2004 Workhorse W20 recalls and problems

The 2004 Workhorse W20 has 2 safety recalls and 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Workhorse dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
7
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Workhorse W20 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 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.

Recall 06V-225: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 20, 2006 · 30,335 vehicles affected · WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS

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.

Risk: In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.

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.

2004 Workhorse W20 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic8
Wheels1
Electrical System1
Visibility1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum › Wheel Cylinders — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,100 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 2004 Workhorse W20 complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Jun 26, 2009
We do not feel that the instrument panel cluster on our motorhome has ever been large enough or clear enough for easy reading. We have always been unhappy with the visibility and just recently the transmission indicators for 3 and 1 gear have faded completely. At present we have an appointment to get the panel replaced.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 38,133 miles · reported Oct 29, 2008
While driving on us441 near tavares fl got a warning light for anti lock brakes. Pulled over into a shopping area. Left front wheel and right rear dual wheel were hot. Restarted engine got a brake failure warning on dash message center. Let brakes cool for approximately 90 minutes. Drove home then to workhorse repair center without further trouble. Courtesy chevrolet replaced 4 rotors 4 calipers 2 anti lock sensor and replaced brake fluid.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 30,000 miles · reported Feb 6, 2008
The brakes were fading so I had them inspected by les schwab tires. They informed me that all 4 rotors had cracks in them and they were a safety issue. I have about 30,000 miles on the 2004 southwind motorhome workhorse chasis. I AM responding to NHTSA action number: ea07016.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 17,600 miles · reported Feb 3, 2008
Right front disc brake overheated and caused oil seal failure resulting in contamination of disc brake lining contamination and reduced brake effectiveness.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 20,100 miles · reported Sep 13, 2007
This is a brake failure on ,my 2004 allegro motorhome built on a w-20 chassis manufactured by workjorse custom chassis. On the date in question, the right rear brake locked up and overheated. The left rear brake overheated. These actions caused replacement of the right rear caliper, roter, seals and slide pins. The caliper and slide pins were replaced on the left rear brake. The calipers and slide on both front brakes were replaced due to overheating. Old parts are available for inspection. The work was performed at an authorized workhorse service center and the coast can be provided upon…

Other Workhorse W20 years

Compare all Workhorse W20 years · All Workhorse models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Workhorse W20 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Workhorse W20: 09V-110 (service brakes, hydraulic), 06V-225 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Workhorse W20?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (8 reports), followed by wheels (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,100 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.