Check a vehicle VIN check Latest recalls Latest complaints Common problems Rankings Compare vehicles Recall roundups All makes Guides Share your experience
Theme

2001-2005 · 3 model years

Workhorse P3500 Problems by year

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the Workhorse P3500 across 3 model years, and it has 0 recalls. The 2005 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (1). The most reported problem area is the brakes, followed by the electrical system.

Most complaints for its age20051 complaint · 0 recallsSee the 2005
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

P3500 complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20051000BrakesC
20031000BrakesC
20011000Electrical systemC

Most common P3500 problems

Latest P3500 complaints

2005 Workhorse P3500Brakes

Driving in calif. On freeway 210 going approx. 55 Mph with traffic a little heavy, so there was some stop and go or slowly down. I was down shifting but still had to use my brakes. All of a sudden my brake pedal almost went to the floor and my alarm on dash started to beep, showing me that I had brake problems. I had only traveled approx. 75 Miles with only the last 20 miles with heavier traffic. I got off the freeway onto an off ramp asap and still had very little brakes. I was able to turn onto a side street...

Read the full complaint

and stop. I looked under the motorhome and saw brake fluid dripping from the master cylinder. Call for tow truck. The rv repair shop checked out the brakes and found the front and rear calipers sticking and showed heat damage to the rotors and brake pads, I also saw the damage. They said that is what caused the master cylinder to leak due to the high heat off the brake fluid. They had to replace all calipers, pads, turn all rotors and replace master cylinder. They also replace front wheel bearings. I know there are problems with previous years with workhorse's calipers. This cost me $2622.62 To have it repaired. I'm very good on not riding my brakes. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10679541
2001 Workhorse P3500Electrical system

This was the first of four incidents, where the starter switch failed. The last time was on march 4, 2014. On the last two occasions, we were driving on the highway at approx. 55 Miles an hour and the engine stopped. No warning, what so ever. All of a sudden, we had no power. We were able to coast to the side of the road. When this happens in a 34 foot motorhome, it's frightening to say the least. In all four incidents, the motorhome ignition switch was replaced, but it keeps happening. The consumer stated the last 2 times,the key turned off by itself and the engine shut off, while driving 55 mph. Updated 04/02/14

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10568024
2003 Workhorse P3500Brakes

November 2011. Complete brake failure. Downshifted and vigorously pumped brakes to come to a stop avoiding accident, leesburg fl., Area. Lost all breaking ability. Replaced rear calipers and brake lines that collapsed auto parking brake failure. Replaced parking brake switch prior to trip september 2012. . Return trip hydraulic leak resulting in replacement of actuator, brake switch and sensors. Additional breakdowns contributed to the automatic park brake at web site irvc.Com. After signing on go to truck chasis forum and then auto park brake as this problem is a common failure occurrence. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10481968

Questions about the Workhorse P3500

Which Workhorse P3500 years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2001 (1), 2003 (1), 2005 (1). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2005 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

What are the most common Workhorse P3500 problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the brakes (2), electrical system (1) most often.

How many recalls does the Workhorse P3500 have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for any Workhorse P3500 model year on file.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

Owners helping owners

Know before you drive.

Every experience you share - good or bad - shows on that vehicle's page and helps the next owner and buyer. Two minutes, anonymous.

Share your experience