Recall 23V078 affects 252 2020-2022 Proterra Catalyst and ZX5 vehicles for failing windshield wiper motors. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
Proterra is recalling 252 2020-2022 Catalyst and ZX5 vehicles because the windshield wiper motors can operate intermittently or fail to work. Inoperative wipers reduce visibility in certain driving conditions and increase crash risk, and the Proterra recall repair is free.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The windshield wiper motor on 2020-2022 Proterra Catalyst and ZX5 vehicles drives the wiper arms across the windshield. When the system works normally, the motors move the blades in sync, clear rain or road spray, and return the arms to their parked position after the switch is turned off. The driver depends on that steady motion to keep a usable view ahead.
On affected vehicles, the motor supplier used a stamping oil during manufacturing that caused a chemical reaction inside the motor assembly. That reaction can make the wiper motor run unevenly or stop. In rain, snow, or spray, a weak or stopped motor reduces the driver's view through the windshield and increases crash risk.
Owners or operators can notice wipers that start and stop, move out of sync with each other, or fail to park in the right location when turned off. Those are warning signs that the wiper motors are not operating correctly.
Who's affected?
Spans Catalyst and ZX5 buses across the 2020, 2021, and 2022 model years, all tied to the same wiper system.
| 2020 Proterra Catalyst | wiper system |
|---|---|
| 2020 Proterra ZX5 | wiper system |
| 2021 Proterra ZX5 | wiper system |
| 2021 Proterra Catalyst | wiper system |
| 2022 Proterra ZX5 | wiper system |
| 2022 Proterra Catalyst | wiper system |
| Units affected | 252 |
| 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?
Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions and increase the risk of a crash. If the wipers work intermittently, move out of sync, or stop in the wrong position, avoid driving in conditions where you need them until the repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised Proterra dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2022 Proterra Catalyst or ZX5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Proterra dealer to schedule the free wiper-motor replacement that fixes intermittent or failing windshield wipers.
- Bring the recall notice if Proterra mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V078 when you call.
- Avoid driving in rain, snow, or poor visibility until the repair is complete.
- Call Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 with questions about the dealer repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Proterra technician replaces the windshield wiper motors covered by recall 23V078. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. If you already paid for a related windshield wiper motor repair before the recall work, ask Proterra customer service or the dealer service desk what documentation Proterra's General Reimbursement Plan requires.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 13, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 3, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 3, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 3, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 10, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V078?
Recall 23V078 covers 252 2020-2022 Proterra Catalyst and ZX5 buses with windshield wiper motors that can work intermittently or stop working. Reduced visibility in rain or other driving conditions increases crash risk. Proterra dealers will replace the wiper motors for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2022 Proterra Catalyst or ZX5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific bus is included in recall 23V078. If it is, contact a Proterra dealer to schedule the windshield wiper motor replacement. Reference recall number 23V078 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Proterra dealers will replace the affected windshield wiper motors free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility when the windshield wipers work intermittently or stop working. In rain or other conditions that require wipers, poor visibility increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair if your bus is included.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Watch for windshield wipers that work intermittently or stop operating. This recall is tied to the wiper motor, so any unreliable wiping needs prompt attention. If your VIN is included, schedule the free motor replacement with a Proterra dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V078000 |
|---|---|
| Proterra customer service | 1-864-438-0000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V078 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V078000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →