VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford F-350 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 146 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.8 times the median F-350 Sd year — the 2008 model ranks #9 of 34 F-350 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (33), steering (26), and tires & wheels (17), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

146

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other F-350 Sd years?

F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted269 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 5 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 169 complaints2000: 188 complaints2001: 188 complaints2002: 145 complaints2003: 164 complaints2004: 159 complaints2005: 269 complaints2006: 192 complaints2007: 35 complaints2008: 146 complaints2009: 25 complaints2010: 79 complaints2011: 63 complaints2012: 50 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 12 complaints2015: 26 complaints2016: 26 complaints2017: 118 complaints2018: 6 complaints2019: 13 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 6 complaints2022: 158 complaints2023: 54 complaints2024: 61 complaints2025: 20 complaints2026: 12 complaints
F-350 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-350 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ford F-350 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3323%
Steering2618%
Tires & Wheels1712%
Fuel System1410%
Suspension139%
Transmission128%
Brakes107%
Speed Control85%
Electrical System53%
Body & Structure32%
Airbags21%
Seat Belts11%
Other11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2008 Ford F-350 Sd have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“2008 FORD F350 SD. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE BEGAN SPEWING SMOKE AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING *TGW THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATE AND APPARENTLY A SENSOR FAILED TO OPERATE. HOWEVER, THE SERVICE CENTER INSISTED THE PROBLEM WAS NOT DUE TO A SENSOR. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 22, 2011 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THERE WAS A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE GEAR BOX FAILED. THE GEAR BOX WAS REPLACED AT A REDUCED RATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 29, 2009 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · March 7, 2017 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE FUEL SYSTEM EXPLODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE AND IT WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 26, 2010 · fire

“2008 FORD F-350 SUPER DUTY TRUCK. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS INHERENTLY UNSAFE BECAUSE OF A DESIGN FLAW *TGW THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND STEERING MECHANISMS WERE TOO LIGHT FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE TRUCK AND FOR THE TYPE OF LOAD IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HANDLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 1, 1901 · crash

2008 Ford F-350 Sd — common questions

Is the 2008 Ford F-350 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 146 complaints put the 2008 model at #9 of 34 F-350 Sd years. It is one of the F-350 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 F-350 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (33 complaints), steering (26 complaints), tires & wheels (17 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ford F-350 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Ford F-350 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-350 Sd under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Ford F-350 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-350 Sd years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2001, 2000, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2022, 2008, 2002, 2017, 2010, 2011, 2024, 2023, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2018, 2020. The cleanest record among F-350 Sd years belongs to 1996.

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.