VehicleVerdict

2022 Proterra Catalyst problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2022 Proterra Catalyst — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2022 compare to other Catalyst years?

Catalyst NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted1 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints2017: 0 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 0 complaints
Catalyst NHTSA complaints by model year, 2022 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Catalyst years to avoid →

Does the 2022 Proterra Catalyst have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V697000Electrical SystemOctober 17, 2023 · 238 units

Defect

Proterra Operating Company, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2019-2022 40' and 35' Catalyst 800V transit buses equipped with ProDrive 1.0, and 40' and 35' ZX5 800V transit buses equipped with ProDrive 1.0. A transistor inside the inverter may overheat and fail, which can result in a loss of power steering and drive power.

Consequence

A loss of power steering and/or drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2023. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.

23V078000Visibility & WipersFebruary 13, 2023 · 252 units

Defect

Proterra Operating Company, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2020-2022 35" Catalyst, 35" ZX5, and 40" ZX5 vehicles. The windshield wiper motors may operate intermittently or may fail to operate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems."

Consequence

Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the wiper motors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 3, 2023. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.

22V114000SteeringFebruary 28, 2022 · 724 units

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.

Consequence

A loose steering gearbox can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

2022 Proterra Catalyst — common questions

Is the 2022 Proterra Catalyst reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2022 Proterra Catalyst have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Proterra Catalyst. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Proterra Catalyst years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Catalyst years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 2018. The cleanest record among Catalyst years belongs to 2022.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.