2008 Ford F-550 SD: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine and engine cooling; the 2009 and 2010 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Brought the truck in to ford and they told me that paint lining from the tank may of gone into the fuel lines and system so they suggested that we replace the tank and they also replaced 2 injectors and the wiring harness for the injectors and reset the check engine light drove fine till the check engine light come on then its in limp mode and only drives at 40 miles per hour it is unsafe to drive on the highway and I do like this truck”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-550 sd. While driving 65 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and engine overheating indicators illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was towed to chapman ford of horsham (1100 easton rd, horsham, pa 19044) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 33,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2018
“Tl* the contact stated their company owns a 2008 ford f-550 sd. The contact stated the vehicle's heater chord had failed a total 5 times in the past 2 years. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer (roesh ford located at 303 w grand ave bentonville il 60106 phone number: 630-279-6000) who replaced the heater chord a total of three times, however, the failure persist. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2018
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“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-550 sd. While driving approximately 55 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and a "stop safety now" message displayed. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust fuel temperature sensor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer issued a recall for the 2011-2012 model year vehicles associated with NHTSA campaign number: 13v535000 (engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the vehicle started to lose power and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. ...updated 06-12-15 *bf the consumer stated the dealership bought the truck back. The issue was resolved. Updated 06/30/15*jb”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2014
“Both frame rails are cracked at the left and right front shocks in the area of the engine cradle cross member. This is a cab/chassis truck. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2014
“The right frame rail has completely severed at the right front shock. The left frame rail at the left front shock is 80% cracked. The engine cradle cross member attaches in this area. The entire front end of the truck has dropped two inches. The fan shroud has dropped to the point that the fan has cut a groove in it. This is a cab/chassis. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2014
“Vehicle overheats and looses power at different speeds; we had over $1100.00 in repairs done and it still overheats with the wrench light coming on, took it back to mechanic and he ran the codes and now says it is the oil cooler not working. Ford said they do not have a recall on this and the heart of texas ford place in brady, tx mechanic said there are alot of complaints on this oil cooler part for the f550 6.4 diesel. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2014
“At forty five mile an hour the transmission literally fell apart internally. My f-550 has only pulled a trailer five times and it has a complete tow package. I was not towing anything nor did I have any other weight on the truck when the transmission made a low clunk and stopped functioning. The f-550 has less than 75000 miles on the odometer, and has been used very seldom to haul anything. I have spoken to several dealerships concerning this issue and find that many of these same transmissions have likewise failed.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2013
“The truck has not run properly since it was purchased, and the motor was replaced back in 2013 with mileage of 31,00 due to oil being splattered all over and no power. We had spend over 10,000.00 to fix the defective issues. Now almost 2 years to the day the engine has again failed. Ford offers no help or explanations as to why this continues to happen.. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
CUES, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 SERVICE VEHICLES BUILT ON VARIOUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.
Remedy: CUES IS WORKING WITH CARRIER TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR CUES AT 1-407-849-0190.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES IN THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY RESULT FROM EXCESS HYDROCARBONS IN THE EXHAUST.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE OF THE BATTERY POSITIVE (B+) WIRE TO THE RIGHT HAND SPLASH SHIELD BOLT MAY RESULT IN THE BATTERY B+ WIRE CONTACTING THE SPLASH SHIELD BOLT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY B+ WIRE LOCATION AND, IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION THE WIRE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD IS RECALLING 87,515 MY 2008 F250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." SOME 40% SPLIT AND CAPTAIN'S CHAIR DRIVER'S SEATS, EQUIPPED WITH LUMBAR SUPPORTS, MAY HAVE IMPROPER WELDS AT THE JOINT OF THE SEAT BACK PIVOT BRACKET AND THE SEAT BACK FRAME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A REINFORCEMENT TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE 40% SPLIT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT EQUIPPED WITH LUMBAR SUPPORT OR, IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT BACK FRAME WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
How other years compare
Check your exact F-550 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-550 SD reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Ford F-550 SD. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling.
Does the 2008 Ford F-550 SD have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:appliance:air conditioner. 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.