2008 Ford F-350 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 101 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (16% 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 101 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-350 sd. While driving approximately 12 mph, the steering failed without warning. The contact stated that the steering wheel became detached from the steering box. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Bob bell ford was contacted by phone at 410-766-3600 (located at 7125 ritchie hwy, glen burnie, md 21061). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-350 sd. While driving approximately 10 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle went into limp mode. A local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 212,425. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2018
“Steering gearbox failed. Steering felt very loose, pulled into parking lot. Steering would turn right but would not turn to the left.could hear a crunching or popping noise when attempting top turn left. Had vehicle towed to local repair shop that found the steering gearbox failed internally.”Owner report · Steering · May 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Nitto dura grappler 245/75r/17 front left tire blew causing vehicle to crash into guard railing on interstate. The vehicle was driving on I-75 sb near mm 181 approximately 72 mph. I was not made aware of the recall. On march 6,2015 I had another tire blow and I filed a nitto claim number 804190 (through the tire dealership). I received from nitto the same tire in exchange. Even thought this type of tire was recalled on safercar.gov on november 4, 2015. Why was it replaced by nitto with another defective tire??? Now my vehicle is totaled!”Owner report · Wheels · Mar 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-350 sd. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a random death wobble associated with the steering and suspension. A dealer performed extensive repairs, but the condition continued. The dealer and the manufacturer failed to provide a remedy. The vehicle was unable to be safely driven due to a strong vibration from the steering, which also caused the suspension to be unstable. The vehicle was parked at the contact's residence. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-350 sd equipped with bf goodrich rugged terrain t/a tires, size: 275/70r18. While driving approximately 50 mph, the tire tread detached from the front driver side tire. Vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the tread separated from the tire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle failure mileage was 91,335 and the tire failure mileage was approximately 3,000.”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-350 sd. While driving various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed and the power steering lost power and became difficult to operate. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic who stated that a bolt in the power steering mechanism fractured and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 09/06/16*lj updated 09/08/16.*jb”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-350 sd. While the vehicle was parked, the steering wheel became stuck for two minutes and then failed to move. The air bag warning light illuminated. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle and the steering wheel failed to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2016
“Sudden vehicle acceleration during slowing/braking. Registered over 4000 rpm at approximately 10 mph with brakes fully depressed and was extremely difficult to stop which almost led to a rear end collision. After coming to a complete stop, vehicle was put into park and engine slowly decreased from racing and went to normal rpm operating range at idle within seconds. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2015
“I purchased a 2008 ford f-350 p/u truck with the original continental/contitrac tires (lt275/70r18 125/122s). They only have approx. 31k miles on them and the tread showing signs of separation as outlined in a recall dated march 11, 2011. There have been no accidents, and that is what I am trying to avoid. I have contacted the manufacturer and it does not appear that they will be helpful in resolving this matter. Please help! *tr”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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-350 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-350 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2008 Ford F-350 SD. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-350 SD problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 40,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Ford F-350 SD have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:stabilizer bar. 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.