2008 Ford F-250 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 141 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (23% of complaints); the 2007 and 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I experienced "death wobble" 3 times in two weeks after hitting a bump on the interstate traveling approximately 60 - 65 mph each time. The vehicle shook uncontrollably until I slowed down to 40 mph or below. The vehicle was moving forward in a straight line when the problem occurred.”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 sd. Within less than a year of owning the vehicle, the vehicle shimmied and experienced a death wobble. The dealer (ray's ford, inc., 385 by pass rd, brandenburg, ky 40108, (270) 422-4901) was notified of the failure and indicated that an appointment may need to be scheduled. It had not been determined if the failure was related to special field service campaign number: 09l02 to prevent shimmies. The vehicle was hauling a trailer over unleveled land during the most recent failure. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 sd. While driving 60 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the steering seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic (summers automotive) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 15e014000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“When shifting the truck from park to drive the truck randomly went full throttle. This is not the first time this has happen. In another case it also has went full throttle when my foot was on the brake and shifting into park.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that the steering wheel locked several times and the brakes had to be applied each time while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. The dealer replaced the power steering fluid and brake fluid, but were also unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 sd. While driving, the engine failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a crack in the number eight cylinder wall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactuer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 sd. After the brake pedal was depressed, it sunk to the floorboard and failed to operate. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by using the electric brake from a trailer being towed by the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cruise control brake release switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. Updated 09/22/16*lj updated 10/6/2017*js”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2016
“I was backing up in the parking area of my house in my 2008 f250 (diesel), and applied the brakes to stop and change direction. As I started braking, the engine started accelerating, even though I was applying the brakes. The vehicle kept moving backward, and I had to stand on the brakes and shift into neutral to get it to stop moving backward. After a few seconds the problem stopped. I then continued on my way. The vehicle had 37,060 miles.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2016
“I was driving my ford 250 on a slick road when a pick up stopped short in front of me. I was unable to stop in time hitting the rear end of the pick up approximately 20-30 mph. My air bags did not deploy and the seat belt allowed me to slide under the belt causing my knees to hit the dash. Other then good bruises and mild soreness I was fine. The other person was fine as well. My seat belt did not engage and I am wondering why my airbags did not deploy. The grill and radiator were damaged?”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“Power steering locked up while towing a expensive classic car. I am reading that it is the steering gear box. Ford won't do anything about it.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
TRUXXX IS RECALLING 338 AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT WELDED 3" LIFT BLOCKS FOR REAR SUSPENSIONS, PART NO. 206073, INCLUDED IN SUSPENSION KIT NOS. 108035 AND 108036, SOLD BETWEEN JULY 26, 2007 AND MARCH 4, 2008, FOR USE ON FORD MY 2005-2008 F-250 SUPERDUTY 4X4 LIGHT TRUCKS. COMPRESSIVE FORCES OF THE WELDED LIFT BLOCKS RESULTING FROM FORESEEABLE AND EXCESS VEHICLE PAYLOADS AS WELL AS OVER-TIGHTENING OF THE U-BOLTS DURING INSTALLATION MAY DISTORT THE BLOCKS, REDUCING THE INTENDED CLAMPING FORCE OF THE U-BOLTS.
Remedy: TRUXXX WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS/INSTALLERS AND WILL REPLACE AFFECTED WELDED LIFT BLOCKS WITH EITHER NON-WELDED ALUMINUM OR CAST IRON BLOCKS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRUXXX AT 1-800-381-8320.
Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.
Remedy: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-250 SD 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-250 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 141 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Ford F-250 SD. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-250 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 45,219 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Ford F-250 SD have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. 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.