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2005 Workhorse W22 Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2005 Workhorse W22 with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (20) and the electrical system (1). Those complaints describe 2 fires. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in April 2009 for the service brakes, hydraulic. For comparison, the 2004 has 92 and the 2006 has 8.

NHTSA data checked

DMore problems than a typical W22 year, for its age

#188 most complained-about 2005 vehicle

Complaints
21
Recalls
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2005 Workhorse W22 problems

Share of all 21 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2005 Workhorse W22 recalls 3

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.

Engine and engine cooling

06V22500030,335 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain motor home and truck chassis equipped with general motors 8.1L v8 engines, improper hardening during the heat treatment process can cause the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip to fracture, resulting in inadequate retention of the damper. If the damper becomes loose, fuel could be pumped by the fuel pump into the under hood area.
The risk
In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
The fix
Dealers will replace the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clips on these engines free of charge. The recall began on september 1, 2006. Owners may contact workhorse at 877-294-6773.

Steering

06V1480003,881 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain chassis may have been equipped with incorrect steering intermediate shafts. The spline can strip while the steering wheel is being turned.
The risk
This steering condition could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering intermediate shafts. The recall began on may 22, 2006. Owners may contact workhorse at 1-877-294-6773.

What owners say

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21 complaints about the 2005 Workhorse W22

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.

Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

The instrument led started to malfunction .Can't read what gear the motorhome is in or any of the other functions that are displayed,oil pressure, low oil. It started gradually now its to the point that you can't read the display especially what gear (reverse .Neutral,drive). Someone can get seriously injured because of it, or destroy the coach or engine because of not being able to read the message board. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 10684106
BrakesFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 workhorse w22 rv. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, he smelled burning from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that they needed to replace the brake caliper assemblies. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000 (service brakes). The failure and the current mileage was 25,000....Updated 10/17/12 *bf updated 10/19/2012 *js

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10471186
Brakes

2005 Workhorse w22 motorhome. Consumer writes in regards to recall concerning sticking brake calipers *tgw while replacing the calipers, the mechanic discovered that three of the brake rotors were cracked. The consumer felt it was a premature failure of the brake rotors and constituted a safety hazard.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10452014
Brakes

I had new tires put on this motorhome and the mechanic showed me front rotors were both cracked and reminded me of the bosch caliper recall. I checked my vin # on workhorse web site and it showed the recall for my chassis. I took it to bob stall chevrolet in san diego to handle the recall. I was informed workhorse denied the rotors were damaged by the possibility of the calipers not releasing and overheating and cracking the rotors. I have never even smelt hot brakes on this motorhome since I have owned it. I was...

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surprised to see cracked rotors especially this size of rotors. I have done all my own vehicle maintenance for the last 35 years including many brake jobs. I have rarely even had to turn rotors on any of my autos,b usually just change pads or shoes. I am extremely conscious of how I use my brakes especially on the motorhome as this is my third one in 20 years. I had a bounder on a ford chassis for ten years prior to this workhorse and I changed the pads at 40k miles with no issues with rotors or calipers. My problem is that I am paying $1600.00 To have new rotors and pads with seals on a 5 year old chassis. This is totally unacceptable especially for something I paid $130,000.00 For. I believe these rotors were either damaged by sticking calipers or uneven tempering during the manufacturing process of these rotors. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10433540
BrakesFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 national sea breeze lx rv with a workhorse w22 chassis. The contact received notification of nhtsa id number: 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall in 2010. On a later date while driving 65 mph and engaging the brake, the brakes and front wheels began to shake abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the brakes would become extremely hot. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was advised that the front rotors...

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were warped and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated he was having problems with the rear brakes now. The contact called the manufacturer and the representative advised him that the failure was caused by driver error. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 14,751 and the current mileage was 15,700.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10381587
Brakes

2005 Workhorse w22 chassis. Winnebago adventurer. Consumer states brake failure *tgw the consumer stated in september 2009 while driving, the brakes failed for the first time. The consumer and his wife began to smell the brakes burning. The abs light illuminated, the front wheels were too hot to touch and the rear wheels were hot as well. The rv was taken to a local workhorse facility. They replaced a cracked caliper, but did nothing to the brakes. In august 2010, the brakes failed again. The rv was towed to a...

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workhorse facility. They replaced the front calipers, front center caps and three abs sensors. A claim was submitted to workhorse, but the it was denied. Workhorse stated the brake failure was not recall related. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10366294
Brakes

Consumer writes regarding 2005 workhorse chassis recall *tgw the consumer stated when he took the rv in for service, he advised the technician that there was an odor and smoke coming from the brake system during light and heavy braking. After inspection, the technician determined the brake calipers were in fact defective. They also determined that the rotors were heat damaged to the point that the rv was unsafe to drive. Also, the brake pads were heat damaged and prematurely worn out. The consumer stated he would like workhorse to fulfill their obligations regarding the recall on the bosch brake calipers and the resulting damage to the brake system. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10366058
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 monaco simba rv equipped with a workhorse chassis w22. There was a recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the contact was informed by the dealer that the part needed for recall repairs was on a massive backorder. The contact stated that he was the 144th person on the waiting list for the part and was concerned with the potential safety hazard involved before being able to have the vehicle repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10359104
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 monaco monarch rv equipped with a workhorse chassis w22. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The contact stated the recall mentioned that the dealer would replace the rotors in conjunction to the four brake calipers replacement. The dealer refused to replace the overheated rotors under the recall remedy. The rear driver side rotor was replaced at the owner's expense. The three other damaged rotors were not replaced. In addition, the complete brake system had been previously replaced in october of 2007. The vin was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10357880
Brakes

Letter from congressman davis on behalf of constituent requesting a recall on his 2006 fleetwood that he purchased from rv service & accessories of tennessee (dot/i 2010-2160-respond to rockwood, tn office) *tgw the consumer experienced complete brake failure at 11,990 miles. The consumer stated other chassis models were recalled, but not his model. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10356429
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 holiday rambler admiral se motor home with a workhorse w22 chassis. While driving 40-45 mph he engaged the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. He pumped the brakes and the vehicle slowed down. He also smelled something burning inside the vehicle. He later determined that the smell was coming from the rear brakes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the rear brake calipers. The dealer also informed him that the failure was caused by the brakes freezing. The...

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contact does not feel safe driving the vehicle. He referenced recall 09v110000, service brakes, hydraulic. He stated that the manufacturer would not reimburse him because his vehicle was repaired in august 18,2007 and they did not take responsibility for the repairs until november 16, 2007. The failure mileage was 7,126 and the approximate current mileage was 10,000.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10355980
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 damon coaches challenger 353 rv equipped with a workhorse chassis w22. While the contact was driving approximately 35 mph, the brakes were engaged followed by a sudden crunching noise and the vehicle began to pull into the right direction without assistance. The vehicle was able to continue with slight force applied to the steering wheel. Also, the vehicle would pull into the left direction unexpectedly. The failures were intermittent. The contact received a recall notification in may...

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of 2009, associated with nhtsa campaign id number 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the manufacturer does not provide a remedy for the defect. The contact was displeased to know that the recall part still remained unavailable and expressed significant concern of the potential safety hazard. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 12,400.

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10349594
Brakes

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 winnebago sightseer rv equipped with a 2005 workhorse chassis w22. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact smelled an odor of burning brakes, and the anti-lock brake system warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the brakes had overheated. The front calipers and front brakes were replaced at the owner's expense. There was a recall under nhtsa campaign id number...

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09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). However, the vin was excluded from the recall. The contact had concern of the potential safety hazard. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 11/05/10. *Lj updated 12/08/10. *Lj the consumer stated the problem was resolved. The consumer stated he had to pay for the repairs, but he was eventually reimbursed. Updated 12/13/10*jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10348109
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 workhorse w22 rv. The contact stated that he received an interim recall notice from workhorse to address the brake failure over a year ago (nhtsa campaign id number: 09v110000: service brakes, hydraulic). While driving 40 mph, the contact smelled a burning odor and within a few minutes noticed smoke on the front drivers side of the vehicle. The contact was able to safely drive onto the emergency lane and confirm that the right front wheel was on fire. The manufacturer was contacted...

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and stated that the recalled repair parts were not available. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The manufacturer advised the contact that he would be reimbursed for any repairs that were made to correct the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,591 and the current mileage was 24,791. Updated 7/26/10 *cn the consumer stated the right front caliper smoked profusely, but did not catch fire. Updated 08/09/10*jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10331558
Brakes

I have a 2005 motorhome on a workhorse chassis which is involved with the bosch zops & zoht brake recall. Our motorhome has 18,500 miles on it. On 10 sep 2009 we had the left front brake stick & overheat about 6-8 miles from home. After calling workhorse for assistance I decided to have the brakes checked. Both front calipers were sticking. The left front rotor had heat damage & brake pad transfer on the rotor. The right front rotor had many small heat cracks with one large radial crack across & through the entire...

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braking surface and also had brake pad transfer on the rotor. Photos were taken of the damaged calipers, rotors & brake pads and emailed to workhorse for approval of replacement of these damaged items. Workhorse covered the two bosch brake calipers but refused to cover any additional items saying they were damaged during normal operation. The service manager, service advisor and service tech at the workhorse facility I took the motorhome to, all said the sticking calipers caused the damage to the rotors & pads. I contacted the same workhorse tech (who denied our claim) twice to explain that I have a supplemental brake for the vehicle we tow, that I don't ride the brake and I don't brake hard to stop. I even asked him what he thought I might be doing that could possibly cause the damage to the rotor & pads. He would not respond. I have spent (out of pocket in the last week) $978.78 To have the motorhome front brakes put back into proper working order. I bought a new rotor for the right front, I had the lf rotor turned, bought seals, replaced brake pads both sides & replaced the brake fluid. I have photos of the damaged parts & the cracked rotor. Without some intervention I doubt that I will ever be compensated for the cost I have incurred. I've been driving for 50 yrs. And I have never experienced any brake problems on any vehicle I have owned. *Tr updated 11/04/09

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10289649
Brakes

Workhorse has a safety recall on the brake system on certain motor homes. My motor home is part of the recall. Last week my brakes overheated and I had no brakes. I called workhorse and they agreed that the failure was due to the recall. However,during the repair process they are saying certain parts are maintenanence parts and are the customers responsibility even though the failure was due to excessive heat buildup. An example is the brake fluid, which brakes down under high heat conditions. They say it is a...

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maintenance item because the brakes should be bled once a year (this is not in the maintenance manual). This procedure loses an ounce of break fluid and does not require a complete purge of the break system, which is required when the brake fluid is exposed to excessive heat. Also the rotors are considered a maintenance item when changing the brake pads. During this repair process the rotors are not covered, even though they have obvious damage, unless they are starting to disintegrate. I believe if these items need to be replaced due to excessive heat damage they should be covered by the recall and not be considered maintenance items and customer resopnsibility. I am fully aware of normal maintenance procedures and keep the maintenance on my motor home current. I just don't believe I should be responsible for maintenance items when they fail due to a manufacturing defect. *Tr

Filed Incident Parking brakeNHTSA 10277550
Brakes

2005 Winnebago has a workhorse chassis - workhorse has a problem with the brakes. *Nj the consumer stated when he entered the camp grounds, he smelled rubber burning. Upon checking the brakes, he discovered they had overheated. The consumer took the rv to a repair shop and was informed that workhorse had a problem with the brake slides rusting up and seizing the brakes. Further examination revealed the front brakes and one rear brake were dragging. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10273388
Brakes

Recall notice for brakes on workhorse rv motor home. *Nj the consumer stated he experienced the problems as described in the recall letter and had the repairs made 2 days prior at a cost of $2,719.94. The calipers, abs sensor and hubs were replaced. *Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10273371
Brakes

Left brake caliper lockup. Happened once and overheated brake system until brake pedal went to floor. Stopped and let cool then continued to a dealership where I was informed of the brake caliper lockup issue with workhorse chassis. Continued trip and had brake job performed at dealership. One brake caliper was completely locked up. Replaced both rear calipers, hoses, seals and other parts and old parts may still be available at the dealership. Complete statement of work is available from lazy days rv center in seffner fl. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10228715
Brakes

My brake does not return to the rest position after use at the speed it once did. It takes 1 to 3 seconds. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10215204
Brakes

Took a trip in my 2006 motorhome on a 2005 workhorse w-22 chassis. While in stop and go traffic on the interstate the brake pedal seemed to climb higher the more times it was depressed.. After several miles of this I could smell burnt brake pad. Upon getting out of traffic the problem went away and the pedal returned to normal height. 1 Week later the same thing occurred on the return trip, also I could feel the brakes dragging. The unit had 2,700 miles on it at the time. Placed unit in workhorse chassis dealer...

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for repair on 10/23/07. They replaced 3 rotor assemblies, 3 calipers, 2 brake pad kits, and numerous seals and bearings which had been damaged by excessive heat.. Actual cause has not been determined. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10214006

Workhorse W22: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20092000Electrical systemA
20084100BrakesA
20075100BrakesA
20068301BrakesC
200521302BrakesD
200492203BrakesF
2003113118BrakesF
200267216BrakesF
200110301BrakesC
All W22 years

2005 Workhorse W22 vs rivals

VehicleComplaintsRecallsCrashesGrade
2005 Workhorse W222130D
2005 Workhorse W20320CCompare
2005 Workhorse P32210DCompare
2005 Workhorse W21110DCompare
2005 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 2005 Workhorse W22

Does the 2005 Workhorse W22 have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2005 Workhorse W22: service brakes, hydraulic (April 2009); engine and engine cooling (June 2006); steering (May 2006). 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 2005 Workhorse W22?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (20), electrical system (1), visibility & wipers (1).

How many complaints has the 2005 Workhorse W22 had?

21 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 7, 2008 and the latest on February 18, 2015. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2005 Workhorse W22 a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 31 out of 100 (grade D: 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 2005 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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