Owners have filed 22 complaints
about the 2005 Workhorse W22 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2015.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 5 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Workhorse W22. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
212.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1062.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
425.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2008peak 3Feb 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 Workhorse W22
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA07016Opened 16 Nov 2007Closed 19 Aug 2009SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
OVERHEATING DISC BRAKE CALIPER
THE EA WAS OPENED TO GAIN A TECHNICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CAUSES FOR ONE OR MORE DISC BRAKE CALIPERS ON A SUBJECT VEHICLE TO SUFFER SEVERE OVERHEATING. THE OVERHEATING CAUSED BRAKE DRAG, MELTING ABS SENSORS, SMOKING, BRAKE LINING FIRES, AND IN SOME CASES BOILING BRAKE FLUID RESULTING IN DIMINISHED STOPPING CAPABILITY.BASED ON TESTING, WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA ANALYSIS, FIELD TRIPS AND INTERVIEWS WITH OWNERS, MECHANICS AND SERVICE MANAGERS, ODI BELIEVES THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS WATER SWELL OF THE PHENOLIC CALIPER PISTON AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE PISTON TO FULLY RETURN A...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 25,000 milesRiverforest, ILFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WORKHORSE W22 RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE SMELLED BURNING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000....UPDATED 10/17/12 *BF UPDATED 10/19/2012
NHTSA complaint #10471186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,751 milesCal-Nevcal, NVFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NATIONAL SEA BREEZE LX RV WITH A WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA ID NUMBER: 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL IN 2010. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE, THE BRAKES AND FRONT WHEELS BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR BRAKES NOW. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY DRIVER ERROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,751 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,700.
NHTSA complaint #10381587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 19,500 milesCrete, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE INSTRUMENT LED STARTED TO MALFUNCTION .CAN'T READ WHAT GEAR THE MOTORHOME IS IN OR ANY OF THE OTHER FUNCTIONS THAT ARE DISPLAYED,OIL PRESSURE, LOW OIL. IT STARTED GRADUALLY NOW ITS TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN'T READ THE DISPLAY ESPECIALLY WHAT GEAR (REVERSE .NEUTRAL,DRIVE). SOMEONE CAN GET SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF IT, OR DESTROY THE COACH OR ENGINE BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO READ THE MESSAGE BOARD.
NHTSA complaint #10684106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,500 milesCrete, IL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE INSTRUMENT LED STARTED TO MALFUNCTION .CAN'T READ WHAT GEAR THE MOTORHOME IS IN OR ANY OF THE OTHER FUNCTIONS THAT ARE DISPLAYED,OIL PRESSURE, LOW OIL. IT STARTED GRADUALLY NOW ITS TO THE POINT THAT YOU CAN'T READ THE DISPLAY ESPECIALLY WHAT GEAR (REVERSE .NEUTRAL,DRIVE). SOMEONE CAN GET SERIOUSLY INJURED BECAUSE OF IT, OR DESTROY THE COACH OR ENGINE BECAUSE OF NOT BEING ABLE TO READ THE MESSAGE BOARD.
NHTSA complaint #10684106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesRiverforest, ILFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WORKHORSE W22 RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, HE SMELLED BURNING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLIES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000....UPDATED 10/17/12 *BF UPDATED 10/19/2012
NHTSA complaint #10471186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand Oaks, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2005 WORKHORSE W22 MOTORHOME. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL CONCERNING STICKING BRAKE CALIPERS *TGW WHILE REPLACING THE CALIPERS, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THREE OF THE BRAKE ROTORS WERE CRACKED. THE CONSUMER FELT IT WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE ROTORS AND CONSTITUTED A SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10452014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,300 milesRamona, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON THIS MOTORHOME AND THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME FRONT ROTORS WERE BOTH CRACKED AND REMINDED ME OF THE BOSCH CALIPER RECALL. I CHECKED MY VIN # ON WORKHORSE WEB SITE AND IT SHOWED THE RECALL FOR MY CHASSIS. I TOOK IT TO BOB STALL CHEVROLET IN SAN DIEGO TO HANDLE THE RECALL. I WAS INFORMED WORKHORSE DENIED THE ROTORS WERE DAMAGED BY THE POSSIBILITY OF THE CALIPERS NOT RELEASING AND OVERHEATING AND CRACKING THE ROTORS. I HAVE NEVER EVEN SMELT HOT BRAKES ON THIS MOTORHOME SINCE I HAVE OWNED IT. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE CRACKED ROTORS ESPECIALLY THIS SIZE OF ROTORS. I HAVE DONE ALL MY OWN VEHICLE MAINTENANCE FOR THE LAST 35 YEARS INCLUDING MANY BRAKE JOBS. I HAVE RARELY EVEN HAD TO TURN ROTORS ON ANY OF MY AUTOS,B USUALLY JUST CHANGE PADS OR SHOES. I AM EXTREMELY CONSCIOUS OF HOW I USE MY BRAKES ESPECIALLY ON THE MOTORHOME AS THIS IS MY THIRD ONE IN 20 YEARS. I HAD A BOUNDER ON A FORD CHASSIS FOR TEN YEARS PRIOR TO THIS WORKHORSE AND I CHANGED THE PADS AT 40K MILES WITH NO ISSUES WITH ROTORS OR CALIPERS. MY PROBLEM IS THAT I AM PAYING $1600.00 TO HAVE NEW ROTORS AND PADS WITH SEALS ON A 5 YEAR OLD CHASSIS. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE ESPECIALLY FOR SOMETHING I PAID $130,000.00 FOR. I BELIEVE THESE ROTORS WERE EITHER DAMAGED BY STICKING CALIPERS OR UNEVEN TEMPERING DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THESE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10433540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,751 milesCal-Nevcal, NVFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 NATIONAL SEA BREEZE LX RV WITH A WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA ID NUMBER: 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL IN 2010. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND ENGAGING THE BRAKE, THE BRAKES AND FRONT WHEELS BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD BECOME EXTREMELY HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRONT ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR BRAKES NOW. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THE REPRESENTATIVE ADVISED HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY DRIVER ERROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,751 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,700.
NHTSA complaint #10381587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nanjemoy, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2005 WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. WINNEBAGO ADVENTURER. CONSUMER STATES BRAKE FAILURE *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED IN SEPTEMBER 2009 WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKES FAILED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE CONSUMER AND HIS WIFE BEGAN TO SMELL THE BRAKES BURNING. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE FRONT WHEELS WERE TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND THE REAR WHEELS WERE HOT AS WELL. THE RV WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL WORKHORSE FACILITY. THEY REPLACED A CRACKED CALIPER, BUT DID NOTHING TO THE BRAKES. IN AUGUST 2010, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. THE RV WAS TOWED TO A WORKHORSE FACILITY. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT CALIPERS, FRONT CENTER CAPS AND THREE ABS SENSORS. A CLAIM WAS SUBMITTED TO WORKHORSE, BUT THE IT WAS DENIED. WORKHORSE STATED THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS NOT RECALL RELATED.
NHTSA complaint #10366294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yuma, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER WRITES REGARDING 2005 WORKHORSE CHASSIS RECALL *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE TOOK THE RV IN FOR SERVICE, HE ADVISED THE TECHNICIAN THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE BRAKE SYSTEM DURING LIGHT AND HEAVY BRAKING. AFTER INSPECTION, THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THE BRAKE CALIPERS WERE IN FACT DEFECTIVE. THEY ALSO DETERMINED THAT THE ROTORS WERE HEAT DAMAGED TO THE POINT THAT THE RV WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALSO, THE BRAKE PADS WERE HEAT DAMAGED AND PREMATURELY WORN OUT. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WOULD LIKE WORKHORSE TO FULFILL THEIR OBLIGATIONS REGARDING THE RECALL ON THE BOSCH BRAKE CALIPERS AND THE RESULTING DAMAGE TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #10366058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newark, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MONACO SIMBA RV EQUIPPED WITH A WORKHORSE CHASSIS W22. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR RECALL REPAIRS WAS ON A MASSIVE BACKORDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS THE 144TH PERSON ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE PART AND WAS CONCERNED WITH THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD INVOLVED BEFORE BEING ABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10359104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesLOS Vegas, NV
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MONACO MONARCH RV EQUIPPED WITH A WORKHORSE CHASSIS W22. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIRS UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THE RECALL MENTIONED THAT THE DEALER WOULD REPLACE THE ROTORS IN CONJUNCTION TO THE FOUR BRAKE CALIPERS REPLACEMENT. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE OVERHEATED ROTORS UNDER THE RECALL REMEDY. THE REAR DRIVER SIDE ROTOR WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE THREE OTHER DAMAGED ROTORS WERE NOT REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE COMPLETE BRAKE SYSTEM HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2007. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.
NHTSA complaint #10357880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,990 milesRockwood, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN DAVIS ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT REQUESTING A RECALL ON HIS 2006 FLEETWOOD THAT HE PURCHASED FROM RV SERVICE & ACCESSORIES OF TENNESSEE (DOT/I 2010-2160-RESPOND TO ROCKWOOD, TN OFFICE) *TGW THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE AT 11,990 MILES. THE CONSUMER STATED OTHER CHASSIS MODELS WERE RECALLED, BUT NOT HIS MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10356429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,126 milesDavenport, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 HOLIDAY RAMBLER ADMIRAL SE MOTOR HOME WITH A WORKHORSE W22 CHASSIS. WHILE DRIVING 40-45 MPH HE ENGAGED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HE PUMPED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN. HE ALSO SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. HE LATER DETERMINED THAT THE SMELL WAS COMING FROM THE REAR BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE CALIPERS. THE DEALER ALSO INFORMED HIM THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE BRAKES FREEZING. THE CONTACT DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE REFERENCED RECALL 09V110000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. HE STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REIMBURSE HIM BECAUSE HIS VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN AUGUST 18,2007 AND THEY DID NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIRS UNTIL NOVEMBER 16, 2007. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,126 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
NHTSA complaint #10355980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,400 milesBuffalo Junction, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DAMON COACHES CHALLENGER 353 RV EQUIPPED WITH A WORKHORSE CHASSIS W22. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED FOLLOWED BY A SUDDEN CRUNCHING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PULL INTO THE RIGHT DIRECTION WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE WITH SLIGHT FORCE APPLIED TO THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL INTO THE LEFT DIRECTION UNEXPECTEDLY. THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION IN MAY OF 2009, ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER DOES NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE DEFECT. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE RECALL PART STILL REMAINED UNAVAILABLE AND EXPRESSED SIGNIFICANT CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,400.
NHTSA complaint #10349594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summerville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER RV EQUIPPED WITH A 2005 WORKHORSE CHASSIS W22. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING BRAKES, AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD OVERHEATED. THE FRONT CALIPERS AND FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/05/10. *LJ UPDATED 12/08/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, BUT HE WAS EVENTUALLY REIMBURSED. UPDATED 12/13/10
NHTSA complaint #10348109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,591 milesRotonda West, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 WORKHORSE W22 RV. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED AN INTERIM RECALL NOTICE FROM WORKHORSE TO ADDRESS THE BRAKE FAILURE OVER A YEAR AGO (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V110000: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AND WITHIN A FEW MINUTES NOTICED SMOKE ON THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND CONFIRM THAT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WAS ON FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE RECALLED REPAIR PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT WERE MADE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 21,591 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,791. UPDATED 7/26/10 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE RIGHT FRONT CALIPER SMOKED PROFUSELY, BUT DID NOT CATCH FIRE. UPDATED 08/09/10
NHTSA complaint #10331558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,510 milesPensacola, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
I HAVE A 2005 MOTORHOME ON A WORKHORSE CHASSIS WHICH IS INVOLVED WITH THE BOSCH ZOPS & ZOHT BRAKE RECALL. OUR MOTORHOME HAS 18,500 MILES ON IT. ON 10 SEP 2009 WE HAD THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE STICK & OVERHEAT ABOUT 6-8 MILES FROM HOME. AFTER CALLING WORKHORSE FOR ASSISTANCE I DECIDED TO HAVE THE BRAKES CHECKED. BOTH FRONT CALIPERS WERE STICKING. THE LEFT FRONT ROTOR HAD HEAT DAMAGE & BRAKE PAD TRANSFER ON THE ROTOR. THE RIGHT FRONT ROTOR HAD MANY SMALL HEAT CRACKS WITH ONE LARGE RADIAL CRACK ACROSS & THROUGH THE ENTIRE BRAKING SURFACE AND ALSO HAD BRAKE PAD TRANSFER ON THE ROTOR. PHOTOS WERE TAKEN OF THE DAMAGED CALIPERS, ROTORS & BRAKE PADS AND EMAILED TO WORKHORSE FOR APPROVAL OF REPLACEMENT OF THESE DAMAGED ITEMS. WORKHORSE COVERED THE TWO BOSCH BRAKE CALIPERS BUT REFUSED TO COVER ANY ADDITIONAL ITEMS SAYING THEY WERE DAMAGED DURING NORMAL OPERATION. THE SERVICE MANAGER, SERVICE ADVISOR AND SERVICE TECH AT THE WORKHORSE FACILITY I TOOK THE MOTORHOME TO, ALL SAID THE STICKING CALIPERS CAUSED THE DAMAGE TO THE ROTORS & PADS. I CONTACTED THE SAME WORKHORSE TECH (WHO DENIED OUR CLAIM) TWICE TO EXPLAIN THAT I HAVE A SUPPLEMENTAL BRAKE FOR THE VEHICLE WE TOW, THAT I DON'T RIDE THE BRAKE AND I DON'T BRAKE HARD TO STOP. I EVEN ASKED HIM WHAT HE THOUGHT I MIGHT BE DOING THAT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE THE DAMAGE TO THE ROTOR & PADS. HE WOULD NOT RESPOND. I HAVE SPENT (OUT OF POCKET IN THE LAST WEEK) $978.78 TO HAVE THE MOTORHOME FRONT BRAKES PUT BACK INTO PROPER WORKING ORDER. I BOUGHT A NEW ROTOR FOR THE RIGHT FRONT, I HAD THE LF ROTOR TURNED, BOUGHT SEALS, REPLACED BRAKE PADS BOTH SIDES & REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE DAMAGED PARTS & THE CRACKED ROTOR. WITHOUT SOME INTERVENTION I DOUBT THAT I WILL EVER BE COMPENSATED FOR THE COST I HAVE INCURRED. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 50 YRS. AND I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY BRAKE PROBLEMS ON ANY VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED. *TR UPDATED 11/04/09
NHTSA complaint #10289649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,361 milesOrmond Beach, FL
PARKING BRAKE
WORKHORSE HAS A SAFETY RECALL ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM ON CERTAIN MOTOR HOMES. MY MOTOR HOME IS PART OF THE RECALL. LAST WEEK MY BRAKES OVERHEATED AND I HAD NO BRAKES. I CALLED WORKHORSE AND THEY AGREED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE RECALL. HOWEVER,DURING THE REPAIR PROCESS THEY ARE SAYING CERTAIN PARTS ARE MAINTENANENCE PARTS AND ARE THE CUSTOMERS RESPONSIBILITY EVEN THOUGH THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILDUP. AN EXAMPLE IS THE BRAKE FLUID, WHICH BRAKES DOWN UNDER HIGH HEAT CONDITIONS. THEY SAY IT IS A MAINTENANCE ITEM BECAUSE THE BRAKES SHOULD BE BLED ONCE A YEAR (THIS IS NOT IN THE MAINTENANCE MANUAL). THIS PROCEDURE LOSES AN OUNCE OF BREAK FLUID AND DOES NOT REQUIRE A COMPLETE PURGE OF THE BREAK SYSTEM, WHICH IS REQUIRED WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE HEAT. ALSO THE ROTORS ARE CONSIDERED A MAINTENANCE ITEM WHEN CHANGING THE BRAKE PADS. DURING THIS REPAIR PROCESS THE ROTORS ARE NOT COVERED, EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE OBVIOUS DAMAGE, UNLESS THEY ARE STARTING TO DISINTEGRATE. I BELIEVE IF THESE ITEMS NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT DAMAGE THEY SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE RECALL AND NOT BE CONSIDERED MAINTENANCE ITEMS AND CUSTOMER RESOPNSIBILITY. I AM FULLY AWARE OF NORMAL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES AND KEEP THE MAINTENANCE ON MY MOTOR HOME CURRENT. I JUST DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE ITEMS WHEN THEY FAIL DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10277550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,128 milesBedford, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
2005 WINNEBAGO HAS A WORKHORSE CHASSIS - WORKHORSE HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE ENTERED THE CAMP GROUNDS, HE SMELLED RUBBER BURNING. UPON CHECKING THE BRAKES, HE DISCOVERED THEY HAD OVERHEATED. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE RV TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT WORKHORSE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SLIDES RUSTING UP AND SEIZING THE BRAKES. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALED THE FRONT BRAKES AND ONE REAR BRAKE WERE DRAGGING.
NHTSA complaint #10273388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Cove Springs, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
RECALL NOTICE FOR BRAKES ON WORKHORSE RV MOTOR HOME. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEMS AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL LETTER AND HAD THE REPAIRS MADE 2 DAYS PRIOR AT A COST OF $2,719.94. THE CALIPERS, ABS SENSOR AND HUBS WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10273371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,200 milesWichita, KS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LEFT BRAKE CALIPER LOCKUP. HAPPENED ONCE AND OVERHEATED BRAKE SYSTEM UNTIL BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. STOPPED AND LET COOL THEN CONTINUED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS INFORMED OF THE BRAKE CALIPER LOCKUP ISSUE WITH WORKHORSE CHASSIS. CONTINUED TRIP AND HAD BRAKE JOB PERFORMED AT DEALERSHIP. ONE BRAKE CALIPER WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED UP. REPLACED BOTH REAR CALIPERS, HOSES, SEALS AND OTHER PARTS AND OLD PARTS MAY STILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE DEALERSHIP. COMPLETE STATEMENT OF WORK IS AVAILABLE FROM LAZY DAYS RV CENTER IN SEFFNER FL.
NHTSA complaint #10228715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesChokoloskee, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
MY BRAKE DOES NOT RETURN TO THE REST POSITION AFTER USE AT THE SPEED IT ONCE DID. IT TAKES 1 TO 3 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #10215204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,700 milesMickleton, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TOOK A TRIP IN MY 2006 MOTORHOME ON A 2005 WORKHORSE W-22 CHASSIS. WHILE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON THE INTERSTATE THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TO CLIMB HIGHER THE MORE TIMES IT WAS DEPRESSED.. AFTER SEVERAL MILES OF THIS I COULD SMELL BURNT BRAKE PAD. UPON GETTING OUT OF TRAFFIC THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY AND THE PEDAL RETURNED TO NORMAL HEIGHT. 1 WEEK LATER THE SAME THING OCCURRED ON THE RETURN TRIP, ALSO I COULD FEEL THE BRAKES DRAGGING. THE UNIT HAD 2,700 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. PLACED UNIT IN WORKHORSE CHASSIS DEALER FOR REPAIR ON 10/23/07. THEY REPLACED 3 ROTOR ASSEMBLIES, 3 CALIPERS, 2 BRAKE PAD KITS, AND NUMEROUS SEALS AND BEARINGS WHICH HAD BEEN DAMAGED BY EXCESSIVE HEAT.. ACTUAL CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED.
NHTSA complaint #10214006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.