U.S. public vehicle records

Workhorse W20 problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

33 owner complaints analyzed

5 distinct recall campaigns

17,600 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2000 to 2008 model years. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 31 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Service Brakes, Hydraulic is the most frequently named component, appearing in 19 of 33 complaints (57.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Braking behavior	31	93.9%
Steering behavior	2	6.1%
Transmission and shifting	1	3.0%
Engine operation	1	3.0%
Electrical and battery issues	1	3.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper

Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	4
Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor	2
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	1
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	1
Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 19; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper: 4; Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor: 2; Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel: 1; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 1; Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 20; 25,000 to 49,999: 11; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (20). 2 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2004: 2; 2005: 1; 2006: 3; 2007: 5; 2008: 13; 2009: 5; 2010: 4

Pattern summary

Service Brakes, Hydraulic leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 31 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10090362 · 2004-09-03 (September 3, 2004)

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKED UP WITHOUT INCIDENT. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND AS OF TODAY HAS NOT RECEIVED A RETURNED PHONE CALL. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 15,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10090362 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10136426 · 2005-09-14 (September 14, 2005)

I OWN A 2001 SAFARI TREK, BUILT ON A 17000 GVW WORKHORSE CHASSIS. I WAS TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (70 MPH) IN THE CENTER LANE OF HIGHWAY 99 IN FRESNO CA. MY CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED (THE FIRST SIGN) AND I RESET IT. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, THE GAUGES FAILED, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CAME ON. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE MOTORHOME TO A COMPLETE STOP, ALL THE WAY OFF THE ROAD. AS IT TURNS OUT, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED INTERNALLY, CAUSING EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE AND HEAT IN THE PINK POWER WIRE WHICH FEEDS THE CH…

Owner-reported narrative. 35,888 miles reported. Look up ODI 10136426 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10243450 · 2008-09-25 (September 25, 2008)

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. SEIZING THAT IT BOILED AWAY ALL OF THE 90W LUBE ON …

Owner-reported narrative. 10,920 miles reported. Look up ODI 10243450 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10172793 · 2006-11-06 (November 6, 2006)

THE STEERING ON MY 2007/2006 WORKHORSE W-20 CHASSIS IS EXTREMELY/DANGEROUSLY LOOSE IN THAT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE SAFELY DURING MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF WINDS AND PASSING VEHICLES. I COMPARE THIS VEHICLE TO THREE OTHER MOTORHOMES WITH WORKHORSE CHASSIS AND 110,000 + MILES OF ACCIDENT FREE DRIVING. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 760 miles reported. Look up ODI 10172793 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10275057 · 2009-06-26 (June 26, 2009)

WE DO NOT FEEL THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER ON OUR MOTORHOME HAS EVER BEEN LARGE ENOUGH OR CLEAR ENOUGH FOR EASY READING. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN UNHAPPY WITH THE VISIBILITY AND JUST RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION INDICATORS FOR 3 AND 1 GEAR HAVE FADED COMPLETELY. AT PRESENT WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE PANEL REPLACED. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10275057 at NHTSA ↗

Compare model years

Recalls by model year

All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.

From yearThrough year

Recall campaigns

Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2000: 1; 2001: 3; 2002: 2; 2003: 1; 2004: 2; 2005: 2; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 1

First model yearSecond model year

Year-by-year records

Workhorse W20 model-year comparison
Model year	Complaints	Recalls	Change in recalls
2000	1	1	Not available
2001	2	3	+2
2002	6	2	-1
2003	11	1	-1
2004	7	2	+1
2005	3	2	0
2006	3	2	0
2007	0	1	-1
2008	0	1	0

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

33 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

93.9%Usable mileage31 / 33 records

100.0%Valid incident date33 / 33 records

100.0%Valid filing date33 / 33 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates33 / 33 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10185555 · 41,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 WINNEBAGO. THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, AND STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE DRAGGING. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND ABS. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED A BRAKE REPAIR KIT ON 11/4/04, BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME BRAKE FAILURE AND BURNING SMELL. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICE FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41000. AK UPDATE 4/19/2007 TR Look up ODI 10185555 at NHTSA ↗	466.7% ODI 10233082 · 28,819 mi WE HAD A BRAKE RECALL DONE ON OUR 2002 ITASCA SUNCRUISER MOTORHOME (W20 CHASSIS IN JAN 2005, MILEAGE 9141. WHILE ON VACATION IN JULY 2005, THE BRAKES OVERHEATED AND REPAIRS WERE AUTHORIZED BY WORKHORSE AT NO CHARGE AT MILEAGE 9,687. EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2007 AT MILEAGE 28819. REPAIRS DONE AT OUR EXPENSE - REPLACE REAR ROTOR, WHEEL SEAL AND BRAKE PADS, ABS RING, REAR ABS SENSOR. AFTER 249 MILES, REAR BRAKE OVERHEATED AT MILEAGE 29,068, CHECKED FOR DAMAGE DUE TO OVERHEATING BUT THERE WAS NONE. HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR TO… Look up ODI 10233082 at NHTSA ↗	763.6% ODI 10056768 · 7,300 mi 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 Look up ODI 10056768 at NHTSA ↗	342.9% ODI 10217086 · 30,000 mi 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. *TR Look up ODI 10217086 at NHTSA ↗	266.7% ODI 10250965 · 13,666 mi BRAKES OVER-HEATED, LOCKED UP AND FAILED. AFTER A LONG COOL-DOWN PERIOD, THE BRAKE CALIPERS RELEASED AND I WAS ABLE TO A REPAIR FACILITY FOR INSPECTION. *TR Look up ODI 10250965 at NHTSA ↗	266.7% ODI 10273846 · 12,000 mi WHILE DRIVING ON THE DC BELTWAY IN TRAFFIC, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING. PUMPING THE PEDAL GAVE ENOUGH POWER TO STOP VEHICLE. ABS WARNING LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. STOPPED VEHICLE ON SIDE OF ROAD. BRAKES WERE VERY HOT. DISCONNECTED CAR WE WERE TOWING AND ATTEMPTED TO CONTINUE. BRAKES DID COOL OFF AND RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TOWED THE CAR WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. RV WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SHOP ABOUT 5 MILES FROM CAMPGROUND. THEY SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND COULD "PATCH" IT UNTIL WOR… Look up ODI 10273846 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10177222 · 31,260 mi TL* - THE CONTACT STATED HAD RECALL BRAKE WORK DONE WITH 31260 MILES ON VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED ONLY THE FRONT BRAKED UNDER THE RECALL AND NOT THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS FOR BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES, AND HE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKES. HE THEN TOOK THE RV BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT HONOR THE RECALL TO FIX THE REAR BRAKES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOLD HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO LARRY'S RV WHERE THE RECALL CLAIM WAS DENIED AS WELL, BECAUSE HE WAS NOT THE FIRST OWN… Look up ODI 10177222 at NHTSA ↗	218.2% ODI 10205270 · 15,100 mi 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. HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. WHEN THE WHEELS WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SHOES WERE FINE, HOWEVER, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE CALIPER TO BOIL THE BRAKE FLUID. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CALIPERS AND BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE C… Look up ODI 10205270 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10201868 · 10,506 mi 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. JB UPDATED 12/12/07 BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR Look up ODI 10201868 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic	1100.0% ODI 10090362 · 15,000 mi CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKED UP WITHOUT INCIDENT. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND AS OF TODAY HAS NOT RECEIVED A RETURNED PHONE CALL. *AK Look up ODI 10090362 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	133.3% ODI 10159661 · 4,000 mi FOR THE 3RD TIME IN ONE YEAR, THE AUTOMATIC PARKING BRAKE HAS LOCKED ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ANYWHERE FROM 30-65 MPH. THIS RESULTS IN RAPID DECELERATION AND THEN LEAVES YOU STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE LAST CASE, LAST MONTH, THE DECELERATION WAS SO QUICK THAT MY SON HIT HIS FACE ON THE DINING TABLE OF THE RV AND CUT HIS LIP OPEN. *NM Look up ODI 10159661 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	19.1% ODI 10205270 · 15,100 mi 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. HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. WHEN THE WHEELS WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SHOES WERE FINE, HOWEVER, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE CALIPER TO BOIL THE BRAKE FLUID. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CALIPERS AND BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE C… Look up ODI 10205270 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 10201868 · 10,506 mi 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. JB UPDATED 12/12/07 BF UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR Look up ODI 10201868 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10275057 WE DO NOT FEEL THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER ON OUR MOTORHOME HAS EVER BEEN LARGE ENOUGH OR CLEAR ENOUGH FOR EASY READING. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN UNHAPPY WITH THE VISIBILITY AND JUST RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION INDICATORS FOR 3 AND 1 GEAR HAVE FADED COMPLETELY. AT PRESENT WE HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TO GET THE PANEL REPLACED. *TR Look up ODI 10275057 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 10136426 · 35,888 mi I OWN A 2001 SAFARI TREK, BUILT ON A 17000 GVW WORKHORSE CHASSIS. I WAS TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (70 MPH) IN THE CENTER LANE OF HIGHWAY 99 IN FRESNO CA. MY CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED (THE FIRST SIGN) AND I RESET IT. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, THE GAUGES FAILED, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CAME ON. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE MOTORHOME TO A COMPLETE STOP, ALL THE WAY OFF THE ROAD. AS IT TURNS OUT, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED INTERNALLY, CAUSING EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE AND HEAT IN THE PINK POWER WIRE WHICH FEEDS THE CH… Look up ODI 10136426 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	116.7% ODI 10239616 · 23,239 mi TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER AND HAD CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V019000 COMPLETED ON 10-26-04. NOW LESS THAN 10,000 MILES SINCE THEN, IT IS BACK AT THE SERVICE CENTER AFTER BRAKE FIRE AND PEDAL LOSS. VEHICLE IS IN NEED OF ROTORS, CALIPERS AND WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TR Look up ODI 10239616 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	114.3% ODI 10216819 · 17,600 mi RIGHT FRONT DISC BRAKE OVERHEATED AND CAUSED OIL SEAL FAILURE RESULTING IN CONTAMINATION OF DISC BRAKE LINING CONTAMINATION AND REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS. *TR Look up ODI 10216819 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	12,750–29,598 mi	16,000 mi	19	ODI 10185555 · 41,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 WINNEBAGO. THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, AND STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE DRAGGING. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND ABS. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED A BRAKE REPAIR KIT ON 11/4/04, BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME BRAKE FAILURE AND BURNING SMELL. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICE FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41000. AK UPDATE 4/19/2007 TR Look up ODI 10185555 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10233082 · 28,819 mi WE HAD A BRAKE RECALL DONE ON OUR 2002 ITASCA SUNCRUISER MOTORHOME (W20 CHASSIS IN JAN 2005, MILEAGE 9141. WHILE ON VACATION IN JULY 2005, THE BRAKES OVERHEATED AND REPAIRS WERE AUTHORIZED BY WORKHORSE AT NO CHARGE AT MILEAGE 9,687. EXPERIENCED OVERHEATING AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2007 AT MILEAGE 28819. REPAIRS DONE AT OUR EXPENSE - REPLACE REAR ROTOR, WHEEL SEAL AND BRAKE PADS, ABS RING, REAR ABS SENSOR. AFTER 249 MILES, REAR BRAKE OVERHEATED AT MILEAGE 29,068, CHECKED FOR DAMAGE DUE TO OVERHEATING BUT THERE WAS NONE. HAD TO PAY FOR LABOR TO… Look up ODI 10233082 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10252092 · 6,000 mi TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WORKHORSE W20. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTOR HOME CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKE CALIPERS EVEN THOUGH THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL # 04V084000. THE BRAKES OVERHEATED AND DESTROYED THE REAR SPEED SENSOR. THE REAR BRAKES WERE CLEANED AND ADJUSTED AND THE SPEED SENSOR ON THE LEFT SIDE WAS REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING, THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP AND THE MOTOR HOME HAD TO E TOWED. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE REAR CALIPER WAS FROZEN. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE BRAKES SEIZED AND THE ABS SENSOR BURN… Look up ODI 10252092 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	Too few reports for a range	21,150 mi	4 (sparse)	ODI 10177222 · 31,260 mi TL* - THE CONTACT STATED HAD RECALL BRAKE WORK DONE WITH 31260 MILES ON VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED ONLY THE FRONT BRAKED UNDER THE RECALL AND NOT THE REAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL WAS FOR BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES, AND HE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKES. HE THEN TOOK THE RV BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID NOT HONOR THE RECALL TO FIX THE REAR BRAKES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY TOLD HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO LARRY'S RV WHERE THE RECALL CLAIM WAS DENIED AS WELL, BECAUSE HE WAS NOT THE FIRST OWN… Look up ODI 10177222 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10205270 · 15,100 mi TLTHE 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. HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. WHEN THE WHEELS WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SHOES WERE FINE, HOWEVER, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE CALIPER TO BOIL THE BRAKE FLUID. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CALIPERS AND BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE C… Look up ODI 10205270 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10220759 · 27,200 mi REAR BRAKES OVERHEATING. NO COMPLETE FAILURE. ONLY CAUSED LOSS OF RV VACATION AND MAJOR INCONVENIENCE. PULLED OFF TO SIDE OF ROAD TO ALLOW COOL DOWN. DELIVERED TO MECHANIC FOR FLUID CHANGE AND CHECKING AND LUBRICATING OF CALIPERS. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED 10 MONTHS LATER. TR Look up ODI 10220759 at NHTSA ↗
Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic	Too few reports for a range	9,500 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10090362 · 15,000 mi CONSUMER WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LOCKED UP WITHOUT INCIDENT. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND AS OF TODAY HAS NOT RECEIVED A RETURNED PHONE CALL. AK Look up ODI 10090362 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10159661 · 4,000 mi FOR THE 3RD TIME IN ONE YEAR, THE AUTOMATIC PARKING BRAKE HAS LOCKED ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ANYWHERE FROM 30-65 MPH. THIS RESULTS IN RAPID DECELERATION AND THEN LEAVES YOU STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY. IN THE LAST CASE, LAST MONTH, THE DECELERATION WAS SO QUICK THAT MY SON HIT HIS FACE ON THE DINING TABLE OF THE RV AND CUT HIS LIP OPEN. NM Look up ODI 10159661 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor	Too few reports for a range	12,803 mi	2 (sparse)	ODI 10205270 · 15,100 mi TLTHE 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. HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. WHEN THE WHEELS WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SHOES WERE FINE, HOWEVER, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE CALIPER TO BOIL THE BRAKE FLUID. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CALIPERS AND BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE C… Look up ODI 10205270 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10201868 · 10,506 mi 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. JB UPDATED 12/12/07 BF UPDATED 12/12/07 TR Look up ODI 10201868 at NHTSA ↗
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	Too few reports for a range	35,888 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10136426 · 35,888 mi I OWN A 2001 SAFARI TREK, BUILT ON A 17000 GVW WORKHORSE CHASSIS. I WAS TRAVELING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT (70 MPH) IN THE CENTER LANE OF HIGHWAY 99 IN FRESNO CA. MY CRUISE CONTROL DISENGAGED (THE FIRST SIGN) AND I RESET IT. SEVERAL MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE LOST POWER, THE GAUGES FAILED, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKE CAME ON. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE MOTORHOME TO A COMPLETE STOP, ALL THE WAY OFF THE ROAD. AS IT TURNS OUT, THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED INTERNALLY, CAUSING EXCESSIVE RESISTANCE AND HEAT IN THE PINK POWER WIRE WHICH FEEDS THE CH… Look up ODI 10136426 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper	Too few reports for a range	23,239 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10239616 · 23,239 mi TOOK VEHICLE INTO DEALER AND HAD CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V019000 COMPLETED ON 10-26-04. NOW LESS THAN 10,000 MILES SINCE THEN, IT IS BACK AT THE SERVICE CENTER AFTER BRAKE FIRE AND PEDAL LOSS. VEHICLE IS IN NEED OF ROTORS, CALIPERS AND WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TR Look up ODI 10239616 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	Too few reports for a range	17,600 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10216819 · 17,600 mi RIGHT FRONT DISC BRAKE OVERHEATED AND CAUSED OIL SEAL FAILURE RESULTING IN CONTAMINATION OF DISC BRAKE LINING CONTAMINATION AND REDUCED BRAKE EFFECTIVENESS. *TR Look up ODI 10216819 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2007: 0 complaints · 2008: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2007	0	0	0
2008	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2007	0	0	0
2008	0	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Service Brakes, Hydraulic	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor	Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper	Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	—	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Caliper	0	—	0	2 ODI 10205270 · 15,100 mi TLTHE 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. HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. WHEN THE WHEELS WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SHOES WERE FINE, HOWEVER, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE CALIPER TO BOIL THE BRAKE FLUID. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CALIPERS AND BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE C… Look up ODI 10205270 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10201868 · 10,506 mi 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. JB UPDATED 12/12/07 BF UPDATED 12/12/07 TR Look up ODI 10201868 at NHTSA ↗	0	0	0	0
Parking Brake:Driveline:Hydraulic	0	0	—	0	0	0	0	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor	0	2 ODI 10205270 · 15,100 mi TLTHE 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. HE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. WHEN THE WHEELS WERE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SHOES WERE FINE, HOWEVER, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OVERHEATED AND CAUSED THE CALIPER TO BOIL THE BRAKE FLUID. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CALIPERS AND BRAKE ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE C… Look up ODI 10205270 at NHTSA ↗ ODI 10201868 · 10,506 mi 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. JB UPDATED 12/12/07 BF UPDATED 12/12/07 TR Look up ODI 10201868 at NHTSA ↗	0	—	0	0	0	0
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel	0	0	0	0	—	0	0	0
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch	0	0	0	0	0	—	0	0
Service Brakes, Air:Disc:Caliper	0	0	0	0	0	0	—	0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

3 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

13 mentions · 39.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 17,600 mi (12 usable records).

ODI 10136426 · 35,888 mi

Look up ODI 10136426 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10185555 · 41,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 WINNEBAGO. THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING, AND STATED THAT THE BRAKES WERE DRAGGING. THE MANUFACTURER REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS, ROTORS, AND ABS. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER INSTALLED A BRAKE REPAIR KIT ON 11/4/04, BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME BRAKE FAILURE AND BURNING SMELL. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICE FROM THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41000. *AK UPDATE 4/19/2007 *TR

Look up ODI 10185555 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10324026 · 13,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 WORKHORSE CHASSIS W20. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SPONGY WHEN HE DEPRESSED IT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR RECALL 09V110000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT HE WOULD BE CHARGED FOR IT. WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, HE WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE COMPANY WAS OUT OF BUSINESS AND THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WERE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE H…

Look up ODI 10324026 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

3 mentions · 9.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 12,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10243450 · 10,920 mi

Look up ODI 10243450 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10247194 · 38,133 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10247194 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10273846 · 12,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON THE DC BELTWAY IN TRAFFIC, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING. PUMPING THE PEDAL GAVE ENOUGH POWER TO STOP VEHICLE. ABS WARNING LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. STOPPED VEHICLE ON SIDE OF ROAD. BRAKES WERE VERY HOT. DISCONNECTED CAR WE WERE TOWING AND ATTEMPTED TO CONTINUE. BRAKES DID COOL OFF AND RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. WE HAD PREVIOUSLY TOWED THE CAR WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. RV WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SHOP ABOUT 5 MILES FROM CAMPGROUND. THEY SAID THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND COULD "PATCH" IT UNTIL WOR…

Look up ODI 10273846 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 3.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,888 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10136426 · 35,888 mi

Look up ODI 10136426 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b