2001 Workhorse W21Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2001 Workhorse W21, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 7, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 Workhorse W21 has problems

1 complaint 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 brakes10

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

1 recall

2001 Workhorse W21 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

2001 vs. every other W21 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 W21 median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What W21 owners report

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

THE BRAKES BECAME SPONGY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY. I COULD SMELL THE HOT BRAKE FLUID. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON.
Complaint 10762010 · Sep 7, 2015 · 29,854 miles

Own a 2001 W21?

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