Skip to content
Ford F-150Model year report

2008 Ford F-150 Problems

Compared with other Ford F-150 years

Fewer complaints than typical for this model

0/100 0.2× a typical year · 50 = typical

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
369filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
61,500miles, 319 complaints with mileage
Recalls
1campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
15 mpgcombined, 5.4L 8-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Ford F-150 (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2008 F-150 most often describe problems with braking, the transmission, engine internals (cam phasers, sludge and spark plug issues), steering shaft binding, and unexpected engine surging or high idle. Many complaints come in at relatively low mileage, while corrosion-related complaints and engine noise reports appear at higher mileage. Several recurring symptoms also appear in Ford service bulletins, so a documented repair history matters on a used example.

  1. Brakes

    Brake pedal feels soft, goes to the floor or fails to stop

    • 71 complaints (19%)
    • median 22,500 mi at 2.4 yrs old (64 state mileage)
    • 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2008–2025

    Owners describe the brake pedal sinking toward the floor, feeling spongy, or the truck not stopping despite hard pressure, sometimes after fluid loss. Some complaints say the pedal drops far enough that the accelerator is touched at the same time, and a few describe collisions at intersections. According to complaints, dealers often reported no problem found or said the brakes were working as designed. Reported across the range, from vehicles with only a few hundred miles up to about 200,000 miles, with several under 20,000 miles.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Press the pedal firmly with the engine running and check for sponginess, a low pedal, or fluid loss at the wheels and lines; ask for brake service records. Also check pedal spacing and whether the truck has been modified with aftermarket pedals or mats.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “My 2008 Ford f150 brake pedal depresses too far and allows the driver to inadvertently hit the gas pedal and the brake pedal simultaneously. I have had the vehicle examined by the dealer and have notified Ford motor company of this problem. They have advised me that the brakes are working properly. My son also has a Ford f150 and his has the same problem. I believe this is a serious design defect with these vehicles and in my case has contributed to one accident and several near misses. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10360846, filed 2010-10, 30,000 miles

    “My ABS/brake light came on. A couple of weeks prior to the lights appeared I took the truck in for service. My complaint the brakes felt spongy when pressing the brakes. I was informed no problem found.”

    NHTSA complaint #11320984, filed 2020-04, 72,177 miles
  2. Vehicle speed control

    Unexpected surging or high idle, sometimes while braking

    • 73 complaints (20%)
    • median 27,225 mi at 2.3 yrs old (63 state mileage)
    • 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2008–2024

    Owners report the engine revving or the truck surging forward when shifting into gear, at a stop with the brake applied, or while braking, and in some cases the vehicle advancing despite hard braking. Complaints describe dealers being unable to duplicate the condition, and several owners question whether the accelerator and brake pedals are too close together. Some report putting the truck in neutral or park to stop it. Often reported at low mileage, many below 30,000 miles and a few within the first few hundred miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Test the truck from a stop in drive and reverse, with and without the brake applied, and check that the throttle returns to idle. Ask whether the throttle body or pedal assembly has been serviced, and confirm floor mats do not overlap the pedals.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “When I brake the engine sounds like its racing louder and louder and seems like I'm excellerating instead of stopping. Its very hard to stop in time at a stop sign and I can't. I almost it a crossing car.this problem happened several times with myself and also when my husband drove the truck.we took it to a mechanic. The same happened to 2 mechanics at the shop on test drives. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11089969, filed 2018-04, 10,000 miles

    “I own a 2008 Ford F-150. Last saturday I entered the vehicle, started the engine and put the vehicle in drive. The engine imediately increased in RPM to the point where the rear tires began spinning on the gravel. I put the transmission in neutral and the engine RPM increased. I removed my foot from the brake and the engine continued at a very high RPM. I then depressed and released the accelerator and the engine returned to a normal idle. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10259199, filed 2009-02, 1,533 miles
  3. Engine

    Engine noise, misfire, sludge and cam phaser wear

    • 68 complaints (18%)
    • median 72,088 mi at 7.0 yrs old (60 state mileage)
    • 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $1,292 (median of 9 quotes)
    • filed 2008–2025

    Owners report rattling or ticking from the upper engine at idle and low rpm, rough running, misfires, low oil pressure and, in some cases, an engine that quits or seizes. Complaints describe dealers finding sludge or worn cam phasers and, in several cases, declining warranty coverage. A Ford service bulletin covers upper engine noise, rough running and misfire on 4.6L, 5.4L and 6.8L three-valve engines and points to camshaft and roller follower inspection. Reported from about 41,000 miles upward, with several complaints between 90,000 and 200,000 miles.

    4 related service bulletins

    What to check: Listen for rattle or tick at idle and just off idle when the engine is cold and warm, and check for exhaust manifold leak noise. Ask for oil change records, check the oil level and condition, and ask whether cam phaser or spark plug work has been done.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Radiator and thermostat - I have had to replace 4 radiators in my Ford f250 truck and the vehicle only has 125,000 miles. This is a known defect from Ford and they have done nothing to protect their customers. I have been stranded 3 times as a result of this defect with my children in the car.”

    NHTSA complaint #10870062, filed 2016-05, 126,000 miles

    “I have been advised by the local phil long Ford dealership service department that my truck needs the cam phasers replaced to fix the problems I am experiencing. I have seen that this is a very common problem with the 5.4 engine and Ford has retired this engine from their vehicles do to the failures and it has been known by Ford since the 2003 models and yet they continued to sell a known faulty engine. They should pay to have these engines repaired and not the consumers. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10864286, filed 2016-05, 92,000 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission slipping, delayed engagement or loss of gears

    • 49 complaints (13%)
    • median 38,725 mi at 4.4 yrs old (40 state mileage)
    • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2008–2025

    Complaints describe the transmission hesitating before engaging, slipping in gear, failing to go into reverse, and in some cases a 'trans fault' warning with harsh shifting and the truck becoming undrivable. Owners report dealers flushing and reprogramming the transmission or replacing it outright, with some repairs paid by the owner. Ford bulletins describe a service kit for the 4R75E transmission for grinding, whine, vibration and gear slippage. Mostly reported between roughly 25,000 and 90,000 miles, with some failures past 140,000 miles.

    5 related service bulletins

    What to check: Test drive from cold and check for delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse, shudder, whine or slipping under load. Ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether any bulletin repair kit was applied.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We purchased a brand new 2008 Ford F-150 back in may, 2008. We have only put on it 27,000 miles and have never towed anything with it, we don't even have a trailer hitch on it. On dec. 10, 2015 the trans fault light came on the dashboard while driving on a city street and the truck started making lots of noise and jumping into gear when you put it in drive . We drove two miles to our home and got it in the driveway. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10816658, filed 2015-12, 27,000 miles

    “The transmission slips in the 2008 Ford f150 crew cab. Yesterday I put it in reverse and it did not engage. So then I had to put it into park and then engage it again to reverse then it let me go.”

    NHTSA complaint #10363558, filed 2010-11, 37,000 miles
  5. Steering

    Steering binds or feels stiff (lower steering shaft)

    • 38 complaints (10%)
    • median 76,500 mi at 7.8 yrs old (38 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
    • filed 2009–2020

    Owners describe the steering feeling stiff or notchy, with a pop or clunk, and in some cases the wheel binding so it is hard to turn, especially on return after a turn. Complaints attribute it to a seized or corroded lower steering shaft universal joint, and some report dealers replacing the shaft. Others mention power steering fluid leaks traced to a cooling tube. Mostly reported between about 54,000 and 120,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: With the engine running, turn the wheel slowly lock to lock and feel for binding, notchiness or a clunk; inspect the lower steering shaft joint for corrosion and check for power steering fluid seepage.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a 2008 F-150. As I was taking an exit off the highway, the steering wheel looked up & I couldn't turn the wheel & ended up on the grassy area of the exit.. The problem is the lower steering shaft u-joint binds up & locks. There is a design flaw in the u-joint, there is no way to grease or lube the u-joint. I have notified Ford many times with no answers or response. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10522338, filed 2013-06, 59,000 miles

    “Three months ago I heard a pop noise under the hood then shortly after the steering began to feel stiff even on the return after turning I needed to help.upon inspection I found the lower intermediate steering shaft joints are extremely corroded and needs to be replaced upon checking this seems t be a large problem on this vehicle. I have had much older vehicles that have never had this issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11307807, filed 2020-02, 119,000 miles

Buying note. Have a used 2008 F-150 inspected for brake condition, transmission behavior from cold, engine noise at idle, steering shaft binding and frame corrosion before purchase, and ask for service records covering these areas. Several of the symptoms owners describe are covered by Ford service bulletins, so documented repairs are worth confirming.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 369 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford F-150. 319 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 61,500 miles. Of all complaints, 39 involved a crash, 12 a fire, 46 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 39 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Ford F-150 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Other or unknown (17), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (12), Seat belts (11), Suspension (11), Tires (9), Wheels (7), Equipment (6), Exterior lighting (5), Latches, locks and linkages (3), Seats (2), Electronic stability control (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Interior lighting (1).

Example complaints

Engine: “While driving at 40mph. My truck made a loud popping sound and I pulled off the road, raised the hood and learned that the sparkplug blew out. I have replaced the spark plug and coil. I learned this is a common occurrence and nothing has been done to fix the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10816586, filed 2015-12, 79,000 miles

Steering: “My brother in law has a 2008 Ford F-150 and said his steering seized up and after checking fluid, belts, etc. It appeared the steering shaft u-joints were binding. Last week my 2008 f150 experienced the same problem. Why hasn't Ford been liable for this safety issue. After checking various Ford sites, this is a major problem with f150's.”

NHTSA complaint #10873314, filed 2016-06, 107,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: “I was driving on on a city street when the truck started to hesitated. The transmission seemed to change hard. I stopped at a light and I noticed that the o/d indicator was on. When I started to move again, it seemed as if the transmission was slipping and the trans fault indicator came on. The transmission did not change smoothly when I drove approximately another mile. I parked the truck in fear of further damaging the truck.”

NHTSA complaint #11219791, filed 2019-06, 62,000 miles

Vehicle speed control: “I was applying the brake while traveling at 30 MPH. As I braked, it was still accelerating even though the gas pedal was not being pressed down and it seemed it was going at fast rpms. The brake did slow the vehicle but not completely, and I had to shift to park then turn off the engine to stop the acceleration.”

NHTSA complaint #10317538, filed 2010-03, 20,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

42% of the 319 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,000 and 99,000 miles.

17%0–107%10–2518%25–5018%50–7515%75–10017%100–1508%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (319 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 61,500 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

’08’1133’14’17’20’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Ford F-150. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
F-150 · regular cab AWD/2WDnot rated5 / 5——4 · 19.8% risk
F-150 · supercab AWD/2WDnot rated5 / 5——4 · 19.8% risk
F-150 · sedan AWD/2WDnot rated5 / 5——4 · 19.8% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2008 Ford F-150 version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
F150 Pickup 2WD4.2L 6-cyl4-speed automatic141916$4,200
F150 Pickup 2WD4.2L 6-cyl5-speed manual142016$4,200
F150 Pickup 2WD4.6L 8-cyl4-speed automatic141916$4,200
F150 Pickup 2WD5.4L 8-cyl4-speed automatic131714$4,800
F150 Pickup 4WD4.6L 8-cyl4-speed automatic131714$4,800
F150 Pickup 4WD5.4L 8-cyl4-speed automatic131714$4,800
F150 STX SE 2WD5.4L 8-cyl4-speed automatic141915$4,450
F150 Pickup 2WD FFV5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic131815$4,450
F150 Pickup 4WD FFV5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic131715$4,450
F150 STX SE 2WD FFV5.4L 8-cyl · flex-fuel4-speed automatic141915$4,450

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2008 Ford F-150 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 39 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 39 bulletins →

Other model years of the Ford F-150

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202612—8520—Too new
20251095,33014520Too new to compareToo new
20241958,75011520Too new to compareToo new
202341629,7001352142 · TypicalToo new
202260127,8822352053 · TypicalRising
20211,03647,5002952067 · MoreRising
202074138,000114–51945 · TypicalRising
20191,34260,00094–52140 · TypicalRising
20182,32540,000184–52174 · MoreRising
20171,46253,0001752049 · TypicalRising
20162,08645,4781352074 · MoreRising
20151,74350,0001352061 · TypicalStable
20141,53865,000841851 · TypicalRising
20132,99274,281341848 · TypicalRising
20121,78463,000441856 · TypicalStable
20112,19370,766641867 · MoreStable
201084358,1501—166 · FewerStable
200932450,5252—170 · FewerFalling
200836961,5001—150 · FewerStable
200748857,4262—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200658560,5004—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20051,11261,0003—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20042,02961,0005—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200342363,9464—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200282190,0002—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20011,23695,0008—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20001,07591,8436—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19991,044100,0007—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19981,381113,0708—15Not compared (before 2008)Rising
19972,758107,36014—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1996324110,0002—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1995626117,0002—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1994676132,8356—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1993586136,5007—15Not compared (before 2008)Rising
1992470133,0003—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1991304107,0003—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199027597,9004—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1989224106,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198813999,0612—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198791128,0133—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198661120,5001—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198528—1—16Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198415192,0351—14—Stable
198310—1———Not enough data
19825—0———Not enough data

All Ford F-150 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-150?

Owners of the 2008 F-150 most often describe problems with braking, the transmission, engine internals (cam phasers, sludge and spark plug issues), steering shaft binding, and unexpected engine surging or high idle. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal feels soft, goes to the floor or fails to stop; Unexpected surging or high idle, sometimes while braking; Engine noise, misfire, sludge and cam phaser wear.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Ford F-150 have?

NHTSA recorded 369 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford F-150 as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2008 Ford F-150 is reported most often?

Engine is named most often, in 53 complaints (14% of the total), followed by steering with 53.

Has the 2008 Ford F-150 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Ford F-150 get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Ford F-150 (F150 STX SE 2WD, 5.4L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Ford F-150 reported?

Among the 319 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 61,500 miles and the middle half falls between 26,000 and 99,000 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.