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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the cabin began to fill up with diesel exhaust fumes and white smoke. The contact stated that "Drive Vehicle to Clean Exhaust Filter" warning light illuminated. The contact rolled down the window to relieve the cabin of exhaust fumes and smoke. The contact noticed that a rubber boot around the 4WD shift lever inside the vehicle was completely melted, and only a thick plastic ring around the shift lever opening where the rubber boot was attached remained. The contact replaced the rubber boot; however, the failure reoccurred within a week after replacement. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the exhaust pipes needed to be replaced and that the repair required the vehicle cabin to be removed. The vehicle had not been repaired. …
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving uphill at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was HOT before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was then allowed to cool down, and water was added to the radiator. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 12,000 miles later. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the bottom of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine block of the vehicle had fractured. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine block had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
My truck is having the same issues as listed in the recalls but isn't on the recall list. Running rough dash board turns off and loses power to the cab. Low voltage light comes on but batteries and alternator test fine. Factory installed lift blocks have cracked and caused can bushings to fail.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250. While driving 35 MPH, white smoke came out of the exhaust. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 07V139000 (power train). The vehicle was taken to colley Ford (1945 auto centre dr, glendora, ca 91740, [phone]) where it was diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Vehicle had been driving it but it was parked for about 25 minutes, with nothing running or keys in the ignition. Came out side to the smell of smoke and the engine compartment bust into flames. Fire investigator said that the fire was electrical that started on the passenger side of the engine. Truck was a total loss as fire spread along drivetrain to gas tank. Fire department was able to keep gas tank from exploding.
I purchased my 2008 Ford f250 in 2015 from a dealership in burkburnett, tx. The truck started loosing coolant from what seem to be the lower radiator hose. That leak stopped but continued leak coolant from but was not visible. Then the coolant filler bottle started collecting a black fluid and I was told that it was engine oil. So, I was getting oil in my antifreeze. The radiator was drained and refilled with coolant but I still found oil in the coolant filler bottle. Right around thanksgiving 2019, I decided to trade in the vehicle and drove it to a dealership 50 miles away. They test drove the vehicle and the engine locked up after the test drive and has not started since. We were given an estimate of $11,000 to clean out the oils in the engine. The pickup is not worth that much according to the lienholder. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel shook violently and wobbled out of control. The contact had to depress the brake pedal harshly in order for the failure to seize. The contact stated that the wobbling of the front end caused the radiator to eventually burst. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the tires and performed an all wheel alignment; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any recalls. The approximate failure mileage was 123,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250. While driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power, failed to accelerate, the engine made an abnormal noise, and white smoke was seen coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-250. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the low engine power warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the radiator seal fractured and the hoses were leaking. The radiator was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
Engine complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Ford F-250, 17% of the model year's 196 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford F-250 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2008 Ford F-250, though it has 5 recalls 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-250 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries 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.