VehicleVerdict

2008 Ford F-550 Sd problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median F-550 Sd year — the 2008 model ranks #8 of 34 F-550 Sd years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 48% of all reports (15 of 31), far ahead of transmission at 5.

31

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other F-550 Sd years?

F-550 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted92 complaints1993: 0 complaints1994: 0 complaints1995: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 2 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 92 complaints2000: 85 complaints2001: 35 complaints2002: 31 complaints2003: 40 complaints2004: 67 complaints2005: 41 complaints2006: 55 complaints2007: 25 complaints2008: 31 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 4 complaints2012: 8 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 18 complaints2016: 4 complaints2017: 5 complaints2018: 0 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 7 complaints2021: 15 complaints2022: 15 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 5 complaints2025: 3 complaints2026: 3 complaints
F-550 Sd NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all F-550 Sd years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Ford F-550 Sd problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1548%
Transmission516%
Fuel System413%
Body & Structure26%
Tires & Wheels13%
Other13%
Electrical System13%
Brakes13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2008 Ford F-550 Sd have recalls?

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

09V456000Climate Control (A/C & Heat)November 19, 2009 · 269 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

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.

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.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 8, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F550 SD DIESEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 19, 2010

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY VEHICLE LOST POWER VERY QUICK. RUST IN THE FUEL TANK CLOGGING THE FILTER STOPPED FUEL TO THE ENGINE WAS THE PROBLEM AFTER STOPPING SEVERAL TIMES. HAVING NO SHOULDER ON THIS AREA OF THE INTERSTATE TO EXIT THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER NEARLY KILLED US…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 30, 2010

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 5, 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · June 28, 2013

2008 Ford F-550 Sd — common questions

Is the 2008 Ford F-550 Sd reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 2008 model at #8 of 34 F-550 Sd years. It is one of the F-550 Sd years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 F-550 Sd problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 Ford F-550 Sd have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Ford F-550 Sd. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Ford F-550 Sd years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-550 Sd years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2004, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2001, 2002, 2008, 2015, 2021, 2020, 2017, 2019, 2016, 2018. The cleanest record among F-550 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.