VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford F-250 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 175 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median F-250 Sd year — the 2008 model ranks #10 of 36 F-250 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 44 reports (25% of the total).

175

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other F-250 Sd years?

F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted381 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 3 complaints1993: 4 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 12 complaints1996: 11 complaints1997: 52 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 304 complaints2000: 277 complaints2001: 331 complaints2002: 282 complaints2003: 229 complaints2004: 345 complaints2005: 381 complaints2006: 353 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 175 complaints2009: 33 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 189 complaints2012: 97 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 37 complaints2015: 31 complaints2016: 15 complaints2017: 119 complaints2018: 23 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 4 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 5 complaints2023: 76 complaints2024: 52 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 13 complaints
F-250 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-250 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ford F-250 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4425%
Steering3922%
Brakes1810%
Tires & Wheels159%
Electrical System106%
Fuel System95%
Transmission85%
Body & Structure74%
Other63%
Speed Control63%
Suspension53%
Seat Belts32%
Airbags21%
Trailer Hitch11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2008 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20E090000OtherDecember 9, 2020 · 102 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash.

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.

08E026000OtherMarch 27, 2008 · 338 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS COULD ALLOW POSSIBLE SHIFTING AND DAMAGE TO THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT AND AXLE.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS HE NOTICED THAT WHITE SMOKE WOULD EMIT FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS EQUIPPED WITH A SELF-CLEANING FUNCTION HOWEVER, THE WHITE SMOKE STILL EMITTED AFTER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 1, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE CAREENED INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 11, 2013 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 4, 2015 · crash

“DROVE 2008 FORD F250 ON INTERSTATE 95 AT HIGHWAY SPEED 2 WEEKS AGO FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY , MADE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AT UNDER 30 MPH AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A TREAD SEPARATION , THEY REPLACED THE TIRE , TODAY THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE IS SHOWING A TREAD SEPARATION , I HAVE CONCERNS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · February 10, 2011

“2008 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY: IGNITION SWITCH WHEN TURNED TO START/CRANKING POSITION DOES NOT RETURN TO NORMAL RUN POSITION. THIS LEAVES INSTRUMENTS BLANK AND INOPERATIVE, AND ALL POWER ACCESSORIES FAIL TO OPERATE UNTIL TRUCK IS SHUT OFF & RESTARTED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 6, 2010

2008 Ford F-250 Sd — common questions

Is the 2008 Ford F-250 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 175 complaints put the 2008 model at #10 of 36 F-250 Sd years. It is one of the F-250 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 F-250 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (44 complaints), steering (39 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ford F-250 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Ford F-250 Sd. 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-250 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-250 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2004, 2001, 1999, 2002, 2000, 2003, 2011, 2008, 2017, 2012, 2007, 2023, 2015, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021. The cleanest record among F-250 Sd years belongs to 1998.

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.