2003 Workhorse W20 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 100%of 11 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,940miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Workhorse W20, 100% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,940 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We have a 2003 motorhome with a W20 Workhorse frame. I have lost the hydraulic brakes due to the fluid boiling twice during normal driving on level roads (no hills or mountains) both times the heat destroyed the ABS wheel sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #10225639, filed 2008-04, 27,684 miles“While my 2003 fleetwood southwind motor home on a Workhorse chassis was in for a recall on the instrument cluster (ABS) I was informed that my brake fluid had over heated and the brake system required replacement (calipers, pads, rotors). According to the dealer the fluid overheated, turned to a jelly and would not allow the pistons to retract after the brakes had been applied. Worhorse was contacted by dealer and they refused to acknowledge there was an issue with the brakes. I retained 2 of the brake calipers after repairs were complete. Related to NHTSA ea07016.”
NHTSA complaint #10233626, filed 2008-07, 15,962 miles“Partial lockup of rear calipers on a 2003 Workhorse w-20 chassis on a 2004 fleetwood flair 33r motorhome after traveling approximately 100 miles on relatively flat highway entering traffic with stoplights. After about 10 miles in the stop and go traffic, a slight 'brake smell' was noticed. This was approximately 10 miles from home. I got out and checked the wheels and both rear wheels were hot to the touch. At approximately 1 mile from home the ABS light came on and the brake pedal went to the floor. When this happened, I pumped the pedal a few times and had brakes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10239439, filed 2008-08, 8,681 miles“2nd occurrence of brake sticking / drag during this trip. R rear brake did not release after braking causing drag & overheating. This (and the previous reported incident) occurred after going through a section of in-town stop & go traffic & stop lights. This occurrence was recognized quickly and was not as severe as the previous one. I was able to cool the brakes down and they released.”
NHTSA complaint #10262913, filed 2009-03, 48,850 miles“Rear brakes overheating. No complete failure. Only caused loss of rv vacation and major inconvenience. Pulled off to side of road to allow cool down. Delivered to mechanic for fluid change and checking and lubricating of calipers. This same thing happened 10 months later.”
NHTSA complaint #10220759, filed 2008-03, 27,200 milesRelated recalls
- 09V110000Apr 3, 2009Navistar 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…Covers: Workhorse W20 2001–2008, Tiffin Allegro BAY 2001–2009, Forest River Georgetown 2000–2006, 2008 +7 more
Brakes: other model years
← All problems reported for the 2003 Workhorse W20
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology