Most common 2008 Ford F-550 SD problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Ford F-550 SD complaints by model year
Best F-550 SD years: 2018, 2013, 2017. Years to avoid: 2000, 1999, 2004, 2006, 2005. Compare all years →
2008 Ford F-550 SD recalls (4)
Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Cues, inc. Is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 service vehicles built on various chassis equipped with carrier airv ceiling units, model nos. 68rv0010ba, 68rv0012ca, and 68rv0010ea. The heater element in these assemblies May be defective which could cause the unit to create smoke or sparks.
Remedy: Cues is working with carrier to remedy the affected vehicles. Repairs will be made by carrier free of charge. Please see carrier's defect report 09e-053. The safety recall began on January 5, 2010.
Seats
Ford is recalling 87,515 my 2008 f250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 vehicles for failing to comply with all the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "seating systems." some 40% split and captain's chair driver's seats, equipped with lumbar supports, May have improper welds at the joint of the seat back…
Remedy: Dealers will add a reinforcement to the driver's seat back frame on the 40% split or captain's chair seat equipped with lumbar support or, if necessary, the seat back frame will be replaced.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
On certain trucks equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine, excessive temperatures in the diesel particulate filter in the exhaust system May result from excess hydrocarbons in the exhaust.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power train control module. The recall began on April 3, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery
On certain trucks equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine, insufficient clearance of the battery positive (b+) wire to the right hand splash shield bolt May result in the battery b+ wire contacting the splash shield bolt.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the battery b+ wire location and, if necessary, reposition the wire. The recall began on April 3, 2007. Owners May contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673.
What 2008 Ford F-550 SD owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-550 SD. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and a "stop safety now" message displayed. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust fuel temperature sensor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer issued a recall for the 2011-2012 model year vehicles associated with NHTSA campaign number: 13V535000 (engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-550 SD. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and engine overheating indicators illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was towed to chapman Ford of horsham (1100 easton rd, horsham, pa 19044) where it was diagnosed that the engine failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 33,000. The VIN was not available.
Transmission & drivetrain
The truck has not run properly since it was purchased, and the motor was replaced back in 2013 with mileage of 31,00 due to oil being splattered all over and no power. We had spend over 10,000.00 to fix the defective issues. Now almost 2 years to the day the engine has again failed. Ford offers no help or explanations as to why this continues to happen..
Ford 6.4l diesel engines (2008-2010) in f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks contain radiators that were improperly constructed and unable to withstand engine pressures and leak coolant, and can cause catastrophic engine failures due to overheating. Ford replaced countless radiators in its 6.4l vehicles under warranty and issued a number of service bulletins related to its 6.4l radiator failures. However, even its redesigned radiators continue to fail. In our very low mileage f550 diesel, the radiator failed at 23000 miles even after being inspected by Ford and "approved" as adequate. Ford refuses to provide a fix. The Ford dealership tells us that some customers have replaced radiators as many as 10 times, or more. An internet search (e.g., google) for "Ford 6.4l radiator" shows countless others have experienced multiple radiator failures. …
Fuel & propulsion system
Brought the truck in to ford and they told me that paint lining from the tank may of gone into the fuel lines and system so they suggested that we replace the tank and they also replaced 2 injectors and the wiring harness for the injectors and reset the check engine light drove fine till the check engine light come on then its in limp mode and only drives at 40 miles per hour it is unsafe to drive on the highway and I do like this truck
The truck has not run properly since it was purchased, and the motor was replaced back in 2013 with mileage of 31,00 due to oil being splattered all over and no power. We had spend over 10,000.00 to fix the defective issues. Now almost 2 years to the day the engine has again failed. Ford offers no help or explanations as to why this continues to happen..
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Ford F-550 SD a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 F-550 SD rates use caution: 2.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the F-550 SD at the same age. It is one of the F-550 SD years we suggest avoiding. 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-550 SD?
The engine & cooling — 14 complaints, 54% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (5) and fuel & propulsion system (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford F-550 SD have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2008 Ford F-550 SD, the most recent from November 19, 2009 (air conditioner). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Ford F-550 SD?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2013 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2000, 1999, 2004, 2006 and 2005. See the full Ford F-550 SD years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-550 SD problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 33,000 miles; 65% 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.