Recall 13V512 affects 2,016 2012 Workhorse W62 and W42 vehicles for a brake fluid level indicator defect. Repair is free at any franchised Workhorse dealer.
Workhorse is recalling 2,016 2012 W62 and W42 vehicles with hydraulic brakes because the brake fluid level indicator can fail to warn the driver when brake fluid is low. Low brake fluid can reduce available braking force, lengthen stopping distance, and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The brake fluid level indicator on 2012 Workhorse W42 and W62 vehicles is part of the hydraulic brake system. Its job is to sense when brake fluid drops too low and turn on a warning for the driver, so the problem is not missed before braking performance is affected.
On affected Workhorse vehicles, that indicator does not reliably recognize a low-fluid condition. The brakes still use hydraulic fluid to create pressure at the wheels, but the warning system for fluid level is not doing its normal job. That leaves the driver without the intended alert when the brake fluid level is low.
There is no warning sign before failure. That matters because the part meant to alert you is the part covered by this recall.
Who's affected?
Covers both W62 and W42 Workhorse vehicles from the 2012 model year; each model is listed for the brake system and hydraulic brake system.
| 2012 Workhorse W62 | brake system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Workhorse W62 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2012 Workhorse W42 | brake system |
| 2012 Workhorse W42 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 2,016 |
A matching 2012 Workhorse W62 or W42 does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
The driver receives no warning that brake fluid is low. If the level drops, available braking force can fall, stopping distance can increase, and crash risk rises. Drive cautiously and schedule the repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Workhorse dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Workhorse W62 or W42 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Workhorse dealer to schedule the free FLI switch replacement that restores the low-brake-fluid warning.
- Bring the recall notice if Workhorse mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V512 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking when traffic allows.
What happens at the repair
The repair path is identified, but the final dealer repair is not listed as available yet. Once it opens, a Workhorse technician will replace the brake fluid level indicator (FLI) switch so the brake fluid warning system can detect a low fluid level. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by the recall. After your VIN is confirmed, ask the franchised dealer when the recall part can be ordered and installed.
Timeline
| October 17, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V512?
Recall 13V512 covers 2,016 2012 Workhorse W62 and W42 vehicles with hydraulic brakes. The brake fluid level indicator can fail to warn the driver when brake fluid is low, reducing available braking force and lengthening stopping distance. Workhorse dealers will replace the FLI switch for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Workhorse W62 or W42 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V512. If it is, contact a franchised Workhorse dealer to schedule the FLI switch replacement. Reference recall number 13V512 or Workhorse campaign 51302-C when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost. Workhorse dealers will replace the brake fluid level indicator switch free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking force without a low-fluid warning. If brake fluid is low and the indicator does not alert the driver, the vehicle needs more distance to stop, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair.
What warning signs should I watch for?
The recall concern is that the brake fluid level indicator can fail to warn you when brake fluid is low. Do not rely only on the indicator. If braking feels weak or the vehicle takes longer to stop, stop driving and contact a Workhorse dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V512000 |
|---|---|
| Workhorse customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V512 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V512000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
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 →