2008 Ford F-550 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Ford F-550 has a Complaint Index of 65 and ranks 8th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 58% of its 26 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 32,048 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 F-550 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 26
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2008 Ford F-550 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine15 (58%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (19%)
- Fuel System4 (15%)
- Structure & Body2 (8%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Electrical System1 (4%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine loses power suddenly at highway speed and drops to a crawl with no warning indicators.
- White smoke pours from the exhaust at any speed, which owners link to diesel fuel mixing with motor oil.
- Radiators crack and leak coolant, with some owners replacing the radiator multiple times.
- Engine bogs down and the check engine light comes on repeatedly, even after an ECM reprogram.
- Fuel tank rust or delamination clogs the fuel filter or fuel pump, causing sudden loss of power on the highway.
- Vehicle decelerates on its own without warning and dealers are unable to diagnose the cause.
2008 Ford F-550 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 09V456000Nov 19, 2009Other269 vehicles
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.
Risk: This defect could result in a fire.
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. Owners may contact carrier at 1-877-584-7059 or cues at 1-407-849-0190.
- 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.
2008 compared with other F-550 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Ford F-550 reliable?
- Compared to other F-550 model years, 2008 rates Caution, with a Complaint Index of 65 ranking 8th worst out of 21 years tracked. Engine issues account for 58% of its complaints.
- What are the main problems with the 2008 Ford F-550?
- Engine problems lead with 15 of 26 complaints (58%), including power loss, exhaust smoke, and radiator leaks. Transmission and powertrain issues (5 complaints) and fuel system issues (4 complaints) follow.
- Does the 2008 Ford F-550 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2008 F-550, covering structure and body seating systems, electrical wiring near the battery, transmission/diesel particulate filter reprogramming, and a service-vehicle heater unit.
- How does the 2008 F-550 compare to other years?
- The 2008 F-550's Complaint Index of 65 is worse than 2005 (35, Good) and 2007 (45, Good) but better than 2006 (75, Avoid), 2019 (90, Avoid), 2020 (85, Avoid), 2021 (95, Avoid), and 2022 (100, Avoid).
- At what mileage do 2008 F-550 problems typically appear?
- Across all complaints, the median mileage at failure is 33,000 miles, with engine complaints specifically showing a median of 32,048 miles.