2004 Workhorse W20 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 86%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,850miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Workhorse W20, 86% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,850 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10217086, filed 2008-02, 30,000 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 was maybe 4 red lights over the course of 3 miles distance (at 30 MPH) to stop. My stopping was normal , not sudden or erratic. The left front hub & wheel got so hot from the caliper/brake assy. …”
NHTSA complaint #10243450, filed 2008-09, 10,920 miles“Driving rv normally about 40 MPH when required to stop. Brake pedal went to the floor. Pumped vigorously and got a small amount of pedal. When unit cooled, was able to drive slowly for repair. Left rear rotor was scored and the caliper was sticking, causing the brake fluid to boil. Updated 12/12/07 updated 12/12/07”
NHTSA complaint #10201868, filed 2007-09, 10,506 miles“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 to Workhorse repair center without further trouble. Courtesy chevrolet replaced 4 rotors 4 calipers 2 anti lock sensor and replaced brake fluid.”
NHTSA complaint #10247194, filed 2008-10, 38,133 miles“This is a brake failure on ,my 2004 allegro motorhome built on a w-20 chassis manufactured by workjorse custom chassis. On the date in question, the right rear brake locked up and overheated. The left rear brake overheated. These actions caused replacement of the right rear caliper, roter, seals and slide pins. The caliper and slide pins were replaced on the left rear brake. The calipers and slide on both front brakes were replaced due to overheating. Old parts are available for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10202938, filed 2007-09, 20,100 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
Other parts of the 2004 Workhorse W20
← All problems reported for the 2004 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