Workhorse W20 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Nov 22, 2010 · 33 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 5 safety recalls on file for the Workhorse W20, across 9 model years (2000–2008). The 2003 model year has the most complaints (11). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes, hydraulic.

Peak: 2003, with 11 complaints
2000: 1200012001: 2200122002: 6200262003: 112003112004: 7200472005: 3200532006: 3200632007: 0200702008: 020080

n = 33 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Workhorse W20 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical W20 year: 2003. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2003 W20: 11 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2004 W20: 7 complaints, 2 recalls
  3. 2002 W20: 6 complaints, 2 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2000 W20: 1 complaint, 1 recall
  2. 2001 W20: 2 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 2005 W20: 3 complaints, 2 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Workhorse W20 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2760
Electrical System220
Parking Brake220
Service Brakes, Air110
Steering110
Visibility110
Wheels110

All Workhorse W20 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2008 W2001——
2007 W2001——
2006 W2032—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2005 W2032—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2004 W2072—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2003 W20111—Service Brakes, HydraulicFar more complaints than other years
2002 W2062—Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2001 W2023—Electrical System
2000 W2011—Parking Brake

More from Workhorse: all Workhorse models · VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Workhorse W20 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2003 (11) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical W20 year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Workhorse W20?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic, with 27 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the Workhorse W20 have?

5 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.