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Proterra Catalyst Recall 19V402: Air brake valve may fail, risking brake loss and crash

NHTSA campaign 19V402, reported May 30, 2019, 147 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

Certain 2017-2018 Proterra Catalyst buses may have swivel valves that do not adequately protect the air brake system from an air leak between the service reservoir and the air pressure source. These buses do not meet federal air brake safety requirements.

If the valves cannot keep the brake system from losing air pressure, the service brakes may fail, and the safety brake may apply without warning. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Proterra will notify owners and replace the swivel valve with a check valve designed to protect the air brake system, at no cost to you. Repairs are performed free of charge; contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000 and check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for any open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 19V402Proterra Inc.
Component
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
Problem
Proterra, Inc. (Proterra) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Catalyst buses. The vehicles are equipped with swivel valves that may insufficiently protect the air brake system from an air leak between the service reservoir and the source of air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Risk
If the swivel valves are unable to protect the air brake system against loss of air pressure, this may lead to service brake failure and the possibility for the uncontrolled application of the safety brake. Either condition increases the risk of crash.
Remedy
Proterra will notify owners, and will replace the swivel valve with a check valve that is sufficient to protect the air brake system, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Proterra customer service at 1-864-438-0000.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affected vehicles

Proterra Catalyst20172018