Complaint submitted to the FTC 11-08-2009. I recommend that all of us with similar challenges with these chassis to do the same. Here is the link:
FTC Complaints
On Oct 26, 2009, I experienced total brake failure on 2003 Winnebago Motor home at 18,000 miles. Afterward, I discovered the chassis, manufactured by Workhorse, a division of Navistar, is under a recall. (see web site)
Office of Defects Investigation
My motor home is unsafe to drive, (sticking, overheating brake system) and the ABS (Automatic Brake System) warning light is on telling me there is a problem. Workhorse refuses to fix the brakes to make it safe to drive. Their position seems to be dual, ?Wait until we have the ?fix? ready, sometime next year.? And, at the same time, saying ?The sticking brake situation is your fault.? This dual statement seems to be the "line" they are feeding to all of us, at this time. It is outrageous!
According to their representatives the recall ?fix? will not be available until sometime next year?..maybe. Although NHTS is involved in the recall, they seem to be letting Workhorse drag their feet on this critical issue. I am also concerned Navistar and/or Workhorse could enter bankruptcy before this issue is addressed.
There are thousands of us out here with Workhorse chassis, mine is a Workhorse W22, having nearly identical issues with unsafe brakes. The symptom is the brake pedal goes to the floor resulting in no brakes with little or no prior warning. After that we discover the brakes have been stuck in the partially applied position which resulted in tremendous heat being generated. That, in turn causes the brake fluid to boil. When brake fluid boils it turns to a gas. Once this has happened the motor home has no brakes!
Workhorse, a division of Navistar is doing little if nothing at this time to remedy this very dangerous situation and apparently has taken the position that the cost to remedy 50,000 motor homes with defective brakes outweighs the risk of putting their customer's lives in jeopardy. This is outrageous and I want the FTC to step in and use the full force and power of the government make Navistar and/or Workhorse come to grips with the dangers involved.
To research the depth of the problem, search
Workhorse Brake Recall
This is only 1 of several forums on the internet discussing this very dangerous issue. There are going to be horrible consequences with over 50,000 - 13 Ton+ motor homes driving around the Country with a potential "no brakes" situation as happened to me and many other consumers. Accidents and resulting serious injuries and deaths are going to occur. It is only a matter of time. No one, to my knowledge is keeping track. But, you need to be aware that I am keeping a record of sending this email to the FTC on Nov 8, 2009, bringing this very dangerous situation to your attention.
I will also be sending follow up letters to my representatives in California and Washington on this most important matter and publicly posting this email on the RV Forums. I respectfully, demand that something be done in the cause of public safety.
Thank you for contacting the FTC. Your complaint has been entered into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to thousands of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies worldwide.