2008 Ford F-250 SD Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 23%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Ford F-250 SD, 23% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On numerous occasions my 08 Ford f250 6.4 has had excessive bluish white smoke from the exhaust while driving and lasts around 20 seconds. Dealer was notified and situation met all criteria outlined in TSB 11-2-2. Cac was replaced. However, vehicle still intermittently has same problem. On one occurrence the smoke was so excessive that a motorcycle traveling behind me almost ran off the road due to visibility. Ford states that this is normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10512134, filed 2013-05, 55,666 miles“On 8/10/2010, after driving my 2008 f-250 on interstate 5 for about 6 hours continuously at approx. 70mph in cruise control mode, I overrode cruise control to accelerate and pass a vehicle. As I returned to the right side driving lane, the vehicle failed to reduce speed and continued to accelerate in an uncontrolled fashion. With heavy braking I was able control the vehicle and bring it to a stop on the highway shoulder where I shifted it into neutral and cut the ignition off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10352586, filed 2010-08, 28,223 miles“Driving around and diesel fuel smell came into the cab of the truck and smoke from engine compartment. This truck has a 6.4l job 1 diesel. We had the truck towed to the Ford dealership because driving it makes me sick to my stomach and light headed. Ford tells us it will happen every 100-600 miles and last 10-40 minutes each time during regeneration. Ford says this is a 'normal operation characteristic of the vehicle'. The dealership referenced TSB 09-16-9 and took the time to highlight certain areas. …”
NHTSA complaint #10302987, filed 2010-01, 14,875 miles“I have a 2008 f-250 s/d manufactured 02/08 at the kentucky plant. This vehicle was purchased new in april 2009 and now has just under 8000 miles on the odometer. I have twice experienced uncontrolled involuntary acceleration with this vehicle. The common elements of this have been that it occurred after a period of extended driving at about 70 MPH, using cruise control, just after an exhaust cleaning cycle, and when I overrode the cruise control to accelerate to pass a vehicle in front of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10279704, filed 2009-08, 7,880 miles“2008 Ford f-250. Radiator leaking. Dealer states to Ford customer service that they found a leak in april of 2010. They never informed me of it however. In april the vehicle was still under the 36,000 mi. Warranty. I first noticed the leak around the last of november 2010 and by then the vehicle was at 46,000 mi. And out of warranty. My dealer tells me they and Ford are aware that there is a problem with these radiators but Ford has yet to issue a recall. Dealer wont incur any of the cost for repairs and Ford wont offer any assistance either.”
NHTSA complaint #10374994, filed 2011-01, 46,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10060326Jul 1, 2015Ford: diesel engine runs rough, engine knocking, hard start, crank but no start due to height of improper pedestal that causes exhaust or intake valves be hung open. Model…
- 10057870Sep 1, 2014Ford: due to restrictions from cooling system contamination, diesel engine oil coolers primarily are being replaced because of other components in cooling system. Model 2008-10…
- 10056750Aug 1, 2014Ford: there are exhaust leaks, caused by warped exhaust manifold, experience by diesel engine. Model 2008-10 f super duty.
- 10044214Mar 1, 2012Ford: some trucks may exhibit a situation with diesel engine such as engine knocking, low power, exhaust smoke, long or no crank start and runs rough.
- 10038924Apr 27, 2011Ford: some ford super duty trucks may exhibit a lack of power with a diagnostic trouble code during acceleration.
- 10038945Apr 19, 2011Ford: some ford super duty trucks may exhibit a lack of power with a diagnostic trouble code at full operating temperature during acceleration.
- 10041245Mar 7, 2011Ford service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There are multiple problems with the vehicle. Possibliy including: malfunction light on, runs rough, reduced…
- 10039053Mar 1, 2011Ford: if there is an intermittent lack of power, surge, or hesitation while driving the brakes will override acceleration.
- 10039129Nov 22, 2010Ford: the malfunction light may be on with a lack of power. Htere may be mulitple trouble codes stored. 2008 f-250/350/450/550.
- 10034712Sep 23, 2010Ford service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Catalyst y pipe warranty extension.. In some of the affected vehicles, certain vehicle operating conditions…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% |
| 2017 | 3 | 0% |
| 2016 | 7 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 7 | 12% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 11 | 34% |
| 2009 | 5 | 22% |
| 2008 | 33 | 23% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 18 | 7% |
| 2005 | 37 | 13% |
| 2004 | 101 | 40% |
| 2003 | 72 | 40% |
| 2002 | 101 | 41% |
| 2001 | 91 | 32% |
| 2000 | 69 | 30% |
| 1999 | 95 | 38% |
| 1997 | 11 | 28% |
| 1996 | 4 | 36% |
| 1995 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford F-250 SD
39 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsTires
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford F-250 SD
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology