VehicleVerdict

2002 Workhorse W22 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 76 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 9.5 times the median W22 year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 11 W22 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 84% of all reports (64 of 76), far ahead of engine at 5.

76

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other W22 years?

W22 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted130 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 14 complaints2002: 76 complaints2003: 130 complaints2004: 107 complaints2005: 22 complaints2006: 8 complaints2007: 6 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 2 complaints2011: 0 complaints
W22 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W22 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Workhorse W22 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes6484%
Engine57%
Suspension23%
Speed Control11%
Transmission11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Electrical System11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2002 Workhorse W22 have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DRIVER SIDE REAR BRAKE FIRE ON 2002 WORKHORSE MOTOR HOME CHASIS. FIRE WAS NOTED WHEN STOPPING AT CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT 5 MILES ON LEVEL GROUND AT 25 MILES PER HOUR FROM HIGHWAY ON SIDE ROAD. IMMEDIATELY HOSED DOWN BRAKE ASSEMBLY. MOTORHOME WAS ALLOWED TO SET FOR 3 DAYS. DROVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 10, 2009 · fire

“2002 WORKHORSE CHASSIS DOLPHIN MOTORHOME. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE STALLING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE RV HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY TOWED, SERVICED AND EVEN REPAIRED ONLY TO ENCOUNTER THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL WITH NO WARNING. WITHIN A PERIOD OF 10 SECONDS, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 1901

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WORKHORSE W22 TRAILER. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, HE SMELLED THE BRAKES AND WHEEL BEARINGS BURNING. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE WHEEL AND NOTICED OIL FROM THE WHEEL BEARING COVERING THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. IN OCTOBER OF 2007, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 13, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WORKHORSE W22 TRAILER. WHEN THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, HE SMELLED THE BRAKES AND WHEEL BEARINGS BURNING. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE WHEEL AND NOTICED OIL FROM THE WHEEL BEARING COVERING THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. IN OCTOBER OF 2007, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · October 13, 2006

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WORKHORSE W22 HOLIDAY RAMBLER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIBER OVERHEATED AND BOILED THE BRAKE FLUID. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 28, 2007

2002 Workhorse W22 — common questions

Is the 2002 Workhorse W22 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 76 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 11 W22 years. It is one of the W22 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 W22 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (64 complaints), engine (5 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2002 Workhorse W22 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Workhorse W22. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Workhorse W22 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Workhorse W22 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the W22 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2002. The cleanest record among W22 years belongs to 2011.

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.