NHTSA vehicle safety data
2012 Workhorse W42 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2012 Workhorse W42 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Workhorse dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Workhorse W42. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
SERVICE BRAKES
NHTSA #13V512000Reported October 17, 2013 · Navistar, Inc.
Potentially affected: 2,016 vehicles
Defect description
Navistar, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2012 Workhorse Custom Chassis W42 and W62 vehicles, manufactured from July 13, 2012, through October 12, 2012, and equipped with hydraulic brakes. In the affected vehicles, the brake fluid level indicator (FLI) may not properly detect a low brake fluid level situation and warn the driver.
Safety consequence
Without a warning, the driver may be unaware that the brake fluid level is low. A low brake fluid level may reduce the available braking force which could lengthen the required stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Navistar has notified owners, and dealers will replace the FLI switch free of charge. Owners may contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's recall campaign number is 51302-C.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES
NHTSA #13V054000Reported February 20, 2013 · Navistar, Inc.
Potentially affected: 3,226 vehicles
Defect description
Navistar is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Workhorse Custom Chassis W42 and W62 vehicles, manufactured from July 18, 2011, through July 12, 2012, and equipped with hydraulic brakes. The brake fluid level indicator (FLI) may not properly detect a low brake fluid level situation and warn the driver.
Safety consequence
Without a warning, the driver may be unaware that the brake fluid level is low. A low brake fluid level may reduce the available braking force which could lengthen the required stopping distance and increase the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Navistar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the FLI switch free of charge. The safety recall began on April 26, 2013. Owners may contact Navistar at 1-800-448-7825. Navistar's recall campaign number is 51301-C.
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.
Other Workhorse W42 model years
Check your 2012 Workhorse W42 VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Workhorse W42 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
Check a Workhorse VIN