Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH and rounding a right-hand bend, the steering wheel veered to the left direction. The contact stated the "tire pressure" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle crashed into a guard rail on the driver's side and flipped over the rail and landed on the driver's side. The contact said that there was damage to the front fender, driver's and passenger door, and rear quarter panel. The contact said he had received medical attention on-site for minor lacerations to his left hand and bruising on his left shoulder. The police wrote an incident report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact said that a day prior to the crash he had smelled a burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. …
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that the starter and the computer were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a possible liquid propane injection system failure. The contact stated that after researching, the failure was like the failure described in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V523000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Vehicle caught on fire from the engine compartment while driving. Total loss, Fire Department responded to the scene. Two persons on board of the vehicle had to escape the fire, pulled over and jumped out.
I experienced a loss in power while driving and not driving, as well as locking my keys in the vehicle once It would not unlock. The gear shifting knob stopped due to what seemed like resistance an the damaged caused by sales man to the top plunger cap just after i paid. Recently the battery and the alternator are not working and when power is ran through the vehicle, an obvious sound of a live cable buzzing in the rear cab exterior light and seemed to be spliced in a n unsafe way.
My F150 will run great until it warms up and then it will run rough, shows low oil pressure, and stalls at stops and while driving at low speeds. I have taken it to two mechanics and have spent thousands of dollars without fixing this problem. This has been an ongoing issue and started in Sept. 2022
My 5.4 v8 triton motor timing came phasers are bad the truck runs fine when cold when it gets warmer up it rattles and shakes and stalls air bag light stays on I had to pull the fuse bc it beeps and warning light so it's not active
On April 5, 2016, while driving my 2008, f150, triton, 4.6, about 45 MPH, on a two lane, back country road, a sudden rattling and popping noise occurred. I immediately pulled over, popped the hood, whereas smoke and the rattling noise continued. I turned off the engine and had the vehicle towed to the Ford dealership 5 miles away. I have 113,600 miles on my vehicle and purchased it from a carmax dealer in December 2013, with 81,160 miles, having experienced (no problems thus far). I was told by the Ford dealership that my #3 sparkplug had caused the mechanical issue and all plugs needed replacing. Additionally replacement of right side engine issues resulted from not having done the 100000 mile tune up (bull). It had been tuned up previous to being sold. …
On Tuesday, April 5, 2016, while driving 45 miles per hour, on a 2 lane, back country, road my Ford f150, that had 114,376 miles began to clank and rumble up under the hood. The noise made the vehicle vibrate as the noise got louder so I pulled off of the road and popped the hood. There was smoke, clicking and clanking on top of the right side of the engine so I turned the vehicle off. I called my insurance and asked to be towed to a Ford dealership 5 miles away. The truck was still drive-able but smoking and clanking. The next morning I learned #2 spark plug had loose stripping threads in the cylinder head and the coil cracked from the plug blowing out. The plug and boots had to be replaced. Replaced the #2 coil and the dealer had to extract the broken spark plug cylinder #2. The parts, supply, and labor cost was $1292.24. …
The engine 5.4 triton makes a sound that resembles a diesel and sounds like the piston is about ready to come through the block. I first experienced this approx. 3 years ago while at a drive through fast food restaurant. I immediately turned off the engine. I then restarted and the noise had stopped. The motor now still has the same issue, and after reading many forums stating the same conditions, decided to call Ford directly. The response from Ford was they know about the issue on these types of motors, but are not issuing a recall for the fix. The issue is apparently related to a know cam, timing chain issue that has to have the gears and timing chain replaced. At the owners expense of approx. 800-1200m dollars per side on this type of v8 motor. …
When the brake is depressed the engine accelerates (never know when this is going to happen). I have had three instances over the total 8 years (first owner). All three times the brakes are ineffective in stopping the vehicle. Two times backing out of my driveway (afraid that the truck would cross over my road and hit neighbor's vehicles or home. Once it occurred at a all stop intersection. In most cases I had to take the truck out of drive to stop it. I'm afraid it is going to cause serious issue with life and property. There are nine other reported cases of this happening on 2008 f-150 vehicles see website for the nine reported cases ( http://m.carcomplaints.com/Ford/f-150/2008/engine/unintended_acceleration.shtml). I think there is an issue with the throttle body sticking but have no idea. I checked Ford and there is no known recall for this issue. …
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Roush is recalling 213 my 2007-2008 Ford f-150 trucks altered to operate using liquid propane injection. The hydro-carbon paper affixed to the inside of the airbox lid with adhesive May become dislodged during operation.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the airbox lid with a new one that includes the hydro-carbon paper which has been affixed using an adhesive promoter and greater pressure as recommended by the manufacturer free of charge.
Engine complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Ford F-150, 20% of the model year's 369 complaints. The component named most often is engine (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford F-150 engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-523 (engine and engine cooling, Oct 8, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-150 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 5 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.