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-250 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds he noticed that white smoke would emit from the exhaust system. The contact stated that the exhaust system was equipped with a self-cleaning function however, the white smoke still emitted after the function was completed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000. The current mileage was approximately 180,000. The VIN was unavailable.
I was backing up in the parking area of my house in my 2008 f250 (diesel), and applied the brakes to stop and change direction. As I started braking, the engine started accelerating, even though I was applying the brakes. The vehicle kept moving backward, and I had to stand on the brakes and shift into neutral to get it to stop moving backward. After a few seconds the problem stopped. I then continued on my way. The vehicle had 37,060 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250 SD. While driving, the engine failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to a crack in the number eight cylinder wall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufactuer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
I have a 2008 f-250 s/d manufactured 02/08 at the kentucky plant. This vehicle was purchased new in April 2009 and now has just under 8000 miles on the odometer. I have twice experienced uncontrolled involuntary acceleration with this vehicle. The common elements of this have been that it occurred after a period of extended driving at about 70 MPH, using cruise control, just after an exhaust cleaning cycle, and when I overrode the cruise control to accelerate to pass a vehicle in front of me. When pulling back in to the traffic lane, the vehicle continues to accelerate and can be controlled only by maintaining heavy pressure on the brakes until a safe location can be found to pull off the road and cut off the ignition. A restart in neutral will result in an immediate run-up in RPM which requires a shut down of the ignition. …
On 8/10/2010, after driving my 2008 f-250 on interstate 5 for about 6 hours continuously at approx. 70mph in cruise control mode, I overrode cruise control to accelerate and pass a vehicle. As I returned to the right side driving lane, the vehicle failed to reduce speed and continued to accelerate in an uncontrolled fashion. With heavy braking I was able control the vehicle and bring it to a stop on the highway shoulder where I shifted it into neutral and cut the ignition off. A restart of the vehicle resulted in an immediate run-up in RPM which could only be controlled by shutting down the engine. No engine or other warning lights were displayed. By opening the hood and manually resetting the air filter contamination sensor on the air intake duct, it was possible to restart the engine and have it operate normally. I did not again use cruise control. …
Lifters and cam have failed. And has trashed the motor. Have asked for help from Ford and they have denied claim. The problem with this is that $55,000.00 truck that is advertised to be super duty and should last 400000 to 500000 miles with only miner engine repairs, this should not be happening. Ford knows for a fact that they have a faulty motor and faulty internal parts on all the 2008 thru 2010 6.4 l diesel motors. That's why they designed a new motor and are suing navistar the engine designer. Now you can go all over the internet and find thousands of customers with the same problems and more. Ford knows that the lifters will fail at some premature point, and the rocker arms will break. One of the problems is that there is so much back pressure on the motor due too the particulate filter. That has even been re-deigned in there new 6.7 motor. …
On 2 oct 2008, radiator was discovered to be cracked and leaking at left lower corner at 6,240 miles and was replaced by Ford under 3yr/36000 warranty. Ford installed degas bottle "t" fitting to eliminate any further radiator failure. On 12 mar 2012, radiator was discovered to be cracked and leaking from left lower corner at 47,895 miles. Ford said failure was caused due to an hyper-extended thermostat. Ford replaced thermostat under warranty but would not cover radiator under warranty. Radiator was replaced by non-Ford mechanic. On 25 apr 2013 radiator was discovered to be cracked and leaking from right side seam at 58,520 miles. Ford was contacted and offered no help outside of warranty. Radiator was replaced by non-Ford mechanic outside of warranty. …
We purchased this 2008 Ford f-250 super duty new at the Ford store in san leandro, ca on July 21, 2007 and continue to be the original owners. This vehicle is equipped with a 6.4 turbo-diesel engine. This vehicle is subject to TSB 07-26-2 (wiring harness defect on hpfp) issued August 2007. On the morning of March 27, 2015, while accelerating onto a freeway and at an approximate speed of 50 MPH, the engine shut down without any warning. I lost all acceleration and the engine died. Braking and steering were also diminished. I got lucky and was able to avoid a collision and coast to the side of the road where the vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop (bud adams - castro valley, ca; bar#:228593 cal#:66801). …
Engine complaints in other F-250 SD years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Ford F-250 SD?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Ford F-250 SD, 30% of the model year's 141 complaints. The component named most often is engine (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford F-250 SD engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Ford F-250 SD. 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-250 SD engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 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.