VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford F-250 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 255 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median F-250 year — the 2008 model ranks #14 of 55 F-250 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 81 reports (32% of the total).

255

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

4

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other F-250 years?

See all F-250 years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering8132%
Suspension3514%
Engine3413%
Tires & Wheels197%
Brakes197%
Transmission145%
Electrical System145%
Speed Control83%
Other83%
Airbags52%
Fuel System52%
Body & Structure52%
Seat Belts42%
Lighting10%
Trailer Hitch10%
Driver Assistance10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2008 Ford F-250 have recalls?

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

11T002000Tires & WheelsMarch 15, 2011 · 390,657 units

Defect

CONTINENTAL TIRE IS RECALLING CERTAIN CONTITRAC TR TIRES, SIZE LT275/70R18 125/122S OUTLINE WHITE LETTERS AND BLACK SIDEWALL, AND CONTITRAC, SIZE LT275/70R18 125/122S, BLACK SIDEWALL, PRODUCED FROM MAY 6, 2007, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20, 2008, SOLD AS AFTERMARKET AND INSTALLED AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON SOME MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 FORD F-250 AND F-350 TRUCKS. SOME OF THESE TIRES MAY EXPERIENCE UNEVEN WEAR, VIBRATION, OR PARTICULARLY UNDER CONDITIONS OF OVERLOADING OR UNDER INFLATION IN HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURE USAGE, SEPARATION BETWEEN THE BELT EDGES.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE BELT EDGES COULD LEAD TO TREAD BELT SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

CONTINENTAL TIRE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE AFFECTED TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 14, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CONTINENTAL CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-888-799-2168.

09V026000OtherJanuary 26, 2009 · 108 units

Defect

COMM TRANS IS RECALLING 108 MY 2005-2008 FORD E250 AND E350 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

Consequence

A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

COMM TRANS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR COMM TRANS AT 901-726-9394.

09V025000OtherJanuary 23, 2009 · 111 units

Defect

COMM TRANS IS RECALLING 111 MY 2005-2008 FORD E250 AND E350 VANS BUILT ON FORD CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS ON MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

Consequence

THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy

COMM TRANS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR COMM TRANS AT 901-726-9394.

08V191000Fuel SystemApril 25, 2008 · 64,754 units

Defect

FORD IS RECALLING 64,754 MY 2008 F-250 AND F-350 SINGLE REAR WHEEL, 4X4, 156 INCH WHEEL BASE PICK UP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO PIECE DRIVE SHAFT FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE FUEL SPILLAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY." DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL IMPACT INTO A RIGID BARRIER, THE FUEL TANK CAN MOVE FORWARD AND CONTACT A FRAME CROSS MEMBER, POTENTIALLY CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE FUEL DELIVERY MODULE WHICH CAN RESULT IN FUEL SPILLAGE.

Consequence

FUEL SPILLAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

08V096000SeatsFebruary 28, 2008 · 87,515 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT SIDE PIVOT BRACKET MAY CRACK OR BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

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.

07V541000AirbagsNovember 21, 2007 · 45 units

Defect

CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY PREVENT THE DRIVER AIR BAG FROM PROPERLY DEPLOYING AND REDUCE OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE YOUR DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 20, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

07V139000TransmissionMarch 26, 2007 · 33,169 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

LACK OF POWER OR ROUGH OPERATION, UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE ENGINE OR EXHAUST, WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, AND POTENTIALLY A VISIBLE FLAME OUT THE TAILPIPE CAN OCCUR.

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.

07V140000Electrical SystemMarch 26, 2007 · 1,022 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

LONG TERM CONTACT COULD CAUSE WIRE CHAFE, RESULTING IN COPPER WIRE BEING EXPOSED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE BATTERY B+ WIRE COULD SHORT TO GROUND INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

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.

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 F250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED WITH NO PERSONAL INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 5, 2011 · crash

ON MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK I EXPERIENCED WHAT I HAVE LATER RESEARCHED TO FIND OUT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THE FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED WHILE MAINTAINING A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHICH WAS THE SUGGESTED ROAD SPEED LIMIT, AFTER RIDING OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD MY FRONT LEFT END…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · June 10, 2014 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FIRE EMITTED FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE EGR VALVE ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 15, 2013 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 EQUIPPED WITH FEDERAL TIRES, TIRE LINE: COURAGIA A/T, AND TIRE SIZE: LT245/75R16 120/116Q. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE MEDIAN. THE FRONT DRIVER'S…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 24, 2014 · crash

WHEN EXITING THE HIGHWAY I LOST THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. THIS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE COURSE OF SEVERAL WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO LOSE STEERING PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES AND UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE BRAKES FADE SIGNIFICANTLY UNDER HEAVY USE AND WHILE TOWING. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2013

2008 Ford F-250 — common questions

Is the 2008 Ford F-250 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 255 complaints put the 2008 model at #14 of 55 F-250 years. It is one of the F-250 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 F-250 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (81 complaints), suspension (35 complaints), engine (34 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ford F-250 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Ford F-250. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-250 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-250 years to avoid are 2019, 2017, 1999, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2000, 2011, 2020, 1997, 2006, 2001, 2008, 1995, 2014. The cleanest record among F-250 years belongs to 1982.

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.