body-controller software update that prevents unexpected rear-door opening.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V268 when you call.
- Keep passengers clear of the rear door area until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician updates the body controller software that operates the rear door motor. The update is intended to correct the software defect that allows the rear door to open unexpectedly. The software update and labor are covered, and the recall repair is free now. Proterra has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for the same door software repair before the recall notice. Bring prior repair documentation to the service desk so Proterra can review the expense under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 19, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 18, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 18, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 18, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V268?
Recall 21V268 covers 12 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst 40 foot buses with body controller software that can let the rear door open unexpectedly. If the door opens without the driver's awareness, injury risk increases. Proterra dealers will update the software 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 21V268. If it is, contact a Proterra dealer to schedule the body controller software update. Reference recall number 21V268 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 update the affected body controller software free of charge through its dealer service process.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the rear door can open without the driver's awareness. On a passenger bus, an unexpected rear-door opening increases the risk of injury. Confirm the VIN, then schedule the free software update with a Proterra dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V268?
Proterra mailed owner notification letters on June 11, 2021. If you own or operate a 2019-2020 Proterra Catalyst and never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall number 21V268 when you contact Proterra service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V268000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V268 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V268000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →