Most common 2008 Ford F-250 SD problems
Share of the 141 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-250 SD complaints by model year
Best F-250 SD years: 2013, 2014, 2012. Years to avoid: 2019, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2016. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Ford F-250 SD:
Alleged Loss of Steering
The Office of DefectsInvestigation (ODI) opened PE13-014 after identifying five complaints alleging steering gear failure in model year (MY) 2008 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pick-up trucks and to evaluate the relationship between the design history of the steering gear assembly and the alleged defect.As background, ODI investigated steering gear sector shaft fractures in approximately 1.3 million MY 1999 - 2001…
What 2008 Ford F-250 SD owners say
Engine & cooling all 42 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250 SD. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the turbo engine stalled with an illumination of a warning indicator. The vehicle began to perform roughly with smoke and flames emitting from the exhaust. When the engine was turned off the flames were no longer visible. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who stated the turbo charger would need to be replaced and including other defective parts. The failure was related to the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 07V139000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM, PCM)). The contact experienced the identical defect as stated in the recall. The manufacturer was notified and they informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. Updated 11/01/12
2008 f250 super duty diesel exploded (neighbors' description) while parked. We had just returned from towing a skid loader back from a job site and approximately half an hour later, neighbors called to say that our truck had exploded. The fire dept was on the scene when we arrived and the vehicle appears to be a total loss. We had owned and used the truck for 9 days and it had performed without problem during that time which included a 400 mile trip from the point of purchase in pa to our home location in columbus oh. No damage to property other than to the vehicle itself.
Steering all 39 →
While driving my 08 Ford f250 SD, I experience severe shimmy going over a bump in the road or small dip. More noticeable when going about 45 and I hit a bump and the wheel jerks and throws the truck what feels like feet. I have not replaced any parts yet nor have I spoken with the dealer. The first I ever knew there was a problem noted by Ford was when I received an alert on flmowner.com and it stated field service action number: 09l02 fsa title: customer maintenance reminder vehicle shimmy and tire inflation pressure I always maintain proper tire pressure and have them balanced and rotated on a regular basis through discount tires (where I bought new tires in 2011). I don't have a lift and haven't altered any of the stock suspension parts. Mileage and time frame are an approx as I wasn't aware of this service issue prior to this week. Those are the approximates to when I moved to co.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250 SD. Within less than a year of owning the vehicle, the vehicle shimmied and experienced a death wobble. The dealer (ray's Ford, inc., 385 by pass rd, brandenburg, ky 40108, [phone]) was notified of the failure and indicated that an appointment May need to be scheduled. It had not been determined if the failure was related to special field service campaign number: 09l02 to prevent shimmies. The vehicle was hauling a trailer over unleveled Land during the most recent failure. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Brakes
I was driving my Ford 250 on a slick road when a pick up stopped short in front of me. I was unable to stop in time hitting the rear end of the pick up approximately 20-30 MPH. My air bags did not deploy and the seat belt allowed me to slide under the belt causing my knees to hit the dash. Other then good bruises and mild soreness I was fine. The other person was fine as well. My seat belt did not engage and I am wondering why my airbags did not deploy. The grill and radiator were damaged?
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250 SD. After the brake pedal was depressed, it sunk to the floorboard and failed to operate. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by using the electric brake from a trailer being towed by the vehicle. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the cruise control brake release switch failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000. Updated 09/22/16 updated 10/6/2017
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Ford F-250 SD a good car?
Based on 141 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 F-250 SD rates average: 15% fewer complaints than a typical year of the F-250 SD at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford F-250 SD?
The engine & cooling — 42 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the steering (39) and brakes (18).
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford F-250 SD have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Ford F-250 SD. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-250 SD?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2014 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2019, 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2016. See the full Ford F-250 SD years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-250 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 44,000 miles; 57% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.