How many recalls does the 2003 Workhorse W20 have?

The 2003 Workhorse W20 has 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign on record.

How do I check if my 2003 Workhorse W20 has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's official recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see open, unrepaired recalls for your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free.

What do owners complain about most on the 2003 Workhorse W20?

Of 12 NHTSA complaints on file, the most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic.

2003 Workhorse W20 Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2003 Workhorse W20 has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 48,876 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 09V110000 2009-04-03 48,876 affected

Defect

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…

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Complaints by component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

Total complaints12

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“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…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2009-03-18

“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…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2009-03-14

“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…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2008-08-21

“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 damon workhorse (na). While driving 30 mph, the contact was flagged down by another motorist and advised to pull over. Once he pulled off the road, he discovered that the brakes failed. He stopped the vehicle with the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to his…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER · reported 2007-10-05

“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 damon workhorse (na). While driving 30 mph, the contact was flagged down by another motorist and advised to pull over. Once he pulled off the road, he discovered that the brakes failed. He stopped the vehicle with the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to his…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR · reported 2007-10-05

“Ltr from congressman bishop on behalf of constituent re an update on an inquiry he previously submitted re w20 and w22 chassis brakes. *nj the consumer stated the rear brake rotors overheated. The boiling brake fluid also lead to the brake failure. *jb”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS · reported 2007-10-05

“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 workhorse w20. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate as fast as it normally would. In addition, the contact noticed a burning smelling coming from the rear of the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the calipers caused the failure and they replaced the…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2007-09-26

“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…”

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · reported 2007-08-17