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Workhorse W22 brake failure problems

74 of the 323 owner complaints about the Workhorse W22 describe brake failure, most of them for the 2003 model year.

owner complaints
74
worst model year
2003
typical repair cost reported
$3,700
typical mileage
22,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Jul 6, 2023 · Brakes · 23,022 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2004 Workhorse W22. The contact stated that after the RV was stored for several years, the contact learned that the brakes had seized. The contact then became aware that the RV was included in a recall. The RV was taken to the dealer and repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 09V110000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the RV experienced brake failure. The contact stated that after the repair due, to personal issues, he was unable to use the RV for several months. The contact stated that he recently started driving the RV around the property and locally; however, he became aware of brake fluid leaking underneath the RV. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the RV to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 23,022.

Filed Mar 23, 2023 · Brakes · 21,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2002 Workhorse W22 Chassis. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. Additionally, the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 09V110000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2014 · Brakes · 19,870 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 workhorse w22 chassis motorhome. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 15 MPH, the brakes failed and the pedal sank to the floor. The contact had to apply the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. The authorized dealer was not able to provide a remedy. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was not notified or included in recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v110000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,870.

Filed Sep 27, 2013 · Brakes · 23,000 miles · NC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 fleet wood motor home equipped with a workhorse w22 chassis. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate. After inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the rear brakes were on fire. The contact was able to contain the fire by using an extinguisher. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician verified that the brakes failed and the brakes, rotor, brake caliper, speed sensor and the brake lines would need replacing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 23,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2011 · Brakes · PA

2004 georgie boy cruise master class a motor home on a 2004 workhorse chassis. Consumer writes in regards to problem with brakes *tgw the consumer stated the problem first began in september 2007, when the brakes began overheating and smoking. The consumer had the rv towed . Workhorse paid part of the bill because the rv was still under warranty. In august 2009, the brakes failed and the rv would not stop. The rv was towed again, where the braking system was repaired. In september 2010, the consumer received a recall letter from workhorse regarding a problem with the brakes. The consumer took the rv to a repair facility to have it inspected. The rv failed inspection, due to the braking system overheating and smoking. The consumer contacted workhorse while at the repair facility and workhorse refused to absorb the cost of having the rv towed to an authorized service center. The consumer informed workhorse, the brakes were overheating and smoking and he would not be able to drive it. A representative from the repair shop informed workhorse it was their responsibility to have the rv towed. Workhorse decided to pay for the towing. Repairs were only made to the calipers. In july 2011, the rv would not stop and went out of control on the interstate, forcing the consumer off the highway. The consumer contacted workhorse again, to inform them of the brake failure and they refused to have the rv towed or pay for any of the repairs.

Filed Mar 10, 2011 · Brakes · TX

2003 workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes in regards to bad brakes *tgw the consumer stated he/she first experienced front brake failure in sept 2007. The front brakes locked up which caused the brakes to overheat. The front calipers, brake pads, front inner seals, front outer hub covers and rotors had to be replaced. Also, the right front wheel speed sensor was defective and had to be replaced as well . The second time was in april 2008 when the rear calipers seized and damaged the rotors and pads. The brakes were replaced under an extended warranty. The consumer stated he/she received a refund check for the rear brakes only. The consumer stated since a recall was issued, all of his/her money should be refunded including money for the components that were damage as a result of the failed brakes.

Filed Jan 21, 2011 · Brakes · CA

2002 workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer writes in regards to problems with workhorse brakes and requests reimbursement *tgw the consumer stated the first problem he encountered with the rv was the smell of burning brakes which was noticed in 2004 and the repairs were done during the bosch brake caliper recall. The next problem came in late 2007 when the consumer started experiencing brake failure and the ABS light illuminated. The calipers, rotors and ABS repairs were completed at a cost of $3700. The extended warranty covered roughly half the cost, but the consumer had to pay over $1800. The denial letter workhorse sent the consumer, stated the work that was performed in 2004 showed no issues in regards to workmanship or material defects

Filed Jan 20, 2011 · Brakes · IL

2002 workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for a towing bill due to problems with workhorse custom chassis *tgw the consumer stated the brakes failed to release while driving.

Filed Dec 29, 2010 · Brakes · OH

2004 pace arrow on a 2004 workhorse w22 chassis. Consumer states brake failure *tgw the consumer was informed by the repair shop that a recall had been issued regarding the brakes. The consumer stated he never received a recall letter in the mail. Several weeks later, the consumer received the recall letter in the mail. The repair shop contacted the consumer to inform him the left front brake was not eligible for replacement under the recall.

Filed Nov 17, 2010 · Brakes · FL

Consumer writes regarding workhorse recall *tgw the consumer was denied reimbursement. According to workhorse, the work invoice did not reference a problem concerning caliper failure and they further stated the consumer did not take the rv to an authorized service center for the brake failure. The consumer stated the brake system locked up completely and began smoking profusely while the rv was being driven during rush hour traffic. The brake discs were severely warped and the calipers were completely inoperative. *jb updated 01/05/11. *jb updated 01/13/11.

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulicReported April 3, 2009 · 48,876 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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 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.

Recall number 09V110000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported February 18, 2004 · 10,235 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorhome chassis equipped with bosch zops, the pads can drag on the rotor surface due to the pin slide.
Risk
A hang up or lock up may cause the calipers to over heat and not allow the driver to stop safely. This could cause overheating of the brake calipers which could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, repair and replace according to the procedure developed by bosch (see campaign 03e064000). The recall began on august 1, 2004. Owners should contact workhorse at 1‑877‑294‑6773.

Recall number 04V084000 · Recall details

Questions about the Workhorse W22 brake failure

Which Workhorse W22 years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2003 (29 complaints), 2004 (20 complaints) and 2002 (12 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Workhorse W22?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $3,700 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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