2008 Ford F-150: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 368 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (13% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 368 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Walmart Auto Center installed the incorrect tire size 255/70R17 on my factory setup with factory wheels. Westlake SU318 All Season 255/70R17 112T SUV/crossover tires were installed in place of the correct size 245/70R17 tires. Walmart is refusing to fix my truck and I had the brake lines blow out 3 weeks after installing the tires. I am a current threat to the public and myself driving with these incorrect tires. Walmart will not replace the tires. Walmart is attempting to coverup this by not providing the information to carfax. I have submitted a carfax update case#XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Wheels · Sep 2025
“Door fails to close and latch shut. Several other recalls on this issue but my vin was not included. I am currently not able to drive the car with out the door falling open Related recalls provided to me by Ford 17s33 19n06 18n03”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2025
“My 5.4 v8 triton motor timing came phasers are bad the truck runs fine when cold when it gets warmer up it rattles and shakes and stalls air bag light stays on I had to pull the fuse bc it beeps and warning light so it's not active”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“The defroster does not blow. There is an issue with the actuator and although the air can be heard blowing, the air is restricted at the firewall. Per the dealership, it is a known issue. I can't drive my truck in winter because it won't defrost. I live in Fargo, ND.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Aug 2024
“I experienced a loss in power while driving and not driving, as well as locking my keys in the vehicle once It would not unlock. The gear shifting knob stopped due to what seemed like resistance an the damaged caused by sales man to the top plunger cap just after i paid. Recently the battery and the alternator are not working and when power is ran through the vehicle, an obvious sound of a live cable buzzing in the rear cab exterior light and seemed to be spliced in a n unsafe way.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2024
“Vehicle caught on fire from the engine compartment while driving. Total loss, Fire Department responded to the scene. Two persons on board of the vehicle had to escape the fire, pulled over and jumped out.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2024
“Low tire pressure warning light came on even after getting air at discount tires. While driving on highway had a blowout. Only side wall came apart. Firestone destination le3 265/60r18 110t m+s”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the sub frame had experienced severe rusting and corrosion. The contact was advised that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure put no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 32,000.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2023
“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service and the contact was informed by the mechanic that there was severe corrosion on the subframe. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2023
“My F150 will run great until it warms up and then it will run rough, shows low oil pressure, and stalls at stops and while driving at low speeds. I have taken it to two mechanics and have spent thousands of dollars without fixing this problem. This has been an ongoing issue and started in Sept. 2022”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 39 of these complaints and injuries in 45 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ROUSH IS RECALLING 213 MY 2007-2008 FORD F-150 TRUCKS ALTERED TO OPERATE USING LIQUID PROPANE INJECTION. THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER AFFIXED TO THE INSIDE OF THE AIRBOX LID WITH ADHESIVE MAY BECOME DISLODGED DURING OPERATION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIRBOX LID WITH A NEW ONE THAT INCLUDES THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER WHICH HAS BEEN AFFIXED USING AN ADHESIVE PROMOTER AND GREATER PRESSURE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROUSH AT 1-866-307-6788.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-150 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Ford F-150 reliable?
NHTSA has 368 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Ford F-150. The most complained-about area is steering (13% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-150 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,311 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Ford F-150 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.