Menu

2001 Workhorse W20Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2001 Workhorse W20, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage36kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 3, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 Workhorse W20 has problems

2 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2001 Workhorse W20 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 09V-110 · Apr 3, 2009 · 48,876 vehicles

Risk. THE TEMPERATURE INCREASE AT THE WHEEL END CAN EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SOFT PEDAL CONDITIONS DUE TO BRAKE FLUID BOIL, AND POSSIBLE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 04V-084 · Feb 18, 2004 · 10,235 vehicles

Risk. A HANG UP OR LOCK UP MAY CAUSE THE CALIPERS TO OVER HEAT AND NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER TO STOP SAFELY.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Leaf spring assembly: u-bolt, leaf spring to axle

Recall 01V-317 · Oct 4, 2001 · 5,011 vehicles

Risk. 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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Workhorse.

Best & worst years

2001 vs. every other W20 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the W20 median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2001 Workhorse W20, and the recalls they led to.

  1. OVERHEATING FRONT AND REAR BRAKESEA03003 · closed Mar 3, 2004
    Led to recall 04V-019
  2. OVERHEATING DISC BRAKE CALIPEREA07016 · closed Aug 19, 2009
    Led to recall 09V-110
  3. OVERHEATED BRAKE CALIPERSPE07032 · closed Nov 19, 2007
    No recall
In owners' words

What W20 owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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 10136426 · Sep 14, 2005 · 35,888 miles

Own a 2001 W20?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.