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2003 Workhorse W20 recalls and problems

The 2003 Workhorse W20 has 1 safety recall and 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Workhorse dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
11
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Workhorse W20 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Workhorse W20 recalls

Recall 09V-110: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Apr 3, 2009 · 48,876 vehicles affected · NAVISTAR, INC

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.

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.

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.

2003 Workhorse W20 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 21,880 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Workhorse W20 complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 48,850 miles · reported Mar 24, 2009
2nd occurrence of brake sticking / drag during this trip. R rear brake did not release after braking causing drag & overheating. This (And the previous reported incident) occurred after going through a section of in-town stop & go traffic & stop lights. This occurrence was recognized quickly and was not as severe as the previous one. I was able to cool the brakes down and they released.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 48,560 miles · reported Mar 16, 2009
Brake failure - lockup of front brake caliper / rotor causing overheating and brake failure. No serious injury resulted. Caused trip delay and significant cost to repair replace brake components affected. Dealer inspected and diagnosed significant overheating and cracking of the front rotors and recommended replacement of same and pads & seals at a cost of approx $900. This unit was purchased used with approx 37600 miles at which time the dealer (Wh service center) inspected and replace brake pads on all 4 wheels. This unit is stored for several months at a time but has always been inside…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Feb 18, 2009
Ltr from congressman bishop on behalf of constituent re an update on an inquiry he previously submitted re w20 and w22 chassis brakes. The consumer stated the rear brake rotors overheated. The boiling brake fluid also lead to the brake failure.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 8,681 miles · reported Aug 23, 2008
Partial lockup of rear calipers on a 2003 workhorse w-20 chassis on a 2004 fleetwood flair 33r motorhome after traveling approximately 100 miles on relatively flat highway entering traffic with stoplights. After about 10 miles in the stop and go traffic, a slight 'brake smell' was noticed. This was approximately 10 miles from home. I got out and checked the wheels and both rear wheels were hot to the touch. At approximately 1 mile from home the ABS light came on and the brake pedal went to the floor. When this happened, I pumped the pedal a few times and had brakes. I limped home in this…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 15,962 miles · reported Jul 9, 2008
While my 2003 fleetwood southwind motor home on a workhorse chassis was in for a recall on the instrument cluster (Abs) I was informed that my brake fluid had over heated and the brake system required replacement (Calipers, pads, rotors). According to the dealer the fluid overheated, turned to a jelly and would not allow the pistons to retract after the brakes had been applied. Worhorse was contacted by dealer and they refused to acknowledge there was an issue with the brakes. I retained 2 of the brake calipers after repairs were complete. Related to NHTSA ea07016.

Other Workhorse W20 years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Workhorse W20 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Workhorse W20: 09V-110 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Workhorse W20?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (12 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 21,880 miles.

Are Workhorse recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Workhorse dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.