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2008 Ford F-250 problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Ford F-250 is steering, typically around 77,000 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical F-250 model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Year score
61/100
Owner complaints
197
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
12
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2008 Ford F-250 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Ford F-250

Loss of power 11Pulling 10Power steering loss 8Tire blowout 8Ball joint 7Check engine light 7

Recalls 7

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported January 26, 2009 · 108 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Comm trans is recalling 108 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift system accessible for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Remedy
Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or comm trans at 901‑726‑9394.

Recall number 09V026000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported January 23, 2009 · 111 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Comm trans is recalling 111 my 2005-2008 ford e250 and e350 vans built on ford chassis and equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations on motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy
Comm trans is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or comm trans at 901‑726‑9394.

Recall number 09V025000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported April 25, 2008 · 64,754 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Ford is recalling 64,754 my 2008 f-250 and f-350 single rear wheel, 4x4, 156 inch wheel base pick up trucks equipped with a two piece drive shaft for failing to conform to the fuel spillage requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity." during a 30 MPH frontal impact into a rigid barrier, the fuel tank can move forward and contact a frame cross member, potentially causing damage to the fuel delivery module which can result in fuel spillage.
Risk
Fuel spillage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a bracket on the affected vehicles free of charge. The recall began on may 23, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 08V191000 · Recall details

SeatsReported February 28, 2008 · 87,515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 pivot bracket and the seat back frame.
Risk
In the event of a crash, the seat side pivot bracket may crack or break, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.
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. The recall began on march 28, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 08V096000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported November 21, 2007 · 45 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain vehicles fail to conform to the requirements specified in federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the driver air bag module may not have been properly assembled.
Risk
This condition may prevent the driver air bag from properly deploying and reduce occupant protection in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace your driver air bag module free of charge. The recall began on november 20, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1‑800‑392‑3673.

Recall number 07V541000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported March 26, 2007 · 33,169 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Lack of power or rough operation, unusual noises from the engine or exhaust, white smoke from the exhaust, and potentially a visible flame out the tailpipe can occur.
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.

Recall number 07V139000 · Recall details

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v batteryReported March 26, 2007 · 1,022 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Long term contact could cause wire chafe, resulting in copper wire being exposed. If this condition occurs, the battery b+ wire could short to ground increasing the risk of a fire.
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.

Recall number 07V140000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2008 Ford F-250

Defect investigations

Alleged Loss of SteeringOpened May 7, 2013, closed January 31, 2014

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 Ford Super Duty pick-up trucks and MY 2000 - 2001 Ford Excursion sport utility vehicles in Engineering Analysis EA01-009.The investigation determined that the sector shaft failures were the result of extraordinary, possibly multiple, impacts and not the result of fatigue.No defect in design, manufacturing or materials was identified in the sector shaft.EA01-009 was closed August 19, 2003 with 169 complaints, resulting in a rate of 12.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles after approximately one year of service.Ford increased the diameter of the sector shaft from 1.375 inches to 1.625 inches at the start of MY 2005 production, increasing the resistance of the steering gear assembly to torsional overload by approximately 48% and changing the failure mode from sector shaft fracture to cracked or broken sector shaft gear teeth.The redesigned steering gear assembly was used in approximately 1.1 million MY 2005 through 2009 Ford Super Duty pick-up trucks, including the subject vehicles.Figure 1 shows the basic steering system design used in Ford Super Duty trucks investigated in EA01-009 and PE13-014. Figure 2 shows the locations of failures resulting from impact related torsional overloading of the sector shaft for the subject vehicles and the prior generation Ford Super Duty trucks investigated in EA01-009.Figure 3 shows an example of a failed sector shaft investigated in EA01-009 and comparisons of fracture surfaces of sector shafts failing from fatigue loading and from torsional overload.Ford provided field return part analysis of failed steering gears from MY 2005 through 2009 Super Duty trucks found evidence of broken sector shaft gear teeth and piston damage consistent with incidents of single event overload (Figure 4).Laboratory analysis found no evidence of fatigue or material property defects in any of the fractures.Analysis of complaint rates by vehicle build month showed no patterns indicating potential manufacturing quality issues and no difference before and after Ford introduced design changes to the input shaft and sector shaft seals in July 2007 to address potential leak concerns (Figure 5).Analysis of failures by time in service indicates a random failure pattern/distribution, consistent with incidents of impact induced overload (Figure 6). The complaint rate for the subject vehicles after approximately 5 to 6 years, 7.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles, is lower than the rate observed in EA01-009. Furthermore, similar to the condition investigated in EA01-009, a number of incident records include evidence of impact loads (e.g., curb strikes) and several alleged crashes include incidents in which information suggests that the steering gear failure was most likely a result of crash forces, rather than the cause of the crash.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at ww

PE13014

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Ford F-250 12

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 12 bulletins for the 2008 Ford F-250

What 2008 Ford F-250 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine · NY

A very well taken care of engine has now produced a knocking diesel sound like so many other that are seen out there now at 93k mine is on the way out and unnessarly needs way tomuch work that exceedes the value of the vehicle this has been noted by thousands on line with the same issue with less milage and is so bad it is no worth fixing from what i have read and seen on line all due to a faulty oil pump and timing chaine tensioner gasket that is not able to be seen there somany issues withat year motor that once was aknow to be a good motor then changed to be catastrophic to upper engine damage that ford knows about and didnt correct from 2007 to 2014 .the 5.4 triton engine is the series of engines that have the issues seen nation wide ....ford needs to be found accoutable for manufactureing of a fault gasket that is not abile to be replaced with out a taking the the front of the engine apart

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Fuel system · 175,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 equipped with a 6.4L diesel engine. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a catastrophic fuel system failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the technicians diagnosed the issue as gasoline contamination in the diesel fuel, which destroyed the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an authorized Ford dealer for the repair. Shortly after the initial repair was completed, approximately 15 minutes away from the dealer while driving 45 MPH the vehicle shut off. The vehicle lost engine power, power steering, braking assistance, and electrical systems failure. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the fuel pump, choosing not to follow Ford manufacturer guidelines to replace the diesel tank, despite the tank having two fuel-pump-related structural implosions. The same system failure reoccurred after the secondary repair. The service department manager later ordered a full system replacement from the manufacturer, but the manufacturer declined to cover the repair. The contact stated that Ford Special Service Message: SSM 22277; stated that when severe fuel system contamination occurred on the 6.4L platform, technicians could no longer attempt to clean or repair the original fuel tank and must replace the tank entirely to prevent recurring pump contamination. The failure mileage was 175,000.

Filed Feb 8, 2026 · Body · OK

All the fiberglass Bkack trim and the Gray door panels and the middle armrest are causing skin irritation to any person that come in touch with them. I havee owned this Truck for so many years, the problem started about 4 years ago, since I only use it for towing the camper I have ignored the issue for sure this very inconvenient to sell a vehicle with only 87k because of the manufactur cheap trim or other oweners didn't complain and ignored the issue. I have not taken the Truck to the Ford dealer because I have know doubt in my mind that they will tell me it's an 18 years old vehicle get another one. Yes I have the vehicle available for inspection at anytime. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my complaint.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Driver assistance · SC

What: 2008 Backup camera failure just like the 1.46 million in newer models. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? See details for current recall, copy/paste. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, but am happy to let them. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, camera simply stopped working around aug-25. I want you to make them include older year models in this recall. I purchased this vehicle from Vic Bailey Ford Spartanburg SC, financed for 72 months to pay off Jan-1-26. *If ford can sell it, and get financed, when still in the process of paying off, this truck SHOULD get the same considerations as newer ones when there is identical issues.

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Electrical · 182,000 miles · WI

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 88,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report, that the mileage was 182,000.

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Tires · MO

Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires LT275/70R18 D1 I purchased these tires on 11/08/2019. My truck had 166,736 miles it now has around 202,000. I experienced a blow out where the total tread separated from the rear driver side side walls. The tread separated piece was in one piece. As if a re-tread tire. It caused extensive damage to my rear quarter panel among a list of other damaged parts. The tread was on the tires were still in excellent shape.

Filed Jun 23, 2025 · Engine · 185,000 miles · CO

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 failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

Filed Dec 5, 2024 · Body · 130,000 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and became aware that the rubber body mounts were deteriorating and detaching from the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Nov 14, 2024 · Engine · 100,000 miles · NC

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.

Filed Oct 25, 2024 · NY

Unknown

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2008 Ford F-250

Is the 2008 Ford F-250 reliable?

Owners have filed 197 complaints about the 2008 Ford F-250, 1.3 times a typical F-250 model year.

What is the 2008 Ford F-250 year score?

The 2008 Ford F-250 scores 61 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Ford F-250: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford F-250?

Steering, with 80 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles. Next is suspension (35).

How many recalls does the 2008 Ford F-250 have?

7 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility, fuel system, gasoline and seats.

What year does the Ford F-250 have bad steering?

The Ford F-250 model years with the most steering complaints are 2012 (112 complaints), 2011 (102 complaints) and 2008 (80 complaints).

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