2008 Ford F-250 problems & reliability
195 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford F-250, alongside 5 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
3 complaints report injuries (3 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2008 Ford F-250 vehicles were involved in 150 fatal crashes with 71 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 80 | 41% |
| Suspension | 35 | 18% |
| Engine | 18 | 9% |
| Tires | 16 | 8% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 15 | 8% |
| Power Train | 14 | 7% |
| Electrical System | 12 | 6% |
| Service Brakes | 11 | 6% |
| Unknown OR Other | 8 | 4% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 8 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 71,288 miles (middle 50% between 42,000 and 130,000 miles), based on 157 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“All the fiberglass Bkack trim and the Gray door panels and the middle armrest are causing skin irritation to any person that come in touch with them. I havee owned this Truck for so many years, the problem started about 4 years ago, since I only use it for towing the camper I have ignored the issue for sure this very…”
Structure · filed Feb 8, 2026
“What: 2008 Backup camera failure just like the 1.46 million in newer models. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? See details for current recall, copy/paste. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, but am happy to let them. Has the vehicle or…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Dec 26, 2025
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 88,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report, that the mileage was…”
Electrical System · filed Nov 12, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Alleged Loss of Steering
Preliminary Evaluation PE13014 · opened May 7, 2013 · closed Jan 31, 2014
Technical service bulletins
11 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Ford F-250. The 10 most recent:
In monitoring our technical service inquiries and technical service bulletins from Ford, there is the potential for moderate to severe steering wheel oscillation (wobble) to occur. After extensive testing and outside…
PC-01.12.2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2016
Ford: the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0713 and/or p0710 regarding torqshift transmission. Model 2008-2009 f-53 motorhome chassis, low cab forward, 2008-2010 f-250, f-350…
TSB-13-12-22 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 8, 2014
Ford: some continental tires might have uneven wear, vibration, or the possible tread detachment. 2008-2009 f250/f350. *rm updated 8/3/11. *pe
CSP-11B24 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 14, 2011
Ford: 2005-2011 f250/f350. The fuel fill nozzle may automatically shut off too early. *rm
TSB-11-4-3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2011
Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration. *rm
AS-21769 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2011
Ford service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Catalyst y pipe warranty extension.. In some of the affected vehicles, certain vehicle operating conditions can cause the catalyst substrate to crack…
CSP-10M05 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 23, 2010
Ford: supply/return lines installation at high pressure pump-revised washer for trucks equipped with 6.4l engines. When installing supply or return lines at high pressure pump on diesel engines, do not use the bonded…
SB-21434 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2010
Ford: some trucks with 6.4l engine will run rough, smokes, or no start due to gasoline or alcohol in the fuel. Gasoline/alcohol lack the lubricity of diesel fuel and will cause fuel system failure. *pe
SB-21410 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2010
Slow fuel fill--mil on with dtc p0191. *nj
08-4-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2008
Instrument panel lights dim - spdjb must learn resistance values of dimmer. *kb
19715 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2007
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2008 Ford F-250 has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2008 Ford F-250?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 71,288 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.