repaired · 2025 Q3
Electrical system
Risk. Electrical circuits that overheat increase the risk of a fire.
2021 Proterra CatalystProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2021 Proterra Catalyst, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-697 the manufacturer reports only 9% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 25, 2024. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Proterra Catalyst has problems
1 complaint grouped by the system owners reported.
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2021 Proterra Catalyst recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Electrical system
Risk. A loss of power steering and/or drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
Risk. Inoperative windshield wipers can reduce visibility in certain driving conditions, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Parking brake
Risk. Unintentional engagement of the parking brake increases the risk of a crash.
Show 1 more recall
repaired · 2024 Q4
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Risk. A loose steering gearbox can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Proterra.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Catalyst year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Catalyst median. How we score
'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Catalyst owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact called on behalf of the University that owns several 2021 Proterra Catalyst Transit Bus. The University received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V697000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was…
Own a 2021 Catalyst?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.