VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford F-150 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Ford F-150 sits mid-pack among F-150 years: 455 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 535, with a single recall and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 54 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (77), steering (53), and transmission (51), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

455

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

48

Crash-involved

15

Fires reported

54

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other F-150 years?

F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted3,920 complaints1955: 1 complaints1966: 1 complaints1968: 1 complaints1973: 0 complaints1975: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 3 complaints1978: 13 complaints1979: 2 complaints1980: 3 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 5 complaints1983: 12 complaints1984: 16 complaints1985: 45 complaints1986: 78 complaints1987: 109 complaints1988: 170 complaints1989: 260 complaints1990: 315 complaints1991: 357 complaints1992: 553 complaints1993: 753 complaints1994: 908 complaints1995: 788 complaints1996: 383 complaints1997: 3,285 complaints1998: 1,624 complaints1999: 1,323 complaints2000: 1,274 complaints2001: 1,451 complaints2002: 964 complaints2003: 523 complaints2004: 2,429 complaints2005: 1,364 complaints2006: 741 complaints2007: 623 complaints2008: 455 complaints2009: 397 complaints2010: 1,134 complaints2011: 2,962 complaints2012: 2,431 complaints2013: 3,920 complaints2014: 1,898 complaints2015: 2,129 complaints2016: 2,500 complaints2017: 1,735 complaints2018: 2,758 complaints2019: 1,635 complaints2020: 850 complaints2021: 1,233 complaints2022: 768 complaints2023: 558 complaints2024: 237 complaints2025: 161 complaints2026: 1 complaints
F-150 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-150 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ford F-150 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7717%
Steering5312%
Transmission5111%
Speed Control419%
Brakes399%
Electrical System307%
Airbags286%
Fuel System276%
Body & Structure235%
Other215%
Tires & Wheels164%
Seat Belts123%
Visibility & Wipers123%
Suspension112%
Lighting61%
Latches & Locks31%
Seats20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)20%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2008 Ford F-150 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V523000EngineOctober 8, 2008 · 213 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS FAILURE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND, IN EXTREME CASES, A STALLING OF THE VEHICLE DURING OPERATION WITHOUT NOTICE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2008 FORD F150 LARIAT TRUCK SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THEN THE ENTIRE TRUCK WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. DESPITE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S EFFORTS, THE TRUCK BURNED TO THE GROUND. THIS TRUCK WAS UNDER A YEAR OLD, AND HAD NEVER NEEDED REPAIRS OF ANY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 7, 2009 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE TIRES ARE COLD, THE STEERING SHAKES. THE STEERING OPERATES PROPERLY WHEN THE TIRES ARE WARM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE IS NORMAL DUE TO THE SOFT COMPOUND OF THE TIRE AND WOULD NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 18, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHIFTING CABLE BURNED THROUGH OR FRACTURED DUE TO THE CABLE RESTING ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 29, 2015 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE SIDEWALK AND STRUCK A TREE. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DISENGAGE IT, BUT IT REMAINED ACTIVATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 14, 2008 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT FEEL ANY HESITATION. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 11, 2008 · crash

2008 Ford F-150 — common questions

Is the 2008 Ford F-150 reliable?

It is close to typical for the F-150: 455 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2008 F-150 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (77 complaints), steering (53 complaints), transmission (51 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ford F-150 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Ford F-150 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Ford F-150 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-150 years to avoid are 2013, 1997, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2004, 2015, 2014, 2017, 2019, 1998, 2001, 2005, 1999, 2000, 2021, 2010, 2002, 1994, 2020. The cleanest record among F-150 years belongs to 1976.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.