VehicleVerdict

2011 Workhorse W42 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2011 Workhorse W42 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

Does the 2011 Workhorse W42 have recalls?

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

13V054000BrakesFebruary 20, 2013 · 3,226 units

Defect

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.

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.

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.

11V326000SteeringJune 15, 2011 · 46 units

Defect

NAVISTAR IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 W42 AND W46 WORKHORSE CHASSIS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2011, THROUGH MAY 25, 2011. THE STEERING WHEEL COMPONENTS DO NOT MEET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING WHEEL INNER PIECE MAY SEPARATE FROM THE OUTER PIECE, WHICH MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

DECREASED DRIVER CONTROL MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY, OR DEATH.

Remedy

NAVISTAR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT STEERING WHEEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 12, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NAVISTAR AT 1-800-448-7825.

2011 Workhorse W42 — common questions

Is the 2011 Workhorse W42 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Workhorse W42 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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.