2008 Ford F-250 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 141 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,272miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Ford F-250 SD, 5% of the 141 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,272 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At approximately 3 pm on saturday, june 2, 2018, my 2008 F-250 SD 4wd truck experienced an abrupt catastrophic failure of the transfer case. The incident occurred on a busy interstate corridor while I was traveling at approximately 70 MPH while in 2wd mode. Immediately prior to the incident, a dull rumble could be heard, which rapidly amplified to a loud roar. I removed my foot from the accelerator pedal and was almost immediately jolted by a thunderous explosion that emanated from underneath the vehicle. The entire truck shook violently as I pulled over onto the highway shoulder. …”
NHTSA complaint #11100533, filed 2018-06, 52,500 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that he received notification of a manufacturer's recall and took the vehicle to the dealer for recalibration. After the recall service, the contact was driving approximately 50-60 MPH when the transmission started to slip. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they advised the contact that he would have to drive the vehicle around for a while until it functioned normally. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 14,545. The current mileage was approximately 17,344. …”
NHTSA complaint #10486552, filed 2012-11, 14,545 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that the gear shift has released out of park on two occasions. She cannot exit the vehicle when the failure occurs. The failure is intermittent. The dealer would not offer any assistance due to liability. As a result, her husband was involved in a crash. The vehicle was placed into park, but rolled forward while in park and struck two vehicles. A police report was filed. There were no injuries. The speed was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 6,930. Updated 01-30-08. …”
NHTSA complaint #10212258, filed 2007-12, 6,930 miles“Hard vibration in transmission when downshifting, especially uphill while towing. Vibration stops when letting up on accelerator. This happens while in cruise or manual. Dealer states cannot find the problem after three visits. Mechanic at another dealership in hampton, va had similar experience. Bought vehicle on 07/28/2007. Currently 28,000 miles and am concerned about the expiration of warranty before problem is resolved. No help from original dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10218177, filed 2008-02Related service bulletins
- 10243490Sep 7, 2023When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV…
- 10056196May 1, 2014Ford: when shifting between park, reverse and/or during 2-3 shift, an intermittent clunk occurs with a torqshift transmission. Model 2003-2014 f-super duty, e series, excursion…
- 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.
- 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…
- 10032625Apr 1, 2010Ford: shudder or vibration on acceleration, especially when loaded. Some super duty vehicles with single rear wheels (srw) and dual rear wheel (drw) may exhibit an excessive…
- 10030840Dec 1, 2009Ford: some vehicles equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine and built between 8/3/07 and 1/2/08 may require a calibration update which will cover several different concerns.
- 10027989Jun 29, 2009Ford service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Certain 2008 model year f super duty vehicles equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine cooling system venturi tee…
- 10024867Apr 1, 20082005-08 f250-550 super duty manual transmission - clutch pedal concern.
- 10023653Nov 1, 20071999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 11% |
| 2024 | 7 | 18% |
| 2023 | 7 | 16% |
| 2022 | 22 | 17% |
| 2021 | 25 | 15% |
| 2020 | 77 | 29% |
| 2019 | 46 | 4% |
| 2018 | 16 | 4% |
| 2017 | 25 | 2% |
| 2016 | 14 | 5% |
| 2015 | 19 | 6% |
| 2014 | 2 | 8% |
| 2013 | 2 | 10% |
| 2012 | 3 | 5% |
| 2011 | 10 | 8% |
| 2010 | 3 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 3 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 0% |
| 2005 | 16 | 5% |
| 2004 | 21 | 8% |
| 2003 | 20 | 11% |
| 2002 | 12 | 5% |
| 2001 | 45 | 16% |
| 2000 | 21 | 9% |
| 1999 | 23 | 9% |
| 1997 | 8 | 21% |
| 1995 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford F-250 SD
39 complaintsEngine cooling
33 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsTires
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsBody and structure
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 31, 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