VehicleVerdict

2001 Workhorse W20 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 2001 Workhorse W20 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other W20 years?

W20 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted12 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 2 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 12 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 3 complaints2006: 3 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 0 complaints
W20 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W20 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Workhorse W20 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes150%
Electrical System150%

Does the 2001 Workhorse W20 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V110000BrakesApril 3, 2009 · 48,876 units

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.

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.

04V084000BrakesFebruary 18, 2004 · 10,235 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTORHOME CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH ZOPS, THE PADS CAN DRAG ON THE ROTOR SURFACE DUE TO THE PIN SLIDE.

Consequence

A HANG UP OR LOCK UP MAY CAUSE THE CALIPERS TO OVER HEAT AND NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER TO STOP SAFELY. THIS COULD CAUSE OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKE CALIPERS WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT, REPAIR AND REPLACE ACCORDING TO THE PROCEDURE DEVELOPED BY BOSCH (SEE CAMPAIGN 03E064000). THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-294-6773.

01V317000SuspensionOctober 4, 2001 · 5,011 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTOR HOME AND COMMERCIAL CHASSIS. THE REAR AXLE U-BOLTS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED CORRECTLY DUE TO RANDOM FAILURE OF PRODUCTION TOOLING IN THE SPECIFIED TIME SPAN.

Consequence

LOW U-BOLT TORQUE CAN RESULT IN U-BOLTS COMING LOOSE AND NOT PROPERLY RETAINING THE REAR AXLE TO THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE REAR AXLE U-BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN OCTOBER 10, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 1-877-946-7731.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 WINNEBAGO. THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, AND STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE DRAGGING. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND ABS. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED A BRAKE REPAIR KIT ON 11/4/04, BUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 1, 2007

“I OWN A 2001 SAFARI TREK, BUILT ON A 17000 GVW WORKHORSE CHASSIS. I WAS TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (70 MPH) IN THE CENTER LANE OF HIGHWAY 99 IN FRESNO CA. MY CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED (THE FIRST SIGN) AND I RESET IT. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, THE GAUGES FAILED, AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 11, 2005

2001 Workhorse W20 — common questions

Is the 2001 Workhorse W20 reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2001 Workhorse W20 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Workhorse W20. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Workhorse W20 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.