2008 Ford F-Super Duty problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median F-Super Duty year — the 2008 model ranks #5 of 20 F-Super Duty years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (11), steering (10), and electrical system (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
46
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other F-Super Duty years?
What are the most common 2008 Ford F-Super Duty problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 24% | — flat |
| Steering | 10 | 22% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 5 | 11% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 4 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 3 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THROTTLE STUCK IN EXCEL MODE AND EXCESSIVE WHITE SMOKE FROM TAIL PIPE. FORD STATED TO LOOK DEEPER INTO ENGINE AND STATED THEY CAN NOT FINE PROBLEM TO VEHICLE. INSTRUCTED TO BUY NEW ENGINE. THIS DIESEL ENGINE SHOULD NOT HAD GONE BAD WITH 30, 000 MILES ON IT. WAS TOLD THIS HAPPENS THAT 1% OF THE TIME…”
“ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 60 AND 70 MPH ON HIGHWAYS WITH POTHOLES, I HIT THE POTHOLES AND IMMEDIATELY FELT A VIOLENT SHAKING OR SHIMMY IN THE FRONT WHEELS. THE SHIMMY OCCURS IN WHICH EVER TIRE HITS THE HOLE AND WILL STOP AS SOON AS I REDUCE SPEED TO ABOUT 40 MPH. THERE…”
“DURING THE COURSE OF DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE TRUCK LOST ALL POWER. REQUIRED STEERING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPING WITH THE LOSS OF ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKE ASSIST. IN TRAFFIC. TRUCK WOULD NOT RESTART ONCE WAS PULLED OFF ONTO SIDE OF HIGHWAY. IF TRUCK HAD BEEN TOWING…”
“THE REAR BRAKES ON MY PICKUP FAILED. THE REAR CALIPERS WERE STICKING AND THE BRAKES OVERHEATED TO THE POINT OF FAILURE. FAILURE OF THE REAR BRAKES IS A COMMON AND PERVASIVE PROBLEM WITH FORD F350 TRUCKS OF THIS MODEL YEAR. THERE NEEDS TO BE A SAFETY RECALL OF THESE TRUCKS. *TR”
“ACCELERATED ON ROAD UP TO APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE ISSUE TURNED OUT TO BE A WIRE SHORTING OUT ON THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. ISSUE KNOWN BY FORD WHICH ISSUED TSB 07-26-2. AFFECTS ALL…”
2008 Ford F-Super Duty — common questions
Is the 2008 Ford F-Super Duty reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 2008 model at #5 of 20 F-Super Duty years. It is one of the F-Super Duty years to avoid.
What are the most common 2008 F-Super Duty problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (11 complaints), steering (10 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).
Does the 2008 Ford F-Super Duty have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Ford F-Super Duty.
Is the 2008 Ford F-Super Duty under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Ford F-Super Duty years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the F-Super Duty years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2001, 2003. The cleanest record among F-Super Duty years belongs to 1991.
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.