Recall 14V574 affects 6,481 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 commercial chassis for an exhaust down pipe weld defect. Repair is free at any franchised Workhorse dealer.
Workhorse is recalling 6,481 2011-2012 W62 commercial chassis because the weld between the right-side exhaust down pipe and exhaust manifold can fatigue and fail. If that weld fails, hot exhaust gases can enter the engine compartment and increase fire risk; the Workhorse dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The exhaust down pipe on the 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 is part of the exhaust path that carries hot engine gases away from the engine. On the right hand side of the engine, that pipe is welded to the exhaust manifold, the metal part that collects exhaust gas as it leaves the cylinders. That joint has to hold steady while the engine heats, cools, and vibrates.
In affected W62 chassis, the weld joining the right hand side exhaust down pipe to the exhaust manifold fatigues. Fatigue means the metal joint weakens after repeated heat cycles and vibration. Once the weld opens, the pipe no longer seals tightly at the manifold, and exhaust gas escapes at a point that was supposed to stay closed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first sign is the failed exhaust connection itself, found during inspection or after the exhaust sound changes.
Who's affected?
Both model years use the same exhaust-system component scope.
| 2011 Workhorse W62 | Exhaust system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Workhorse W62 | Exhaust system |
| Units affected | 6,481 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A failed exhaust down-pipe weld can allow hot exhaust gases into the engine compartment, increasing fire risk. Schedule the repair soon, because the defect involves heat near engine-compartment components and has no listed warning sign in the recall summary. Repair will be free at any franchised Workhorse dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 is included in this recall.
- Call Workhorse customer service at 1-800-448-7825 to confirm the repair path for your VIN.
- Contact a franchised Workhorse dealer to ask about the free exhaust-down-pipe support-bracket and catalyst-spacer repair that limits pipe sway and replaces cracked down pipes.
- Bring the owner notice if Workhorse sent one. If not, reference recall number 14V574 when you call.
- Stop driving and call the dealer if you notice exhaust heat, smoke, or signs of fire near the engine compartment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Workhorse technician will install support brackets on the right and left hand exhaust down pipes and add a catalyst spacer bar to stop the exhaust from swaying. The technician will also replace any cracked down pipes found during the repair. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The recall began on November 17, 2014.
Timeline
| September 19, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 17, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V574?
Recall 14V574 covers 6,481 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 commercial chassis with an exhaust down pipe weld that can fatigue at the exhaust manifold. Hot exhaust gases can enter the engine compartment after a weld failure, increasing fire risk. Workhorse dealers install support brackets, a catalyst spacer bar, and replace cracked down pipes for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Workhorse W62 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific chassis is included in recall 14V574. If it is, contact a franchised Workhorse dealer to schedule the exhaust down pipe support bracket repair. Reference recall 14V574 or Workhorse number 61401-C when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and this recall says the support brackets, catalyst spacer bar, and any cracked down pipe replacement are performed free of charge at a franchised Workhorse dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. If the right hand exhaust down pipe weld fails, hot exhaust gases can enter the engine compartment. That heat source increases fire risk. Until the repair is complete, pay attention to exhaust noise, burning smells, heat near the engine area, or visible exhaust damage.
What if I bought my Workhorse W62 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If you never received the 2014 owner notice, check your VIN, then call a franchised Workhorse dealer with recall 14V574 or Workhorse number 61401-C.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V574000 |
|---|---|
| Workhorse customer service | 1-800-448-7825 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V574 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V574000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →