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2005 Workhorse W20Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2005 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 complaints31 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage21kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 7, 2010. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2005 Workhorse W20 has problems

3 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, hydraulic20
Parking brake11

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

2 recalls

2005 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

2005 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 2005 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.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WORKHORSE CHASSIS W22. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE CALIPERS (RECALLED PART) COULD ALSO CAUSED FAILURES WITHIN THE BRAKE…
Complaint 10359531 · Oct 7, 2010 · 29,196 miles
BRAKES OVER-HEATED, LOCKED UP AND FAILED. AFTER A LONG COOL-DOWN PERIOD, THE BRAKE CALIPERS RELEASED AND I WAS ABLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. *TR
Complaint 10250965 · Dec 6, 2008 · 13,666 miles

Own a 2005 W20?

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