VehicleVerdict

2008 Workhorse W42 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2008 Workhorse W42 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other W42 years?

W42 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted1 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 0 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints2010: 0 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints
W42 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W42 years to avoid →

Does the 2008 Workhorse W42 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V442000SteeringAugust 28, 2008 · 5,606 units

Defect

WORKHORSE IS RECALLING 5,606 MY 2006-2008 W42 COMMERCIAL CHASSIS AND W18 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE CHASSIS. THE CASTLE NUT THAT RETAINS THE STEERING DRAG LINK TO THE PITMAN ARM MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TORQUED DURING ASSEMBLY. THE IMPROPER TORQUE MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE CASTLE NUT AND COMPROMISED THE INTEGRITY OF THE CONNECTION.

Consequence

IF THE DRAG LINK WERE TO SEPARATE FROM THE PITMAN ARM, THE DRIVER WOULD NOT HAVE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE POSSIBLY CAUSING A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE AND PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE CASTLE NUT THAT RETAINS THE STEERING DRAG LINK TO THE PITMAN ARM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-946-7731 OR AT HTTP://WWW.NAVISTAR.COM.

2008 Workhorse W42 — common questions

Is the 2008 Workhorse W42 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2008 Workhorse W42 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Workhorse W42. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.