The defect
Proterra, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2017-2019 35 foot Catalyst E2, 2017-2019 40 foot E2, 2020-2021 35 foot RR, 2019-2020 40 foot RR, 2019-2022 40 foot ZX5, and 2020-2022 35 foot ZX5 buses. The plexus adhesive between the torque limiter plate and the bus body may be insufficient, causing the bolts that secure the steering gearbox to loosen.
The risk
A loose steering gearbox can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Dealers will install a mechanical fastener and new bolts on the steering gearbox, and install a new torque plate, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 7, 2022. Owners may contact Proterra's customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
NHTSA's own wording · initiated by MFR
Vehicles covered
| Model | Model years |
|---|---|
| Proterra Catalyst | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Proterra ZX5 | 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Model years in this recall
NHTSA complaints and the number of recall campaigns for each model year this recall covers.
| Model | Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proterra Catalyst | 2015 | 0 | 4 |
| Proterra Catalyst | 2016 | 0 | 6 |
| Proterra Catalyst | 2017 | 0 | 8 |
| Proterra Catalyst | 2018 | 0 | 9 |
| Proterra Catalyst | 2019 | 0 | 9 |
| Proterra Catalyst | 2020 | 0 | 8 |
| Proterra Catalyst | 2021 | 1 | 5 |
| Proterra Catalyst | 2022 | 0 | 3 |
| Proterra ZX5 | 2015 | 0 | 1 |
| Proterra ZX5 | 2016 | 0 | 1 |
| Proterra ZX5 | 2019 | 0 | 3 |
| Proterra ZX5 | 2020 | 0 | 6 |
| Proterra ZX5 | 2021 | 0 | 6 |
| Proterra ZX5 | 2022 | 0 | 6 |
Other steering recalls in 2022
70 of the 933 recall campaigns reported to NHTSA in 2022 concerned the steering; Proterra, Inc. filed 3 campaigns in all.
| 22V943000 20 Dec 2022 | New Flyer of America, Inc. |
| 22V936000 16 Dec 2022 | Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC |
| 22V916000 12 Dec 2022 | East Manufacturing Corp. |
| 22V906000 8 Dec 2022 | Kia America, Inc. |
| 22V892000 2 Dec 2022 | Pierce Manufacturing |
| 22V890000 2 Dec 2022 | Newmar Corporation |
| 22V879000 29 Nov 2022 | Alexis Fire Equipment Company |
| 22V871000 23 Nov 2022 | Marion Body Works Inc. |
NHTSA recalls (public domain) · all recalls of 2022