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2003 Workhorse W22

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

77 reports with mileage · 36 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports8 fire reports0 injury reports

Service Brakes, Electric complaints

2 reports
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28,289 miles · Nov 24, 2009
Service Brakes, Electric

WE DROVE 300 MILES AND FELT THE REAR CALIPERS HANGING UP ON 3 OCCASIONS. AS SOON AS WE GOT ON THE INTERSTATE, WE FELT THE MTRHOME HAD NO POWER, AS IF THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED AND THEN SMELLED BURNING BRAKE ODOR. STOPPED AT THE FIRST REST AREA IN A COUPLE OF MILES, LET THEM COOL FOR 2 HOURS, THEN THEY DID RELEASE AND AS LO…

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WE DROVE 300 MILES AND FELT THE REAR CALIPERS HANGING UP ON 3 OCCASIONS. AS SOON AS WE GOT ON THE INTERSTATE, WE FELT THE MTRHOME HAD NO POWER, AS IF THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED AND THEN SMELLED BURNING BRAKE ODOR. STOPPED AT THE FIRST REST AREA IN A COUPLE OF MILES, LET THEM COOL FOR 2 HOURS, THEN THEY DID RELEASE AND AS LONG AS WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE NOT USING BRAKES, WE WERE FINE. AS SOON AS WE GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE TO GO TO THE RV PARK, WITHIN 2 MILES, THE BRAKES ONCE AGAIN HEATED UP BUT NOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE DAMAGE. NEXT DAY WE CONTINUED ON THE INTERSTATE WITH NO PROBLEMS UNTIL WE EXITED IN OCALA. AGAIN, WE DROVE A FEW MILES TO A PARK AND PARKED FOR THE NIGHT. NEXT DAY, DROVE LESS THAN A MILE TO OUR WORKHORSE SERV CTR TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THEY COULD FIND NO DAMAGE TO THE BRAKES SO WERE UNABLE TO AUTHORIZE REPLACEMENT OF THE REAR CALIPERS PER SAFETY RECALL 50901-C. WE, HOWEVER, BEING FAMILIAR WITH THE SYMPTOMS, I.E., SMELL OF BURNING BRAKES, LOSS OF POWER, KNOW THAT THEY WERE IN FACT INTERMITTENTLY HANGING UP. WE OPTED TO REPLACE THE REAR CALIPERS AT OUR EXPENSE($435) SINCE WE DO NOT WANT TO BE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AGAIN AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST ON 3 OCCASIONS. WE HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 CALIPERS, 4 ROTORS, BRAKE PADS & FRONT BRAKE LINES AT OUR EXPENSE. WE REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT ON THE PREVIOUS ISSUES IN JULY, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. WE CHANGED THE FLUID AND LUBED THE SLIDES PRIOR TO OUR RECENT TRIP. SINCE WE HAVE HAD BRAKE FAILURES ON 8/18/08, 8/21/08 AND 12/4/08 AND 11/24/09 WE KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO PUSH THE BRAKE PETAL AND HAVE IT GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND NOT STOP. WE FEEL THAT WE ARE BEING PENALIZED BECAUSE WE ARE CONSCIENTIOUS DRIVERS AND DO NOT CONTINUE DRIVING UNTIL THE CALIPERS ARE SO HOT THEY BURN UP THE WHOLE BRAKE ASSEMBLY. IT SEEMS THAT ONLY THE IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVERS WHO CONTINUE DRIVING UNTIL THE BRAKES ARE TOAST GET REPLACEMENT CALIPERS FROM WH. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS NOT BEING ADDRESSED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10293469

38,000 miles · Nov 3, 2009
Service Brakes, Electric

REGARDING THE BOSCH BRAKE RECALL, I EXPERIENCED NO BRAKES WHEN THEY OVERHEATED IN AUGUST, 2009. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLIED. THANKFULLY I WAS NEAR MY DESTINATION AND CONTACTED A REPAIRMAN THAT INFORMED ME THAT ONCE THEY COOLED DOWN, THE BRAKES WOULD WORK AGAIN AND THEY DID. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I RECENTLY CO…

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REGARDING THE BOSCH BRAKE RECALL, I EXPERIENCED NO BRAKES WHEN THEY OVERHEATED IN AUGUST, 2009. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHEN APPLIED. THANKFULLY I WAS NEAR MY DESTINATION AND CONTACTED A REPAIRMAN THAT INFORMED ME THAT ONCE THEY COOLED DOWN, THE BRAKES WOULD WORK AGAIN AND THEY DID. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I RECENTLY CONTACTED WORKHORSE WHO ADVISED THAT THEY STILL DO NOT THE PARTS TO CORRECT MY RECALL THAT I RECEIVED BACK IN THE EARLY SPRING OF 2009. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT? AM I TO CONTINUE TO RISK MY FAMILY'S LIFE, AS WELL AS OTHERS ON THE ROAD, WHILE THEY OFFER NO DEFINITE SOLUTION? MAYBE A LARGE LAWSUIT AFTER AN ACCIDENT WILL GET THEIR ATTENTION, YOU THINK? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290759

Official recalls

1

09V110000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Apr 3, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA07016 · Overheating Disc Brake Caliper

Opened Nov 16, 2007 · Closed Aug 19, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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.

Additional source detail variants (7)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

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, Hydraulic

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, Hydraulic

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, Hydraulic

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, Hydraulic

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, Hydraulic

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, Hydraulic

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.