VehicleVerdict

2012 Workhorse W42 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2012 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

How does 2012 compare to other W42 years?

W42 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W42 years to avoid →

Does the 2012 Workhorse W42 have recalls?

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

13V512000BrakesOctober 17, 2013 · 2,016 units

Defect

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.

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 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.

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.

2012 Workhorse W42 — common questions

Is the 2012 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 2012 Workhorse W42 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 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.