2008 Ford F-450 SD
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 5 |
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 66 |
| 2000 | 43 |
| 2001 | 23 |
| 2002 | 14 |
| 2003 | 16 |
| 2004 | 33 |
| 2005 | 40 |
| 2006 | 35 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 68 |
| 2009 | 3 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL TANK DELAMINATION LEADING TO BLOWN ENGINE X2 AND FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT X2. I USE NO ADDITIVES AND BUY ONLY COMMERCIAL FUEL ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190109
FIRST TIME IT WAS MY RADIATOR, I REPLACED IT. SECOND TIME IT WAS AND INJECTOR, I HAD THAT FIXED. NOW IT IS MY TURBO AND ENGINE. FORD REFUSES TO COVER IT UNDER WANRRENTY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THESE MODELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120723
DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND POOR QUALITY OF THE ENGINE COOLING RADIATOR 3RD ONE INSTALLED. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO GO THREW 3 RADIATORS IN 126 K MILES JUST CRAZY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120705
12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
FUEL TANK DELAMINATION LEADING TO BLOWN ENGINE X2 AND FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT X2. I USE NO ADDITIVES AND BUY ONLY COMMERCIAL FUEL ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190109
12% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the transfer case exploded, and the front windshield shattered. No injuries were sustained; however, several other vehicles sustained cosmetic damage.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240920
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 SPL
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.
Campaign 07V140000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES IN THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY RESULT FROM EXCESS HYDROCARBONS IN THE EXHAUST.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Campaign 07V139000 — check if this car was fixed
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%
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 RECA
Campaign 08V096000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Ford F-450 SD — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07V140000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V139000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08V096000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2008 Ford F-450 SD reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Ford F-450 SD is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-450 SD?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Ford F-450 SD have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.