2008 Ford F-450 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 21 F-450 years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2008 Ford F-450 has 68 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 21 F-450 model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is engine (42 complaints, 62% of the total). Complaints report 1 crash, 3 fires, and 4 injuries.
- Complaints
- 68
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2008 Ford F-450 problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine42 (62%)
- Fuel System19 (28%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (16%)
- Steering7 (10%)
- Brakes3 (4%)
- Electrical System3 (4%)
- Other3 (4%)
- Structure & Body3 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (3%)
2008 Ford F-450 recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 08V344000Jul 28, 2008Structure & Body108 vehicles
Trailer hitches
Knapheide is recalling 108 my 2006-2008 pro series truck beds equipped with an icc bumper which included a provision for a ball hitch. There may be an insufficient weld attaching the hitch channel to the supporting structure.
Risk: This could result in bending of the hitch channel or the hitch could be pulled off the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Knapheide will offer two remedies to its customers: (1) for those customers who do not use the hitch, the hitch will be removed from the truck bed and replaced with an icc bumper; or (2) for those customers who need a hitch, a receiver hitch assembly will be added to the existing hitch assembly and all suspect weld joints will be re welded. The recall began on august 15, 2008. Owners may contact knapheide at 1-877-473-5763.
- NHTSA 08V096000Feb 28, 2008Structure & Body87,515 vehicles
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 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.
- NHTSA 07V140000Mar 26, 2007Electrical System1,022 vehicles
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.
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.
2008 compared with other F-450 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Ford F-450 a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Ford F-450 ranks worst among F-450 model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 68 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-450?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (42 complaints), fuel system (19 complaints), and transmission & powertrain (11 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 34,090 miles.
- Does the 2008 Ford F-450 have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Ford F-450, most recently reported 2008, covering structure & body, electrical system, and transmission & powertrain.