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Vehicle safety record

2003 Workhorse W22 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 113 complaints about the 2003 Workhorse W22 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (111) and the electrical system (2). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 8 fires. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in April 2009 for the service brakes, hydraulic. For comparison, the 2002 has 67 and the 2004 has 92.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical W22 year, for its age

#107 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
113
Recalls
1
Crashes
1
Fires
8
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2003 Workhorse W22 problems

Share of all 113 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Workhorse W22 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

Service brakes

09V11000048,876 vehicles affected

The problem
Navistar is recalling certain model year my 2001-2008 workhorse w20, w21 and w22 chassis and certain model year 2009 through 2011 monaco rv admiral, arista, monarch, and riptide recreational vehicles equipped with axles that include bosch zops or zoht pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver.
The risk
The temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Workhorse dealers will replace all four bosch brake caliper assemblies free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2010. Owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-246-7731.

What owners say

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113 complaints about the 2003 Workhorse W22

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.

BrakesFire

The contact owns a 2003 Workhorse W22. The contact stated that upon stopping the motorhome in her driveway, her husband discovered a bluish-black color smoke emitting from underneath the vehicle. The rear passenger side brake caliper had caught fire and the contact's husband was able to extinguish the fire with a water hose. The fire department was not called and a report was not filed. The contact stated that the brake and ABS warning lights had illuminated on the instrument panel after the failure. The contact's...

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husband took pictures of the damage and showed them to an independent mechanic. The mechanic then informed the contact's husband of NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V110000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) which he linked to the failure. The mechanic contacted then notified the manufacturer of the failure but received no assistance. The contact also made multiple attempts to reach the manufacturer but had no success. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11447460
Brakes

Navistar is recalling.....There's a recall to replace all four calipers but they won't replace the rotors all four of them are cracked from overheating because of the calipers hanging up . This recall is for a workhorse w22 chassis.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 11111288
Brakes

Rear calipers were replaced on recall with rebuilt calipers. After less than 500 miles the right rear caliper blew out all brake fluid resulting in complete loss of brakes. This happened 40 miles from home on a state road.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10876563
BrakesEngine & coolingFuel systemLightsElectrical system

2003 Newmar mountain aire motorhome on a 2003 workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes in regards to workhorse brake system recall *tgw the consumer stated in may of 2009, he received an interim notice warning about a possible problem with the workhorse system. The noticed stated there was a possibility of the brakes sticking, burning and the abs light illuminating. It further stated that if the symptoms should appear, that the driver should pull over and examine the wheels for excessive heat and contact a...

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workhorse service center. In june 2009 the consumer was about 100 miles into his trip, when he experienced over heating of the brakes and the abs light illuminated. He pulled over and called the number listed on the recall. Arrangements were made to have the rv towed to a service center, the service center made temporary repairs to the rv and found there was also a recall on the catalytic converter, which was also replaced. In january 2010, the consumer began to notice a slight loss of power and he could hear a muffled sound of back firing through the exhaust whenever he drove up an upgrade and/or hard accelerating. In june of 2010, he returned the rv to the service center, to have them check the back firing and several other items that needed to be repaired or replaced, but they were unable to find a problem. In october 2011, the rv began to slow down and smoke started emitting out of the left exhaust. The rv was towed to a service center. A diagnostic test revealed the catalytic converters were clogged up and blew out the mufflers. The service center also found the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The consumer also stated over the last five years, the fuel pump, serpentine belt, heater valve, speedometer, dash panel cluster lights and turn signal/ dimmer switch all had to be replaced. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Exterior lighting · Electrical systemNHTSA 10440813
Brakes

2003 Workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes to inquire about recalls *tgw the consumer stated the anti-lock brake light illuminated twice and the repair shop replaced the wheel sensors. Also, the front brake pads and rotors were replaced. The consumer stated he received a pending recall notice for the brakes. He contacted the dealer to make an appointment, but was informed it would be months before the repairs could be made. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10403448
Brakes

2003 Workhorse horse chassis. Consumer writes in response to a denial of reimbursement for replacement of caliper assembly. *Tgw the consumer stated all of the repairs made from sept 2007 through july 2008 prior to an safety recall notices from workhorse. On september 12, 2007, both front wheel seals were leaking and had to be replaced. Workhorse denied the claim, because they were only considering repairs made after november 16, 2007 for reimbursement. On a separate occasion, while enroute to his summer home, there was a burning odor and smoke coming from the wheel. The mechanic removed the burned abs sensor and replaced the hub caps and seals. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10403092
Brakes

2003 Workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes regarding workhorse warranty and safety recall *tgw the consumer experienced brake problems while on a trip. The consumer was informed by three dealers that it would be several weeks before he could receive service. The consumer finally found a service center and made an appointment for the following week. The consumer believed he was charged for repairs that should have been covered in the recall. He learned the problem with the abs and emergency brake lights was a problem that occasionally occurred when the recall work was performed. The consumer is requesting reimbursement for the abs, emergency brake lights and buzzer not going out. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10389488
Brakes

2003 Workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes in regards to bad brakes *tgw the consumer stated he/she first experienced front brake failure in sept 2007. The front brakes locked up which caused the brakes to overheat. The front calipers, brake pads, front inner seals, front outer hub covers and rotors had to be replaced. Also, the right front wheel speed sensor was defective and had to be replaced as well . The second time was in april 2008 when the rear calipers seized and damaged the rotors and pads. The brakes...

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were replaced under an extended warranty. The consumer stated he/she received a refund check for the rear brakes only. The consumer stated since a recall was issued, all of his/her money should be refunded including money for the components that were damage as a result of the failed brakes. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10389288
Brakes

Safety recall 51101-c. Brake calipers failed and burned up the entire braking and abs system. Workhorse is refusing to pay $4,600 cash I paid to repair the damage

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10383849
Electrical system

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 alegro recreational vehicle with a workhorse w22 chassis. The liquid screen crystal display failed, he was not able to read the mileage, speed, gear, or any other information on the screen. The recreational vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 24,000 and the current mileage was 28,669.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10378810
Brakes

Consumer writes in regards to safety recall 51101-c workhorse custom chassis bosch brake caliper *tgw the consumer stated when he applied the brake gently to stop for traffic, the right front brake locked up and would not release. He drove slowly almost at full throttle to the campground with smoke emitting from the wheel bearing. The brake rotor, caliper and abs sensor had to be replaced. Workhorse stated the consumer was not eligible for reimbursement as the repairs were not made between november 16, 2007 and june 15, 2009. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10375901
Brakes

2003 Rv. Attorney writes on behalf of consumers regarding faulty brakes and recall. *Tgw an inspection of the rv revealed extreme cracking damage had been caused to the rotors which was a direct result of the faulty brake calipers. The consumer was informed that the recall did not cover additional damage that had been caused to the rotors by the faulty calipers. The consumer had to pay for the rotors, pads and brake lines. Also, the abs was serviced twice prior to the recall. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10375899
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 workhorse w22. The contact stated that the vehicle was being serviced for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic) when he was informed by the technician that all four rotors were fractured and the vehicle was deemed as unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the failure was common and they were unable to provide any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 50,983. Updated 03/15/11 *bf updated 06/03/11

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10376714
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 workhorse w-22. The contact stated that he received a recall notice for recall 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was repaired according to the recall and the contact was informed that the rotors had cracked due to the heat generated from the failed calipers. The dealer stated that even though the rotors were a part of the braking system, they would not be repaired under the recall. The failure mileage was 42,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10376408
Brakes

Consumer writes regarding safety recall 51101-c involving the bosch service brake caliper *tgw the consumer experienced problems with the brakes while on a trip. When the consumer arrived at the dealer, he was informed it would be several weeks before services could be performed. The consumer then decided to scheduled an appointment at another establishment. The repair was shop was able to finish the brake recall work. However, they were unable to get the abs and emergency brake light as well as the warning...

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buzzer to out. The next day, the repair shop was able to rectify the problem. The consumer was charge for that repair. The consumer believed it should have been covered under the recall as well. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10372792
Brakes

2003 W-22 workhorse chassis motor home. Consumer states that he had a recall for the brakes and ending up paying for the repair. He feels that workhorse should have paid since the part was under recall. *Kb the consumer stated the abs light illuminated. The rv was taken to a repair shop and they turned the light off and advised the consumer to come back in a few days for a full inspection. The consumer returned a few days later for a rear brake inspection. The repair shop informed the consumer the rear brakes had...

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become very hot and burned and would need to be replaced. When the parts arrived, the consumer went back to the shop to have the rear brakes replaced. Two years after having the rear brakes replaced, the abs light illuminated again and the consumer began hearing strange sounds and the rv drove a little differently. When the consumer was able to pull over, he looked under the rv and smelled a strange odor and the brakes were extremely hot. The consumer was able to safely drive the rv to a repair shop, once the brakes cooled down. The repair shop determined the front brakes had seized and overheated and needed to be replaced. Three months later, the calipers were replaced. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10370010
Brakes

2003 Workhorse chassis. Courtesy copy of a letter from james m. Walker submitted to workhorse custom chassis re recall campaign number 51101 *tgw the consumer stated the recall work performed. The dealer replaced the faulty calipers at no charge, but found two rotors cracked beyond repair and two of them required resurfacing, all due to heat problems caused by the faulty calipers. The consumer is requesting reimbursement for the damaged rotors. In august 2005 all four rotors had to be replaced due to heat related...

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problems caused by faulty calipers. The pads were routine maintenance, but the seals failed and were subsequently replaced. The consumer is also requesting reimbursement for those rotors. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10370018
Brakes

2003 W22 workhorse chassis. Consumer writes to request a workhorse reimbursement *tgw the consumer is requesting reimbursement as a result of having the calipers replaced. The repair facility recommended the replacement of three rotors which were cracked. The consumer stated there was a distinct brake burning smell, the abs light illuminated for extended periods of time, and there were at least three times the braking system lost its effectiveness. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10368981
Brakes

2003 Workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes to seek an explanation as to why the recall did not cover the replacement of the left front and left rear rotor, pads, oil seal and speed sensor *tgw the consumer stated the right front side of the rv was covered under recall, but not the left side. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10367509
Brakes

Consumer writes regarding workhorse recall *tgw the consumer was denied reimbursement. According to workhorse, the work invoice did not reference a problem concerning caliper failure and they further stated the consumer did not take the rv to an authorized service center for the brake failure. The consumer stated the brake system locked up completely and began smoking profusely while the rv was being driven during rush hour traffic. The brake discs were severely warped and the calipers were completely inoperative. *Jb updated 01/05/11. *Jb updated 01/13/11. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10366292
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 workhorse newman mountaineer with a w22 chassis. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic) when the dealer discovered that the calipers had overheated and fractured all four rotors. The dealer replaced the rotors. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 53,521.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10365690
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 damon intruder. On a 2003 workhorse w22 chassis. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact smelled a burning odor from the brake area. The failure occurred after long distance drives. The vehicle was being serviced for recall 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic) when the contact was informed that the rotors were cracked. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mieage was 32,490 updated 01/21/11 *bf updated 04/15/11

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10365475
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 winnebago itasco sun cruiser equipped with a 2003 workhorse w22 chassis. The contact stated that recall for the brake calipers (workhorse recall) caused damage within the brake pads and brake hubs. The contact called the manufacturer who stated that they would only repair the brake calipers and the other components were normal wear and tear. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 28,000. Updated 02/09/11*lj updated 11/03/11 *bf updated 11/29/2011 *ln

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10364180
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 fleetwood bounder equipped with a 2003 workhorse w22. The contact stated that the passenger side rear brake locked up while he was driving approximately 50 mph. He was able to reverse and slam on the brake pedal which freed the brake. The vehicle was taken to his residence and parked it. He received a recall notice for recall 09v198000 (service brakes, air) and was told that the manufacturer would inform him when the parts for repair were available. When he took the vehicle in for repair,...

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the dealer stated that they could not repair the vehicle because the rotors and brake lines were rusted and needed to be replaced. They would not repair the calipers due to the other rusted parts. The contact was given another number to a contact with the manufacturer and he was awaiting a callback. The vin was unavailable. The current mileage was approximately 11,000. The failure mileage was approximately 10,800.

Filed Incident Service brakes, airNHTSA 10362202
Brakes

2003 Workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes regarding workhorse recall *tgw the consumer stated the brakes were replaced on january 28, 2010. Eight months later, the rv was back at the repair shop for more brake work. When the consumer arrived home from a trip, there was a recall notice in the mail regarding the brakes. The front and rear calipers were replaced, as well as the rotors and pads. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10360873

Workhorse W22: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20075100BrakesA
20068301BrakesC
200521302BrakesD
200492203BrakesF
2003113118BrakesF
200267216BrakesF
200110301BrakesC
20001100BrakesA
All W22 years

2003 Workhorse W22 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2003 Workhorse W2211311F
2003 Workhorse Chassis2211-Compare
2003 Workhorse W201110CCompare
2003 Workhorse W24100ACompare
2003 Workhorse P3500100CCompare

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.

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Questions about the 2003 Workhorse W22

Does the 2003 Workhorse W22 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Workhorse W22: service brakes, hydraulic (April 2009). 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 2003 Workhorse W22?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (111), electrical system (2), fuel system (2).

How many complaints has the 2003 Workhorse W22 had?

113 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 4, 2005 and the latest on January 14, 2022. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 8 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2003 Workhorse W22 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 5 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Workhorse W22 year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Workhorse W22 years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2003 Workhorse W22 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

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