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
- 68
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
47% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 68 complaints
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 | 18 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
47% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing diesel and engine.
Show 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, 2010-03-20
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Engine
16% · 11 reportsShow 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, 2019-01-09
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-23
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-05
Power train
16% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show 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, 2012-06-06
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, 2024-09-20
Fuel system, diesel
13% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing tank assembly.
Steering
13% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and gear box (other than rack and pinion).
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2007-04-03Electrical system07V140000 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…
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.
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2007-04-03Power train07V139000 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.
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2008Complaint volume 68 complaints filed for this model year.
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2008-04-24Seats08V096000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Ford F-450 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 11 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V140000 · Electrical system
- Recall 07V139000 · Power train
- Recall 08V096000 · Seats
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →Worst years1 year
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.