VehicleVerdict

2005 Workhorse W22 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2005 Workhorse W22 — 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.

22

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other W22 years?

W22 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all W22 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Workhorse W22 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2091%
Electrical System15%
Visibility & Wipers15%

Does the 2005 Workhorse W22 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.

06V225000EngineJune 20, 2006 · 30,335 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOME AND TRUCK CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH GENERAL MOTORS 8.1L V8 ENGINES, IMPROPER HARDENING DURING THE HEAT TREATMENT PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP TO FRACTURE, RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER. IF THE DAMPER BECOMES LOOSE, FUEL COULD BE PUMPED BY THE FUEL PUMP INTO THE UNDER HOOD AREA.

Consequence

IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD RESULT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIPS ON THESE ENGINES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT WORKHORSE AT 877-294-6773.

06V148000SteeringMay 2, 2006 · 3,881 units

Defect

CERTAIN CHASSIS MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH INCORRECT STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE SPLINE CAN STRIP WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL IS BEING TURNED.

Consequence

THIS STEERING CONDITION COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 22, 2006. OWNERS MAY 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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WORKHORSE W22 RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE SMELLED BURNING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 11, 2012 · fire

“THE INSTRUMENT LED STARTED TO MALFUNCTION .CAN'T READ WHAT GEAR THE MOTORHOME IS IN OR ANY OF THE OTHER FUNCTIONS THAT ARE DISPLAYED,OIL PRESSURE, LOW OIL. IT STARTED GRADUALLY NOW ITS TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN'T READ THE DISPLAY ESPECIALLY WHAT GEAR (REVERSE .NEUTRAL,DRIVE). SOMEONE CAN GET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 1, 2011

“THE INSTRUMENT LED STARTED TO MALFUNCTION .CAN'T READ WHAT GEAR THE MOTORHOME IS IN OR ANY OF THE OTHER FUNCTIONS THAT ARE DISPLAYED,OIL PRESSURE, LOW OIL. IT STARTED GRADUALLY NOW ITS TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN'T READ THE DISPLAY ESPECIALLY WHAT GEAR (REVERSE .NEUTRAL,DRIVE). SOMEONE CAN GET…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · July 1, 2011

2005 Workhorse W22 — common questions

Is the 2005 Workhorse W22 reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 W22 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (20 complaints), visibility & wipers (1 complaints), electrical system (1 complaints).

Does the 2005 Workhorse W22 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Workhorse W22. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 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.