2008 Ford F-250 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Ford F-250 has a Complaint Index of 70 and ranks 7th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Steering problems dominate, making up 35% of its 337 complaints, followed by engine issues at 26%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #7 of 21 F-250 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 337
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Steering
Top 2008 Ford F-250 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering119 (35%)
- Engine87 (26%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires73 (22%)
- Brakes40 (12%)
- Electrical System21 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (6%)
- Other15 (4%)
- Fuel System14 (4%)
- Structure & Body12 (4%)
- Airbags7 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel or steering box suddenly locks up or seizes while driving, sometimes leading to a crash into a curb, pole, or ditch.
- Complete loss of power steering at highway speed causes drivers to lose control and hit guardrails.
- Turbo diesel engines stall at speed and emit smoke or visible flames from the exhaust while a warning light illuminates.
- Diesel engines emit persistent white smoke from the exhaust even after the self-cleaning exhaust function completes.
- One owner reported the parked truck caught fire and was declared a total loss after towing use.
- Gear shift lever releases out of park on its own, allowing the truck to roll while unattended.
2008 Ford F-250 recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 09V026000Jan 26, 2009Other108 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
- NHTSA 09V025000Jan 23, 2009Other111 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
- NHTSA 08V191000Apr 25, 2008Fuel System64,754 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery
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.
2008 compared with other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Ford F-250 reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2008 F-250 a Complaint Index of 70, ranking it 7th worst among 21 model years, with a Caution verdict. Steering complaints (35% of all complaints) and engine complaints (26%) are the main drivers.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-250?
- Steering issues lead with 119 complaints (35% share), followed by engine problems at 87 complaints (26%) and suspension, wheels, and tires at 73 complaints (22%). Steering-related failures were also linked to 8 crashes.
- Does the 2008 Ford F-250 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2008 F-250, covering fuel system, structure and body seating, airbags, electrical wiring on 6.4L diesel trucks, and diesel particulate filter software. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- What mileage do steering problems typically show up at on the 2008 F-250?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 75,475 miles for steering-related failures on the 2008 F-250.
- How does the 2008 F-250 compare to other model years?
- The 2008 model's Complaint Index of 70 is worse than the 2007 (5) and 2009 (10) model years but better than 2017 (95), 2019 (100), and 2011 (80), which carry Avoid verdicts.