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Campaign 13V054 Posted February 20, 2013 3,226 units

2011-2012 Workhorse W42/W62 Recall 13V054: Brake Warning

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 13V054 affects 3,226 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 and W42 vehicles for a brake-fluid-level warning defect. Repair is free at any franchised Workhorse dealer.

Workhorse is recalling 3,226 2011-2012 W42 and W62 vehicles equipped with hydraulic brakes because the brake fluid level indicator can fail to warn the driver when fluid is low. Low brake fluid can reduce braking force, lengthen stopping distance, and raise crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Workhorse makes it available.

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What's wrong?

The brake fluid level indicator in 2011-2012 Workhorse W42 and W62 vehicles is part of the hydraulic brake system. Hydraulic brakes use brake fluid pressure to move force from the pedal to the brake components at the wheels. The indicator's job is to detect when brake fluid is low and turn on a warning for the driver.

In affected Workhorse vehicles, that indicator is not reliable. A low brake fluid level can go undetected, so the driver does not get the warning that the brake system needs attention. The recall filing for NHTSA campaign 13V054 does not identify a separate owner-serviceable cause; the defect is in the low-fluid detection and warning function.

There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is that the warning meant to alert you to low brake fluid does not do its job.

Who's affected?

Spans the W42 and W62 across the 2011 and 2012 model years, with the brake system and hydraulic brake system called out separately.

2012 Workhorse W62 brake system
2012 Workhorse W62 hydraulic brake system
2011 Workhorse W42 brake system
2011 Workhorse W42 hydraulic brake system
2011 Workhorse W62 brake system
Units affected3,226

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

The safety risk is delayed recognition of low brake fluid. With less brake force available, the vehicle needs more distance to stop, increasing crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Workhorse dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 or W42 is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for Workhorse's owner notice before scheduling dealer work if your VIN is included.
  3. Call Workhorse customer service at 1-800-448-7825 with questions and reference recall number 13V054.
  4. Ask a franchised Workhorse dealer about the free FLI switch replacement that restores the low brake fluid warning.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra stopping distance because low brake fluid can reduce braking force without a warning.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Workhorse technician replaces the brake fluid level indicator switch, also called the FLI switch. This switch is part of the low brake fluid warning system on the hydraulic brake setup. The campaign notice says owner notification began on April 26, 2013, but the current remedy status is not marked available in this source. The dealer repair will be free once available, with the FLI switch replacement covered under the recall.

Timeline

February 20, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
April 26, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V054?

Recall 13V054 covers 3,226 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 and W42 vehicles with hydraulic brakes. Per NHTSA campaign 13V054, the brake fluid level indicator switch can fail to warn the driver when brake fluid is low. Workhorse dealers replace the switch for free.

What should I do if my 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 or W42 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V054. If it is, contact a franchised Workhorse dealer to schedule the brake fluid level indicator switch replacement. Reference recall number 13V054 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and the remedy for recall 13V054 is a free brake fluid level indicator switch replacement at a franchised Workhorse dealer. Parts and labor are covered.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is longer stopping distance if low brake fluid reduces available braking force. Per NHTSA campaign 13V054, the driver does not receive a reliable low-fluid warning, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.

What warning signs should I watch for?

A dashboard brake-fluid warning is not dependable for this recall. The defect involves the brake fluid level indicator switch failing to warn the driver when brake fluid is low. If braking feels different or the vehicle needs more distance to stop, contact a Workhorse dealer and avoid extra driving until it is checked.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V054000
Workhorse customer service1-800-448-7825
NHTSA recall #13V054
NHTSA recall # (full)13V054000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →