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2004 Workhorse W20Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 7 owner complaints about the 2004 Workhorse W20, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints70 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage18kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 26, 2009. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Workhorse W20 has problems

7 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
Service brakes, hydraulic60
Electrical system10
Visibility10
Wheels10

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

2 recalls

2004 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 →

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

2004 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2004 Workhorse W20, and the recalls they led to.

  1. OVERHEATING DISC BRAKE CALIPEREA07016 · closed Aug 19, 2009
    Led to recall 09V-110
  2. OVERHEATED BRAKE CALIPERSPE07032 · closed Nov 19, 2007
    No recall
In owners' words

What W20 owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WHILE DRIVING ON US441 NEAR TAVARES FL GOT A WARNING LIGHT FOR ANTI LOCK BRAKES. PULLED OVER INTO A SHOPPING AREA. LEFT FRONT WHEEL AND RIGHT REAR DUAL WHEEL WERE HOT. RESTARTED ENGINE GOT A BRAKE FAILURE WARNING ON DASH MESSAGE CENTER. LET BRAKES COOL FOR APPROXIMATELY 90 MINUTES. DROVE HOME THEN…
Complaint 10247194 · Oct 29, 2008 · 38,133 miles
ON 9/6/07, THE L.F. BRAKE ON MY MOTORHOME SEIZED UP AND OVERHEATED THE BRAKE ROTOR FOR ALMOST 10 MILES UNTIL I NOTICED SEVERE SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL & SMELLED "BURNT BRAKE LINING" WHEN I STOPPED. I WAS DRIVING IN NORMAL CITY TRAFFIC NEAR ALLIANCE, OHIO; -NOT EXCESSIVE STOP AND GO, BUT THERE…
Complaint 10243450 · Sep 25, 2008 · 10,920 miles
THE BRAKES WERE FADING SO I HAD THEM INSPECTED BY LES SCHWAB TIRES. THEY INFORMED ME THAT ALL 4 ROTORS HAD CRACKS IN THEM AND THEY WERE A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE ABOUT 30,000 MILES ON THE 2004 SOUTHWIND MOTORHOME WORKHORSE CHASIS. I AM RESPONDING TO NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA07016. *TR
Complaint 10217086 · Feb 6, 2008 · 30,000 miles

Own a 2004 W20?

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