Skip to content
Ford F-250Model year report

2008 Ford F-250 Problems

Compared with other Ford F-250 years

More complaints than typical for this model

100/100 6.9× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010

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
197filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
70,000miles, 161 complaints with mileage
Recalls
7campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Ford F-250 (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2008 F-250 most often describe a violent front-end shake at highway speed after a bump or pavement change, along with steering that becomes vague, heavy, or briefly unresponsive. Reports also cover front brake calipers and rear brakes seizing, coolant loss from radiator seams, and diesel exhaust smells or smoke inside and around the truck. Many of these complaints were filed at higher mileages, though some brake and tire reports came in under 50,000 miles.

  1. Steering

    Front-end shake at highway speed ("death wobble")

    • 41 complaints (21%)
    • median 97,000 mi at 8.0 yrs old (34 state mileage)
    • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2009–2024

    Owners describe the front end and steering wheel shaking violently after hitting a bump, pothole, expansion joint, or a change in pavement, usually at 45–70 mph, and say it settles only after slowing sharply. Some report that tires, shocks, steering damper, track bar, or steering box work was tried without lasting effect, and that dealers suggested tire pressures or a stabilizer. A few say the shaking comes back soon after repairs. Most reports in the sample involve trucks with well over 50,000 miles, often at highway speeds over bumps.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Drive the truck at highway speed over rough pavement and bridge joints, and ask whether the steering damper, track bar bushings, ball joints, and tie rods have been replaced. A steering wobble service bulletin exists for this symptom.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driving my 2008 Ford f250 at over 50 miles per hour and hitting bumps in the road causes the cursed death wobble . It has happened multiple times. Once with my family in the vehicle and my wife driving. Almost caused her to wreck before coming to a complete stop on the interstate. Have paid for repairs multiple times, with the same thing happening after repairs.”

    NHTSA complaint #11363177, filed 2020-10, 200,000 miles

    “While driving at speeds 55 MPH or more when driving on to a bridge or change in highway,or hitting a pothole in the road the front end of my truck starts shaking violently it only stop this by slowing down to about 20 MPH.the shaking is so violent you almost lose control.it happens whenever I hit a rough spot in the road.”

    NHTSA complaint #10825907, filed 2016-02, 135,000 miles
  2. Steering

    Steering loss, sticking, or excessive play

    • 36 complaints (18%)
    • median 86,438 mi at 7.0 yrs old (32 state mileage)
    • 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2008–2026

    Complaints describe the steering wheel sticking mid-turn and not returning, heavy or lost assist at low speed, wandering with a large dead spot, and in some cases a popping noise before control is lost. Diagnoses cited include a worn steering gear box, a fractured steering shaft, and a power steering unit needing replacement; several owners say the gear box was replaced more than once. Reported from roughly 29,000 to 135,000 miles, often during low-speed turns or after highway driving.

    What to check: With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock and feel for binding, a dead spot, or a wheel that will not return; ask for service records on the steering gear box and shaft.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Loud pop noise on drivers side felt through floorboard. Steering became erratic with truck veering left to right and very difficult to keep in lane. If it happened at highway speeds I would have gone off the road for sure. Took vehicle in for alignment and front end inspection and nothing found out of order. Day after that it did it again. Just came back home now and it did it again with a police officer behind me. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10610977, filed 2014-07, 148,000 miles

    “When I turned off the highway the steering was almost stuck- as if the truck had been turned off. I made it to the side of the road, turned it off and back on and then it steered ok. This has happened twice before.”

    NHTSA complaint #10705424, filed 2015-04, 88,000 miles
  3. Brakes

    Brake calipers seizing and pedal going to the floor

    • 13 complaints (7%)
    • median 42,000 mi at 9.3 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • filed 2009–2023

    Owners describe front calipers seizing and smoking, rear brakes locking up and leaving the truck unable to move, and a brake pedal that sinks to the floorboard on one stop and returns on the next. Some report brake fluid loss at the master cylinder or a pressure switch failure, and one describes brakes and steering locking briefly during a highway exit. Mostly reported between about 13,000 and 130,000 miles, sometimes on fairly low-mileage trucks.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Test the pedal for a firm feel with the engine running and after several stops, look for fluid at the master cylinder and calipers, and ask whether any calipers, rotors, or the hydro-boost unit have been replaced.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have 46000 miles on my truck and four times my rear brakes have locked up on me. I bought the vehicle used with 17000 miles so can not tell you how many times it has happened previously. It is no wonder I got a used vehicle with so low of miles. I have lost all faith in driving this truck for any kind of distance. I have been completely unable to move stranded on the road. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11220814, filed 2019-06, 46,000 miles

    “I bought my truck in november 2008 brand new. At approximately 13000 miles I had my right front brake caliper freeze up. I was on my way home from work pulled in my driveway got out and saw smoke coming from around my left front wheel. I took it in to the dealership the following day and the dealership had to install a new caliper, pads and rotor. This was all done under warranty, unfortunately this same thing has happened 3 more times - once on the right front,once on the right rear, and again on the left front. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10429234, filed 2011-10, 13,697 miles
  4. Engine

    Coolant leaks from radiator seams and hoses

    • 9 complaints (5%)
    • median 53,129 mi at 4.5 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2010–2020

    Owners report coolant leaking from radiator seams, hose fittings, and the tank, sometimes repeatedly with multiple radiator replacements, and describe losing coolant steadily and worrying about overheating. Some also describe engine oil appearing in the coolant bottle, and one reported a cracked engine block found after a leak. Reported from about 24,000 to 135,000 miles, in one case with several repeat radiator failures.

    What to check: Check the radiator seams, hoses, and coolant bottle for residue before and after a drive, and ask how many radiators or coolant parts the truck has had.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “We own a Ford 2008 f250 super duty crewcab srw. Took it in for a oil leak and dealer found the radiator had ' c/s vehicle has coolant leaks. Radiator & top & left lower radiator hose faulty leaking coolant' the radiator from the manufacture was replaced in april 2009. This will be the 3rd radiator replaced. Dealer is now charging us $1,233.31 for the replacement of the 3rd one. Our son who has a f350 has had 3 radiators replaced. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10365760, filed 2010-11, 53,129 miles

    “I purchased my 2008 Ford f250 in 2015 from a dealership in burkburnett, tx. The truck started loosing coolant from what seem to be the lower radiator hose. That leak stopped but continued leak coolant from but was not visible. Then the coolant filler bottle started collecting a black fluid and I was told that it was engine oil. So, I was getting oil in my antifreeze. The radiator was drained and refilled with coolant but I still found oil in the coolant filler bottle. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11318307, filed 2020-03, 130,000 miles
  5. Engine

    Diesel exhaust smoke, smells, and exhaust filter messages

    • 9 complaints (5%)
    • median 114,825 mi at 4.9 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2010–2022

    Owners of 6.4L diesel trucks describe heavy white or gray smoke during exhaust filter cleaning, diesel fumes entering the cab, and messages about cleaning the exhaust filter followed by a stall or loss of power. Some report the exhaust filter or its sensor needing replacement, and one says the dealer called the smoke normal. Reported from about 53,000 to 200,000 miles, often while driving at highway speed or under load.

    Recall 07V1390002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask for service history on the exhaust filter, sensors, and diesel fuel system, and note whether the truck has had fuel contamination issues; a recall addresses excessive exhaust filter temperatures on 6.4L trucks.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “This vehicle since the last PCM update when it goes into clean exhaust filter mode will shoot out heavy smoke for 2 miles. This is an environmental pollution and also a safety hazard for drivers behind the vehicle. This problem has been ongoing for months. Dealer states it is normal .”

    NHTSA complaint #10442352, filed 2012-01, 44,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated that fire emitted from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that the EGR valve assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #10564072, filed 2014-02, 190,000 miles

Buying note. Test drive this truck at highway speed over rough pavement and check the steering and brake feel carefully, since those are the most frequently reported concerns. Also review coolant and diesel exhaust system service records, and confirm any steering or exhaust filter service work has actually been done.

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 197 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford F-250. 161 of the complaints include a mileage, and 37% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 3 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 12 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 6 Ford F-250 model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 100 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more 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: Fuel system (6), Air bags (5), Body and structure (5), Seat belts (4), Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Exterior lighting (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).

Example complaints

Steering: “It starts shimmying back and forth viciously and will not steer. I put on new struts, steering gear box, shocks, tires, and have spent over $,3, 000 in the past few months. I never know when this will start and have come close to several accidents. I have read many letters from people with the same problem in this model. Why is there no recall?”

NHTSA complaint #11242819, filed 2019-08, 146,000 miles

Suspension: “Driving at highway speeds the front of the truck starts violently and uncontrollably shaking and doesn't cease until you slow down below 20 MPH. The front end also does this if I'm driving more than 25 MPH and the pavement changes. The county repaved a portion of my road. The speed limit is 55. Everytime I reach the change in asphalt, I have to almost stop to get the shaking to stop.”

NHTSA complaint #11350367, filed 2020-08, 180,000 miles

Brakes: “My vehicle has a death wobble when hitting a bump at freeway speeds. I received a notice from Ford that this is an issue with these vehicles; special field action 09l02 dated january 2018. I wasn't aware that this was a common problem, but recently talked with someone who owns the same vehicle and he happened to ask if I had the same experience. Upon receiving the notice and recalling that conversation I thought I should file a formal complaint. …”

NHTSA complaint #11073058, filed 2018-02, 245,000 miles

Engine: “While driving the engine light came on, then the battery light intermittently illuminated, then it just died. It cranked but wouldn't start. Took it to my mechanic to which he said the entire cab had to be removed (per Ford consultant) to repair electrical short. $$$$$$ I cant afford this! Thousands of dollars!”

NHTSA complaint #10966071, filed 2017-03, 96,000 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

37% of the 161 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,000 and 130,000 miles.

6%0–107%10–2525%25–5014%50–7510%75–10021%100–15018%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (161 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 70,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

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

’08’11’1421’17’20’23’26
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.

Recalls and investigations

See all 7 recalls for the 2008 Ford F-250 → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

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. 12 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 12 bulletins →

Other model years of the Ford F-250

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
201414281,00004—43 · TypicalFalling
20139577,00004—50 · TypicalFalling
201226678,75014—100 · MoreFalling
201124870,0002——100 · MoreFalling
20107375,6660——29 · FewerFalling
20095467,7030——28 · FewerFalling
200819770,0007——100 · MoreStable
20076042,0004——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200622160,0004——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200514465,0003——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200415439,0002——Not compared (before 2008)Stable
200311675,0002——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200215689,0002——Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200122065,0004——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200032675,7685——Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199958199,00014—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
199856115,7386—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1997304115,60410—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1996176125,9404—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1995184129,0003—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1994123103,0008—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1993130160,0006—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199211991,0004—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
1991107102,0005—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
1990111119,0526—14Not compared (before 2008)Falling
198911298,0006—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198862144,0003—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198738135,0002—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198638377,0892—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
198521—2—13—Stable
198410208,0003—13—Not enough data

All Ford F-250 model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-250?

Owners of the 2008 F-250 most often describe a violent front-end shake at highway speed after a bump or pavement change, along with steering that becomes vague, heavy, or briefly unresponsive. The issues reported most often: Front-end shake at highway speed ("death wobble"); Steering loss, sticking, or excessive play; Brake calipers seizing and pedal going to the floor.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Ford F-250 have?

NHTSA recorded 197 consumer complaints for the 2008 Ford F-250 as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2008 Ford F-250 is reported most often?

Steering is named most often, in 80 complaints (41% of the total), followed by suspension with 35.

Has the 2008 Ford F-250 been recalled?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Ford F-250 reported?

Among the 161 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 41,000 and 130,000 miles; 37% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

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.