2012 Workhorse W42 problems, complaints & recalls
Safety recalls (2)
Service Brakes 2013-10-17 · campaign 13V512000 · 2,016 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes 2013-02-20 · campaign 13V054000 · 3,226 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (22)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-02-05 · IK2600090 · Other
new carb idle reduction change request
Electrical System 2026-02-03 · IK4300035 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this tool is designed to compare diamond logic feature data across multiple vehicle configuration files. it allows users to quickly load files either manually or directly from the diamond logic builder vehicles folder using vin-based selection. as files are added or removed, the comparison runs auto
Engine 2026-01-26 · IK2600255 · Other
this document provides guidance for assessing the feasibility of implementing a customer-requested change to an engine or vehicle parameter/feature. customer requested changes will be approved in accordance with the requirements specified in 40 cfr part 1037 to ensure continued compliance with green
Engine 2026-01-19 · IK2600256 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this article is intended to provide information for how to program international engines that have been sold to another company and installed in a chassis that does not have an international vin number. this may include detroit series 40 engines, perkins, street sweepers, cranes, fire trucks, genera
Engine 2026-01-02 · IK2600047 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
engine replacements for all international engines will need to follow this procedure.
Structure:body 2025-12-19 · IK1600272 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this document will guide the user through a step-by-step procedure for detecting water leaks in vehicle cabs and windshields using an ultrasonic sound detector.
Showing the 6 most recent of 22 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
No detailed complaint narratives on file.
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.