VehicleVerdict

2003 Workhorse W20 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2003 Workhorse W20 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other W20 years?

W20 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W20 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Workhorse W20 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes12100%

Does the 2003 Workhorse W20 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BRAKE FAILURE. REAR BRAKES OVERHEATED AND BOILED THE BRAKE FLUID. COACH WAS TOWED TO CAMPING TIME RV IN OAKWOOD, GA. IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR OVER A MONTH AWAITING PARTS. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. REAR HUBS TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND BOILED THE BRAKE FLUID.*JB UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE MASTER CYLINDER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 29, 2007

2003 Workhorse W20 — common questions

Is the 2003 Workhorse W20 reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2003 W20 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints).

Does the 2003 Workhorse W20 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Workhorse W20. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Workhorse W20 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 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.