2008 Ford F-250: sudden loss of power

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 Sep 1, 2019 · Transmission · 251,314 miles · FL

When I was driving I lost power I put on the scanner got a code p0701 which is the torque converter solenoid I lost all gears I reset the light got 3 and 4 was able to make it home but now have no gears what so ever

Filed Jun 24, 2019 · Engine · 240,000 miles · FL

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 the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.

Filed Jan 22, 2019 · Transmission · 200,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250. While driving approximately 65 MPH, a popping noise suddenly occurred. The vehicle began to lose power and would not accelerate past 30 MPH. The vehicle was towed to red mccombs ford (8333 i10, san antonio, tx) where it was diagnosed that the particulate filter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v139000 (power train). The failure mileage was 200,000. *tt

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 40,300 miles · IL

When I bought my ford f250 back in 2008 I have had constant problems with the truck as I would be going down the highway the truck would lose power and I would press the gas pedal and the truck would only do around 40mph. A few weeks ago I drove from chicago up to green bay wi and then back going there about half way the truck was ok the other half way up there and back the chicago the truck was not shifting it felt like it was towing a trailer when it was not my foot was on the floor all the way and I was only doing 40mph on a 60+MPH highway which I had truckers almost coming in contact with my truck. My truck has been in the shop over a dozen times and ford does not have a clue what is wrong with the truck because there computers show nothing wrong when there service tech drove the truck and said there is a problem with it but they our unsure. The last time my ford dealer stated that it might be a catalytic converter. I have contacted ford motor company about this issue and they did not want to work with me on fixing the truck only offering 20% off of the cost to fix the catalytic converter and they are not sure that this will fix the issues I have been having I am not the only person having this problem with my truck I talked to a few other ford truck owners and they have the same problem.

Filed Aug 29, 2013 · Electrical, Fuel system · 84,877 miles · TX

I was driving our 2008 f-250 2wd an as I applied the brakes to turn, lost power steering and brakes. This had occurred a few times before but I could not identify the problem. The problem was intermittent and although a near serious accident occurred, no problem could be found. I was planning to take it to a local dealer over the weekend. The next day I was pulling into my driveway and the truck engine died and would not start. We had it towed to the dealer for a diagnosis. It was discovered that the high pressure fuel pump cover gasket which includes a wiring harness needs replaced due to wire abrasion and a shorted wire. In addition, the cab of the truck will need to be removed to correct the problem. I understand that the replacement part has been re-engineered to include a guard to protect the wire from abrasion. From internet research I have found several similar instances, with some vehicles losing power while in motion. This is extremely dangerous. The dealer acknowledged that this is a recurring issue with this model of truck and they have made several similar repairs. As a safety professional for over 30 years, this is very unnerving to say the least. Highway crashes occur far too often due to human error without having known manufacturer defects adding to the problem. When a trusted manufacturer discovers an engineering issue but fails to inform owners or correct the problem, this adds unnecessary danger for unsuspecting motorists,our families and the public. I trust that this will be investigated fully.

Filed Jan 15, 2013 · Engine · 104,000 miles · WV

While driving engine power failed and loud knocking noise was heard. Upon being serviced, rocker arm was broken and caused the problems. There was no notice of this issue and it affected sudden loss of power/speed. It is noted that while searching the internet it was discovered that this appears to be a common problem with these 6.4l diesel engines.

Filed Mar 10, 2011 · Steering · 55,000 miles · GA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f250. While driving approximately 30-40 MPH, there was a complete loss of power steering. The contact was unable to gain control of the vehicle and crashed into the guardrail. A police report was filed with no personal injuries. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they informed the contact that the failure was related to the steering box. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Sep 24, 2010 · Brakes, Engine · 3,590 miles · MI

Purchase date september 13, 2007 of ford f250 truck. While driving the truck would start vibrating and I would see white exhaust smoke, truck would either lose power or increase speed without any change in acceleration. It has been in the shop over 16 times. The dealership has had the vehicle for numerous weeks and have put over 1,000 miles driving the vehicle in attempt to duplicate the problems and get a diagnostic code. March 2010 while slowing down I noticed a loss of power steering and power brakes for a second or two. By recommendation of ford our dealership has flushed the power steering system approximately 4 times. The loss of power steering and power brakes almost caused my wife to go off the road while exiting a highway. The dealership had possession of my truck for the entire month of june 2010. They were unable to duplicate the steering and brake issue. Most recently while out of town I lost power steering and brakes 3 times after I slowed down to make a turn. It appears the loss of steering and brakes lasts longer. I have been informed that ford motor co. Diagnostic protocol is if the computer does not throw a code or a service tech cannot get the vehicle to duplicate the problem they are not able to do anything. We have been more than patient with the dealer, the service records and the amount of time we have been without the truck will clearly show we have given more than adequate chance to fix these problems. Now at 90,000 miles I own a vehicle that I will not allow my wife or anyone else drive in fear they may not be able to react quick enough to maintain control until the power steering and power brakes return to function.

Filed Aug 20, 2010 · Engine · 114,825 miles · MI

Subject owns a 2008 f250 w/ 6.4l diesel. At random, when attempting to accelerate, pull onto a highway, or otherwise increase speed, vehicle will lose power and stumble. White smoke has been noticed from the exhaust during at least one of these incidents. Ford has tsb 08-25-1 which attempts to address this problem, but vehicle is past warranty, and other owners have reported the problem persists even after having the tsb performed. This is a safety issue, on august 20, 2010 we were pulling a 10,000 trailer and went to pass a slower vehicle. Our vehicle lost power while passing (stumble/smoke) for approx 5 seconds, before regaining power. We could have had a terrible accident if there had been oncoming traffic present and/or power had not returned. Problem is able to be duplicated.

Filed May 14, 2009 · Electrical, Steering · 300 miles · OR

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost all power, brake, and steering ability. The dealer replaced the power steering pump at the contact's expense. The dealer stated that they were aware of the failures, but could not provide a remedy. The failure has occurred intermittently approximately 100 times. The failure mileage was 300 and current mileage was 60,000. Updated 06/08/09 *bf the consumer stated the vehicle now has a power steering fluid leak. Updated 06/18/09.