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 | 8 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
47% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing diesel and engine.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVING AS NORMAL ON FWY HEARD A LOUD NOISE THOUGHT I GOT A FLAT. STOPPED VEHICLE ON SHOULDER, BRAKING WAS DIFFICULT AND WHITE SMOKE WAS AROUND THE CAR. I GOT OUT AND DID NOT SEE ANY FLAT TIRES BUT I SAW SMOKE BETWEEN THE CAB AND BED OF THE TRUCK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100320
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
16% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CPSC#X1190467A. 2008 FORD F450. CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK EXPLODED. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND RAN OFF THE ROAD. THE TRANSFER CASE HAD EXPLODED AND SENT METAL INTO MY TRANSMISSION AND BUSTED IT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120606
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
13% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly.
CRASH FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
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 (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 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 47% 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.