2003 Workhorse W20
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 11 |
| 2004 | 7 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
7 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
BRAKE FAILURE. REAR BRAKES OVERHEATED AND BOILED THE BRAKE FLUID. COACH WAS TOWED TO CAMPING TIME RV IN OAKWOOD, GA. IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR OVER A MONTH AWAITING PARTS. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070904
BRAKES FAILED AT BELOW FREEZING TEMP.EXTREME PRESSURE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO GET MINIMAL BRAKE PRESSURE AFTER WHICH I HAD TO PULL BRAKE PEDAL UP BY HAND. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FROZE TO THE TOP. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040208
2 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DAMON WORKHORSE (NA). WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS FLAGGED DOWN BY ANOTHER MOTORIST AND ADVISED TO PULL OVER. ONCE HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20071009
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
OVERHEATED BRAKE CALIPERS
OVERHEATING DISC BRAKE CALIPER
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
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.
Campaign 09V110000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Workhorse W20 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V110000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Workhorse W20 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Workhorse W20?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Workhorse W20 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.