2004 Workhorse W22 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 6, 2023 · 92 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other W22 years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 11 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 92 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Workhorse W22. That ranks 2nd out of 11 W22 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (74 complaints, 80%), typically at around 21,652 miles. Complaints mention 3 fires. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2004 Workhorse W22 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic74 · ~21,652 mi
Service Brakes6 · ~20,915 mi
Electrical System4 · ~7,211 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling4 · ~30,000 mi
Service Brakes, Air3 · ~24,127 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline2 · ~22,618 mi
Service Brakes, Electric2 · ~18,643 mi
Equipment1 · ~47,000 mi
Exterior Lighting1 · ~14,321 mi
Parking Brake1 · ~36,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems7480%21,652“motor home” (23%)—
Service Brakes67%20,915——
Electrical System44%7,211——
Engine and Engine Cooling44%30,000——
Service Brakes, Air33%24,127——
Fuel System, Gasoline22%22,618——
Service Brakes, Electric22%18,643——
Equipment11%47,000——
Exterior Lighting11%14,321——
Parking Brake11%36,000——
Power Train11%———
Seat Belts11%———
Structure11%———
Suspension11%1,777——
Unknown or Other11%14,321——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2009, with 27 complaints
2004: 1200412005: 2200522006: 3200632007: 2200722008: 192008192009: 272009272010: 192010192011: 112011112013: 2201322014: 1201412016: 1201612018: 1201812022: 2202222023: 120231

n = 92 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Workhorse W22 recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Service brakes, hydraulicApr 3, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V110000 · 48,876 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine coolingJun 20, 2006 · NHTSA campaign 06V225000 · 30,335 vehicles

Problem: On certain motor home and truck chassis equipped with general motors 8.1l v8 engines, improper hardening during the heat treatment process can cause the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip to fracture, resulting in inadequate retention of the damper. If the damper becomes loose, fuel could be pumped by the fuel pump into the under hood area.

Risk: In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel rail pulse damper retainer clips on these engines free of charge. The recall began on september 1, 2006. Owners may contact workhorse at 877-294-6773.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Overheating disc brake caliper (EA07016) — opened Nov 16, 2007, closed Aug 19, 2009, led to recall 09V110000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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 NHTSA Campaign Number…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Jul 6, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11530594

The contact owns a 2004 Workhorse W22 RV. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the brakes heated up and seized. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and smelled a burning odor. The contact stated that he waited for over one hour…

Service Brakes · received Sep 28, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11486858

The contact owns a 2004 Newmar Kountry built on a 2004 Workhorse W22 chassis. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond as needed. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on four occasions where…

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · received Sep 7, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11483385

2004 chevrolet gulf stream. Consumer writes in regards to brake system recall repair issues - right front caliper/abs sensor replacements. *smd *tr

Service Brakes · received Apr 3, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 10917053

2000 miles after recall was fixed when brakes applied steering wheel pulls your hands off and goes to the right and cant keep it in the road.

Service Brakes · received Jul 11, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10884014

Other Workhorse W22 years

← 2003 W22 · 2005 W22 →

See all Workhorse W22 problems by year, every Workhorse model, or the VIN decoder.

Similar Workhorse models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Workhorse W22?

Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, service brakes, electrical system problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 74 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Workhorse W22?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 Workhorse W22 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other W22 model years, the 2004 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.