- The problem
- Certain chassis equipped with actia corporate instrument clusters fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard nos. 101 "Controls and displays" and 105 "hydraulic and electric brake systems." If the brake fail input falls below a voltage of 1.5V, the brake failure lamp and alarm will be activated. Also activation of the abs tell tale when the abs is not properly functioning does not always occur.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Workhorse will notify its customers and reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began january 2005. Owners should contact workhorse at 1-877-246-7731.
Vehicle safety record
2004 Workhorse Chassis Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2004 Workhorse Chassis with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (27) and the electrical system (5). Those complaints describe 2 fires. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in April 2004 for the electrical system. For comparison, the 2003 has 22.
NHTSA data checked
- Complaints
- 34
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2004 Workhorse Chassis problems
Share of all 34 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2004 Workhorse Chassis recalls 1
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
What owners say
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
34 complaints about the 2004 Workhorse Chassis
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 2.
Instrument cluster display goes black (no display) at times while driving.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 workhorse chassis w22. While driving 65 mph uphill, the vehicle seized and brake fluid was leaking. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage and vin were unknown.
Driving down 295@ 70 mph , engine died, lost power steering, brakes, all electrical. Dead in the water, needed to tow. I understand that this is a problem with this chassis. Apparently the ignition switch mounted on the steering column burns out because it is overloaded. Workhorse offers a fix using relay costs over $300.00, So they must realize it is a problem.
Tl*the contact owns 2005 winnebago adventurer with a 2004 workhorse chassis. The contact had the calipers replaced on the workhorse chassis under a recall, but the dealer would not repair any other parts that were damaged. The failure caused the rotors to crack and break. The manufacturer stated that they do not fix anything that was not listed in the recall and that any damage caused from the failure in the calipers, would be the owners responsibility. The failure and current mileages were 17000. Updated 02/01/11*lj updated 04/14/11
2004 Sightseer, -model# wfd30b. I'm having problems with the mr just slowing down as if the brakes are being applyed. I had the engine scoped and all was well. I have been told it could have been the brakes, but workhorse said my model was not on the recall list. Have been told 1. Wrong catalytic converter 2. Fuel filter 3. Brakes getting hot and grabbing. 4. Parking brake not releasing. I had to stop for 30-40 minutes, then could drive for 2-3 hours, then the loae of power occured again ? Help! *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 workhorse trailer model w22. While attempting to apply the brakes the contact noticed that the brake pedal had suddenly fell to the floor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the rear calipers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 46000. Updated 11/03/10. *Lj the consumer stated the rear calipers failed and the abs light illuminated. Updated 11/04/10*jb
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 holiday rambler rv equipped with a 2004 workhorse chassis w22. While the contact was driving in rainy weather conditions approximately 30 mph, the brakes were engaged and the anti-lock brake system warning light illuminated. The brakes became spongy and traveled to the floor without resistance. There was a burning brake odor outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician stated that the failure was contributed to the abs sensor. The workhorse...
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manufacturer was notified and they refused to repair the related defect under nhtsa campaign id number 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer stated that the failure was due to normal wear and tear. The contact stated that on june 11, 2007 the vehicle the calipers, front and rear brake pads, and brake line hoses were replaced. The four rotors were also turned. The total repair cost was $3,005.23. In addition, the abs sensor was previously replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 20,238.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 damon intruder rv equipped with a 2004 workhorse chassis w22. The contact was driving approximately 60 mph when the brakes were engaged; the front brakes began to vibrate and the rear brakes were dragging emitting a strong burning odor. Suddenly, the vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and the engine was turned off. The contact restarted the vehicle after two hours so that the brakes could cool down. The failure occurred approximately 10 times and continued to occur. There was a...
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recall associated to the nhtsa campaign id number 09v225000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The authorized dealer was notified and the part was unavailable. The manufacturer had not informed the dealer regarding the recall part availability. The contact had concern of the uncertainty of when the part would be available and the safety issue addressed in the recall. The failure mileage was 14,000. Updated evoq 07/30/10*jb
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 fleetwood bounder rv equipped with a 2004 workhorse chassis w22. The contact was driving approximately 20 mph when the brakes were engaged and they locked immediately without warning. The failure occurred repeatedly and progressed to whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The technician stated that the failure was related to the brake calipers and brake pads. The contact repaired the vehicle and the failure continued to occur. The contact...
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received a recall notice under nhtsa campaign id number 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the part was unavailable when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage approximately 8,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 workhorse w22. The contact received a recall notice from the manufacturer may 2009 and a second notice december 2009 for recall 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). He called the manufacturer three times to find out when the parts would be available. The vehicle had the vehicel repaired several times in reference to the failure but the manufacturer offered no reimbursement. The current and failure mileages were approximately 22,000. Updated 7/20/10 *cn updated 07/23/10*jb
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 workhorse chassis p32 rv. The contact stated he was unable to remove the gear shift selector out of the park position. He attempted to apply pressure to the brake pedal to release the gear shift lock but to no avail. The vehicle had not been taken to an authorized dealer. The failure and current mileages were 8,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 workhorse w22. The contact stated that the brakes failed in 2006 and were repaired at his expense. However, they failed again. The contact received a recall notice for recall 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and had been in constant contact with the manufacturer attempting to have the vehicle repaired. However, the parts were unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. Updated 07/19/10. *Lj updated 09/21/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 allegro open road rv with workhorse chassis. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the left front brake wheel locked up. The contact turn the vehicle off for a while and was able to restart it. The vehicle was taken to a dealership where the brakes were repaired with used parts at the contact's expense. On the day that he picked up the vehicle from the dealership, the front brakes locked up again. He took the vehicle back to the dealership and the repairs were...
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done again free of charge. The contact referenced recall 50901-c regarding the brake defect, for which he had received two recall notices.The failure mileage was approximately 32,800. The current mileage was approximately 34,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 workhorse chassis. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired according to recall 04v195000 (electrical system) and received a recall notice for a brake system defect (not in nhtsa database): bosch campaign id:50901-c. The contact was driving at approximately 45 mph when the brake pedal stuck suddenly. The contact also noticed a lot of heat being emitted from the brakes and smoke from the wheels so he removed the pads from the rotors and drove home. The brakes did not retract so the...
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rotors overheated intermittently. The vehicle was not inspected at the time of the complaint. The contact called the manufacturer who informed him that the parts for repair were unavailable. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. The current mileage was approximately 34,000.
Used brakes about four or five times at traffic lights, then started to smell brakes. Pulled off roadway soon as possible, right rear brake extremely hot. Waited about an hour and half for brakes to cool. Brakes fail every time driven since that first failure. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 monaco lapalma rv. The vehicle was equipped with a workhorse chassis w22. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign id 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The recall notification was received in may 2009. The contact was displeased to know the manufacturer recall remedy has been unavaiale for such a lengthy period of time. The manufacturer had been notified on several occasions. There was no failure mileage.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 sun cruiser 1fg33b rv. The vehicle was equipped with the workhorse custom brakes. While the contact was driving approximately 55 mph, the brake pedal was applied with a delay in the response time. The failure occurred at any speed rate traveled. The driver smelled a strong odor coming from the brakes. The vehicle has not been diagnosed for the malfunction. The current and failure mileages were 24,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 workhorse pace arrow. While driving 50 mph, he attempted to engage the brake pedal and heard a popping noise in the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle and was unable to diagnose the failure. There were no repairs made to the vehicle. The failure has occurred approximately 15 times. The failure mileage was 10,000 and the current mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 workhorse winnabego chassis w22. He received notice for a recall campaign (see nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000; service brakes-hydraulic) and stated he filed a complaint months ago in regards to recall repairs. He also stated for the last year, he has received two interim recall notices from workhorse stating the remedy for the recall was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and stated they had not further information as to when and if the parts would ever become...
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available. The contact was concerned for his safety and the fact that no one could advise him as to when the defective parts would become available. There were no failures at this time and mileage was unknown. Updated 3/4/2010 *cn updated 05/20/10
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 workhorse chassis w22. While the workhorse manufacturer was servicing the vehicle for nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000, service brakes, hydraulic, the technician stated that he did not need to have the recall repaired and he was refused service. The contacts vin number was included in the recall and he experienced the identical failure that was described in the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 workhorse w22. While driving the front brakes locked. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the technicians machined four rotors and flushed the brake fluid system. Six months after the repair the technician replaced the right front brake caliper,and lubed the flag pins. In spring of 2009 she received recall notice # 09v110000(service brakes, hydraulic). However when she contacted the dealer she was advised that parts were unavailable. He then added that there was not an estimated time period when the parts will be available. The current mileage was approximately 17,000. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 workhorse chassis. The contact received a recall notice for the brake calipers due to uneven break wear. The recall stated that the part for the repair would be unavailable until october of 2009; however, the contact was required to pay now out of pocket. The contact feels that this is a safety issue and that the manufacturer should pay for the repairs since a recall was issued. The nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 safari simba motor home with a 2004 workhorse chassis w22. While the contact was servicing the motor home, he noticed that the front rpm was increasing. He also smelled a strong odor coming from the brakes. He then observed that both front brakes were overheating. He called the manufacturer and requested that his chassis be serviced according to nhtsa campaign id number 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer stated that his vin was not included in the recall; therefore, they would not assist with the repair. The failure and current mileages were 17,000.
Recent discussion boards talked about the need to service the brakes on the workhorse chassis. Had the wheels pulled and the brakes examined. All four rotors were cracked, causing increased wear on the shoes and a dangerous condition. I replaced them at my own expense. *Tr
Workhorse w22 with brake caliper problems. Have changed 5 calipers, 3 seals and two rotors on a 3 year old motorhome with 17,000 on it. *Tr
Workhorse Chassis: every year compared
All Chassis years2004 Workhorse Chassis vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 Workhorse Chassis | 34 | 1 | - | |
| 2004 Workhorse W22 | 92 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2004 Workhorse W20 | 7 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2004 Workhorse P32 | 2 | 1 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2004 Workhorse Chassis
Does the 2004 Workhorse Chassis have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 Workhorse Chassis: electrical system (April 2004). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Workhorse Chassis?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (27), electrical system (5), engine & cooling (3).
How many complaints has the 2004 Workhorse Chassis had?
34 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 16, 2004 and the latest on March 30, 2019. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Which Workhorse Chassis years have the most complaints?
2004 (34), 2003 (22). See every Workhorse Chassis year compared.
What should I do if my 2004 Workhorse Chassis has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data