Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The three rear brake lights stay on all the time, even after the truck is turned off and key removed. The malfunction is definitely available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others are put at risk, because vehicles behind me don't know when I'm actually applying the brake. This safety defect has been an issue (off and on} for the last 2 years. I'm apprehensive about taking my truck to a Ford Dealership, due to an expense that I shouldn't be responsible for. I have not been able to drive my truck for the last 3 months, due to this safety defect. My truck hasn't been inspected by police or insurance representatives, because I haven't been in a fatal accident yet. I'm the original owner.
When stepping on brake peddle gos so far Dow foot hits accelerator pedal causing the truck to lunge forward as if accelerator stuck. Nearly caused accident, dealer said there was no fix to raise the brake pedal.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Eighteen months later, while reversing at 10 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact crashed into the driver side of another vehicle and the rear of a second vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 90,000.
My emergency brake doesn't work and light is on,and air bags did not deploy when I was hit from behind.
When I brake the engine sounds like its racing louder and louder and seems like I'm excellerating instead of stopping. Its very hard to stop in time at a stop sign and I can't. I almost it a crossing car.this problem happened several times with myself and also when my husband drove the truck.we took it to a mechanic. The same happened to 2 mechanics at the shop on test drives. They have a theory it is happening because when we take our foot off the gas pedal and put it on the brake to brake we are too close to the gas pedal and are unknowingly pressing both at the same time. I didn't feel like that was happening, but maybe it was bec now when I brake , I place my foot much further from the gas pedal. I've heard this is a common problem in trucks, but I wasn't warned and I don't think this is safe.
This has happened numerous times when braking the accelerator is also depressed at the same time. Causing the vehicle to continue to move unexpectedly. Today while pulling into our driveway this happened again and the vehicle went through the house pushing it off the foundation and causing damage to the vehicle. This is a design flaw the gas and brake pedal are to close together. This has also happened to my wife and she wears a size 6 shoe. Are there any recalls or class action suits that any one is aware of. Or does someone have to die before it matters. I have been on other web sites and find many owners of and \08 f150 have the same complaints.
My 2008 Ford f150 brake pedal depresses too far and allows the driver to inadvertently hit the gas pedal and the brake pedal simultaneously. I have had the vehicle examined by the dealer and have notified Ford motor company of this problem. They have advised me that the brakes are working properly. My son also has a Ford f150 and his has the same problem. I believe this is a serious design defect with these vehicles and in my case has contributed to one accident and several near misses. I believe this problem warrants further study by your agency. [redacted]
Tl contact owns a 2008 Ford f-150. The contact started the vehicle and depressed the brake pedal, but both the brake and accelerator pedals became stuck. The vehicle surged backwards and struck the bumper of another vehicle. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The driver sustained minor injuries. The police was called to the scene and filed a report. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and a diagnostic was performed, but no failures were found. The VIN and speed were unknown. The failure mileage was 5,600 and current mileage was 7,600.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the brake system failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure. When the brake pedal was engaged, the ABS activated and caused the vehicle to pulsate and the contact to lose control. The dealer replaced the front rotors, but the failure recurred. The contact inspected the vehicle and drained the front brakes; however, the brake failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-150. While driving 60 MPH, the ABS warning indicator illuminated and the brakes failed to operate. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 28,200. Updated 03/10/16
Brake complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Ford F-150, 11% of the model year's 369 complaints. The component named most often is pedals and linkages (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford F-150 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2008 Ford F-150, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-150 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 20,000 miles, and 53% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.