VehicleVerdict

2003 Workhorse W22 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 130 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 16.3 times the median W22 year — the 2003 model ranks #1 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 91% of all reports (118 of 130), far ahead of fuel system at 2.

130

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other W22 years?

W22 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W22 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Workhorse W22 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes11891%
Engine22%
Fuel System22%
Steering22%
Electrical System22%
Suspension11%
Lighting11%
Other11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2003 Workhorse W22 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.

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WORKHORSE CHASSIS W22. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKE UNIT BEGAN OVERHEATING AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 27, 2008 · fire

“CONSUMER RECEIVED SAFETY RECALL 50901-C FOR WORK HORSE CHASSIS. CONSUMER STATES THAT HIS MOTOR HOME HAS MANY PROBLEMS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM SINCE PURCHASING THE RV AND THEY ONLY WORKED NORMAL ABOUT 70-80% OF THE TIME. THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED ALL OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 3, 2009

“2003 NEWMAR MOUNTAIN AIRE MOTORHOME ON A 2003 WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WORKHORSE BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IN MAY OF 2009, HE RECEIVED AN INTERIM NOTICE WARNING ABOUT A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE WORKHORSE SYSTEM. THE NOTICED STATED THERE WAS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 1, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 WORKHORSE W22. THE CONTACT STATED THAT APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AGO WHILE TRAVELING IN WARM WEATHER WITH A HALF OF TANK OF GAS OR LESS, AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, HOWEVER THERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 21, 2008

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ALEGRO RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WITH A WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. THE LIQUID SCREEN CRYSTAL DISPLAY FAILED, HE WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE MILEAGE, SPEED, GEAR, OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION ON THE SCREEN. THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2009

2003 Workhorse W22 — common questions

Is the 2003 Workhorse W22 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 130 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 11 W22 years. It is one of the W22 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 W22 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (118 complaints), fuel system (2 complaints), engine (2 complaints).

Does the 2003 Workhorse W22 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Workhorse W22. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Workhorse W22 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.