2008 Ford F-250 SD

● Typical for this model
2008 Ford F-250 SD
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:47:13.093Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
141
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 4 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 9 complaints 1996: 11 complaints 1996 1997: 39 complaints 1998: 1 complaint 1999: 249 complaints 2000: 233 complaints 2001: 288 complaints 2001 2002: 245 complaints 2003: 178 complaints 2004: 254 complaints 2005: 295 complaints 2006: 274 complaints 2007: 54 complaints 2008: 141 complaints 2008 141 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 32 complaints 2011: 122 complaints 2012: 57 complaints 2013: 21 complaints 2014: 26 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 15 complaints 2016 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 15 complaints 2021: 7 complaints 2021 2022: 12 complaints 2023: 43 complaints 2024: 39 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026
1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 4 complaints 1994: 2 complaints 1994 1995: 9 complaints 1996: 11 complaints 1997: 39 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1999: 249 complaints 2000: 233 complaints 2000 2001: 288 complaints 2002: 245 complaints 2003: 178 complaints 2003 2004: 254 complaints 2005: 295 complaints 2006: 274 complaints 2007: 54 complaints 2008: 141 complaints 2008 141 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 32 complaints 2011: 122 complaints 2012: 57 complaints 2012 2013: 21 complaints 2014: 26 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 15 complaints 2017: 73 complaints 2018: 17 complaints 2018 2019: 12 complaints 2020: 15 complaints 2021: 7 complaints 2021 2022: 12 complaints 2023: 43 complaints 2024: 39 complaints 2024 2025: 17 complaints 2026: 8 complaints
1991: 1 complaint 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 4 complaints 1993 1994: 2 complaints 1995: 9 complaints 1995 1996: 11 complaints 1997: 39 complaints 1997 1998: 1 complaint 1999: 249 complaints 1999 2000: 233 complaints 2001: 288 complaints 2001 2002: 245 complaints 2003: 178 complaints 2003 2004: 254 complaints 2005: 295 complaints 2005 2006: 274 complaints 2007: 54 complaints 2008: 141 complaints 2008 141 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 32 complaints 2011: 122 complaints 2011 2012: 57 complaints 2013: 21 complaints 2013 2014: 26 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 15 complaints 2017: 73 complaints 2017 2018: 17 complaints 2019: 12 complaints 2019 2020: 15 complaints 2021: 7 complaints 2021 2022: 12 complaints 2023: 43 complaints 2023 2024: 39 complaints 2025: 17 complaints 2025 2026: 8 complaints

2008: 141 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19911
19923
19934
19942
19959
199611
199739
19981
1999249
2000233
2001288
2002245
2003178
2004254
2005295
2006274
200754
2008141
200923
201032
2011122
201257
201321
201426
201523
201615
201773
201817
201912
202015
20217
202212
202343
202439
202517
20268

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

28% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing power steering fluid and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I experienced "Death wobble" 3 times in two weeks after hitting a bump on the interstate traveling approximately 60 - 65 MPH each time. The vehicle shook uncontrollably until I slowed down to 40 MPH or below.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-27

Also filed under Suspension

Engine and engine cooling

25% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing engine and cooling system.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 SD. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the turbo engine stalled with an illumination of a warning indicator. The vehicle began to perform roughly with smoke and flames emitting from the exhaust.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-18

Also filed under Power train

Driving around and diesel fuel smell came into the cab of the truck and smoke from engine compartment. This truck has a 6.4L job 1 diesel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-01-28

Service brakes

13% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Tires

9% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing tread/belt.

Engine

6% · 9 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds he noticed that white smoke would emit from the exhaust system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-01

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2008-04-16Equipment08E026000 Truxxx is recalling 338 aftermarket replacement welded 3" Lift blocks for rear suspensions, part No. 206073, included in suspension kit nos. 108035 and 108036, sold between July 26, 2007 and March…

    Remedy: Truxxx will notify customers/installers and will replace affected welded lift blocks with either non-welded aluminum or cast iron blocks free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or about…

  2. I
    2013-05-07Preliminary evaluationClosed 2014-01-31 Alleged Loss of Steering
  3. R
    2020-12-21Equipment, steering, suspension20E090000 Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks.

    Remedy: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Ford F-250 SD — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 39 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 35 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08E026000 · Equipment
  • Recall 20E090000 · Equipment, steering, suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Ford F-250 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Ford F-250 SD is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-250 SD?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford F-250 SD have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.