RoadVitals

2004 Workhorse W22

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
92
Latest Jul 6, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 3, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

Overview

Our database contains 92 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Workhorse W22, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1 NHTSA investigation names it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes8383.8%
  • Electrical44.0%
  • Engine44.0%
  • Fuel system22.0%
  • Seat belts11.0%
  • Body & structure11.0%
  • Suspension11.0%
  • Exterior lighting11.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Apr 3, 2009
48,876 units potentially affected
The 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 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 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.
NAVISTAR, INCManufacturer number 50901-C & 51101-CView on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Jun 20, 2006
30,335 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 remedy: 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.
WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSISManufacturer number 60601-CView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA07016ClosedEngineering Analysis

OVERHEATING DISC BRAKE CALIPER

Opened Nov 16, 2007
Closed Aug 19, 2009

THE EA WAS OPENED TO GAIN A TECHNICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CAUSES FOR ONE OR MORE DISC BRAKE CALIPERS ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE TO SUFFER SEVERE OVERHEATING. THE OVERHEATING CAUSED BRAKE DRAG, MELTING ABS SENSORS, SMOKING, BRAKE LINING FIRES, AND IN SOME CASES BOILING BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN DIMINISHED STOPPING CAPABILITY.BASED ON TESTING, WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA ANALYSIS, FIELD TRIPS AND INTERVIEWS WITH OWNERS, MECHANICS AND SERVICE MANAGERS, ODI BELIEVES THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS WATER SWELL OF THE PHENOLIC CALIPER PISTON AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE PISTON TO FULLY RETURN AFTER THE PEDAL IS RELEASED.A TECHNICAL REPORT IS ATTACHED WITH FULL DETAILS.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 09V110000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jul 6, 2023

The contact owns a 2004 Workhorse W22. The contact stated that after the RV was stored for several years, the contact learned that the brakes had seized. The contact then became aware that the RV was included in a recall. The RV was taken to the dealer and repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V110000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the RV experienced brake failure. The contact stated that after the repair due, to personal issues, he was unable to use the RV for several months. The contact stated that he recently started driving the RV around the property and locally; however, he became aware of brake fluid leaking underneath the RV. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the RV to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,022.

NHTSA ID
11530594
Incident
Apr 13, 2023
Mileage
23,022 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2004 Workhorse W22 RV. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brakes heated up and seized. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and smelled a burning odor. The contact stated that he waited for over one hour for the brakes to cool and then he continued driving to his destination. The contact stated that the failure became constant and he no longer took the RV on long trips. The contact had taken the RV to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the calipers, pistons, sensors, and rotors needed to be replaced. The RV had been repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11486858
Incident
Jun 28, 2018
Mileage
60,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 2022

The contact owns a 2004 Newmar Kountry built on a 2004 Workhorse W22 chassis. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond as needed. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on four occasions where the brake pads were replaced four times however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving on a wet road surface and attempting to make a stop at the stop sign, the vehicle slid into a ditch. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The contact was able to pull the RV out of the ditch with the assistance of a four-wheel drive vehicle. The contact’s friend, an independent mechanic, arrived at the scene and diagnosed that the brake calipers had seized, causing the brakes to overheat while driving. Additionally, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the brake rotors needed to be replaced. The mechanic performed an unknown service on the brakes which allowed the contact to drive to his residence. However, the failure reoccurred and the brake pedal was smoking. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 09V110000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer informed the contact that they needed to verify that the manufacturer would cover the recall repair prior to assisting. The contact contacted other unknown dealers who declined to assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ID
11483385
Incident
Sep 7, 2020
Mileage
30,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 3, 2018

2004 CHEVROLET GULF STREAM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL REPAIR ISSUES - RIGHT FRONT CALIPER/ABS SENSOR REPLACEMENTS. *SMD *TR

NHTSA ID
10917053
Incident
Dec 28, 2015
Mileage
21,960 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 11, 2016

2000 MILES AFTER RECALL WAS FIXED WHEN BRAKES APPLIED STEERING WHEEL PULLS YOUR HANDS OFF AND GOES TO THE RIGHT AND CANT KEEP IT IN THE ROAD.

NHTSA ID
10884014
Incident
Jun 20, 2016
Mileage
17,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 25, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS MOTORHOME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OR INCLUDED IN RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,870.

NHTSA ID
10639041
Incident
Jul 1, 2014
Mileage
19,870 mi
Brakes
Filed Sep 27, 2013
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FLEET WOOD MOTOR HOME EQUIPPED WITH A WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKES WERE ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTAIN THE FIRE BY USING AN EXTINGUISHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKES, ROTOR, BRAKE CALIPER, SPEED SENSOR AND THE BRAKE LINES WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

NHTSA ID
10545708
Incident
Sep 11, 2013
Mileage
23,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 26, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GEORGI BOY CRUSE MASTER RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2004 WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REDUCE SPEED AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES REPEATEDLY AND TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER THIRTY MINUTES THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER A NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V193000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE RECENTLY RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000...UPDATED 05/16/13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE BREAKS AND ROTORS SHOULD HAVE BEEN CHANGED. THEY WERE WARPED FROM THE EXCESSIVE HEAT CAUSED BY CALIPERS HANGING UP. UPDATED 05/23/2013 *JS

NHTSA ID
10504526
Incident
Sep 28, 2006
Mileage
12,000 mi

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Workhorse W22 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2011020
2009200
2008410
2007510
2006830
2005213158.5
2004Viewing922152.0
20031131151.4
2002672260.8
2001103260.0
2000111

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.