2008 Ford F-550 SD
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 26
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2008: 26 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 0 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 0 |
| 1996 | 0 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 0 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 2000 | 72 |
| 2001 | 29 |
| 2002 | 22 |
| 2003 | 33 |
| 2004 | 49 |
| 2005 | 32 |
| 2006 | 44 |
| 2007 | 23 |
| 2008 | 26 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2016 | 3 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 26 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
9 of 26 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing exhaust system and diesel.
Show complaint excerpts
I am original owner of a 2008 F-550 superduty used for my business. It has approximately 108,000 and has required the replacement of entire engine assembly twice.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-19
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Ford F-550 SD. While driving at any speed, white smoke pours from the exhaust tips. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they performed a diagnostic, which has not been concluded.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-03-17
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-550. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the speed immediately decreased to 15 MPH. There were no warning indicators. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to the dealer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-07-30
Engine
6 of 26 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford F-550 SD. While driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine compartment and the vehicle stalled. The check engine and engine overheating indicators illuminated during the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-07
Power train
5 of 26 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmission down shifts to low gear while driving at high speeds on the interstate.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-18
Fuel/propulsion system
3 of 26 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-20
Structure
2 of 26 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields.
Safety timeline
4 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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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…
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2010-01-05Equipment09V456000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Ford F-550 SD — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07V140000 · Electrical system
- Recall 07V139000 · Power train
- Recall 08V096000 · Seats
- Recall 09V456000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2008 Ford F-550 SD reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-550 SD?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Ford F-550 SD have?
- 4 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.