2008 Ford F-350 SD Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe a violent front-end shake after hitting a bump or dip at highway speed, reported from very low mileage onward, along with sudden loss of power or engine shutdown — sometimes with a dash warning to pull over — usually on the diesel trucks, and cooling-system problems such as radiator leaks and overheating while towing. Many complaints note that dealers either could not reproduce the problem or described it as normal, and several describe repeat repairs without a lasting fix.

1. 1
   Suspension

   Front-end shake after hitting a bump ("death wobble")

   • 14 complaints (14%)
   • median 20,000 mi at 2.9 yrs old (13 state mileage)
   • filed 2009–2018

   Owners describe the steering wheel and front end shaking violently after the truck hits a bump, dip or pothole, typically at highway speeds, sometimes with a loaded trailer. Several say they had to brake hard or slow to a crawl to regain control, and some replaced tires, shocks, steering stabilizers and tie rods without solving it. Complaints describe dealers test driving without reproducing the shake, pointing to the tires, or telling owners there was nothing further to do; a service bulletin covers steering wheel and front wheel vibration after a bump on 2006 4x4 Super Duty models. Reported from as little as a few thousand miles up into the 90,000-mile range, usually on 4x4 trucks at roughly 35-70 mph.

   3 related service bulletins

   What to check: Drive the truck at highway speed and over a few road imperfections before buying, and ask whether front-end alignment, steering stabilizer, ball joints or hub seals have been addressed. Check service records for alignment work and tire replacement.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have a 2008 Ford f-350 dually that when hitting a dip/bump in the road at speeds above about 35, the entire front end shakes/shimmys so bad that you can't even control it! I received a letter in the mail from Ford in april 2009 basically saying when it happens slow down. The dealer refuses to do anything. Someone is going to get killed if this is not fixed.”

   NHTSA complaint #10316308, filed 2010-03, 18,000 miles

   “2008 f-350 has what they call the death wobble and has a constant shake at highway speeds. Ford blamed it on the tires. I replaced tires with one of the best you can buy. Continued to do the same thing. Ford blamed it on those tires. Been in for service 5 times in 1 year. Dealership told me not to come back because they can't fix it. Ford tells me to go back to the dealership. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10319436, filed 2010-03, 2,285 miles
2. 2
   Engine cooling

   Sudden loss of power or engine shutdown while driving

   • 27 complaints (27%)
   • median 44,000 mi at 5.5 yrs old (27 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2007–2018

   Owners report the engine cutting out or dropping to idle with no throttle response while driving, sometimes after a dash message telling them to stop safely, and on the diesel trucks often tied to exhaust temperature sensor or exhaust filter concerns. Several describe the truck decelerating quickly enough that following traffic nearly hit them, and being towed to a dealer. Complaints mention dealers clearing the issue or replacing sensors, with the problem returning; service bulletins for the 6.4L diesel describe calibration updates and rough running, low power or no-start symptoms. Most often reported between roughly 20,000 and 50,000 miles, frequently while towing or at highway speed.

   5 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask whether the diesel calibration updates were applied and whether exhaust temperature sensors or the exhaust filter have been replaced. Note any dash warning history and have the truck scanned for stored trouble codes.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving my 2008 f350 superduty diesel powered truck at 45mph for approx 4 miles, received message exhaust drive complete immediately followed by stop safely now and complete powerdown of engine. The truck decelerated so fast that despite my flooring the throttle, the car behind me almost collided. The truck lost so much power that I could not safely pull off road and was in a rural area between two blind curves. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10408617, filed 2011-06, 23,000 miles

   “I have 2008 Ford f350 xlt 4x4 srw diesel just over a year and what have happened now is that on 08/02/1010 while I was driving there were noises from the engine also sooo much of white smoke coming out from exhaust pipe and then the truck just failed on the highway and was towed to the closest Ford dealer location after a week sitting there service people from dealership said that was oil and fuel spillage all over the filter and the engine etc.. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10350787, filed 2010-08, 61,000 miles
3. 3
   Engine cooling

   Radiator leaks and overheating under load

   • 9 complaints (9%)
   • median 64,000 mi at 3.1 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2009–2014

   Owners describe coolant leaking from the bottom or side of the radiator, plastic radiator parts cracking, and coolant spraying from the overflow after the engine overheats — often while towing at low speed. Some report multiple radiator replacements and being told the repair was not covered, while others say the temperature gauge gave no warning. Service bulletins for this generation describe cooling system contamination affecting oil coolers and installation of a venturi tee in the diesel cooling system. Commonly reported between about 15,000 and 40,000 miles, often while towing or in hot conditions.

   3 related service bulletins

   What to check: Look for coolant residue or staining around the radiator seams and overflow bottle, and ask whether the radiator or cooling system venturi tee has been replaced. Tow-test or watch temperatures on a long climb if possible.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I brought this 2008 Ford f-350sd to the dealer today because of anti-freeze leaking from bottom of radiator on the drivers side. The truck has about 16000 miles on it. Dealer says the radiator must be replaced and no warranty so I am responsible for repairs. I called Ford and asked for help and was turned down. The Ford dealer contacted Ford and asked for help and was turned down. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10396152, filed 2011-04, 16,050 miles

   “08 f350 with 70,000miles on it. We tow a trailer daily with this vehicle. Approximately 10 times per day it states cleaning the exhaust filter . On sept. 29, 2010, it said cleaning exhaust filter and stop safely now and shut off immediately. While I was in the middle of road. Luckily a friend was driving by and towed me out of the lane of traffic. Prior to this our vehicle had four radiators put into vehicle because plastic parts kept breaking. The exhaust sensor was replaced prior to this incident. The code for this was the exhaust sensor. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10363480, filed 2010-11, 70,000 miles
4. 4
   Brakes

   Brake calipers sticking or locking

   • 6 complaints (6%)
   • median 25,000 mi at 2.6 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2007–2014

   Owners report a caliper failing to release so that a wheel drags, overheats and produces a burning smell, with some finding metal-on-metal pad wear or a broken caliper part. Complaints describe brake-pad and rotor damage alongside the caliper, replacement under warranty in some cases but not always for the related parts, and one report of the pedal going to the floor. Dealers in the complaints identified the calipers as the source. Mostly reported between about 7,000 and 40,000 miles.

   What to check: After a test drive, feel each wheel hub for uneven heat and look at pad thickness and rotor condition on both sides. Ask whether any calipers have been replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have a 2008 Ford f350 super duty 4x4 crew cab diesel dully. Several months ago while driving the truck the rear driver side brake locked. After investigating the problem the rear brake caliper had broken. Was able to carefully drive to Ford dealership in terrell tx. They accused me of running over something. After repairing the brake caliper they apologized for the accusation. The had to replace brake caliper tire and rim. This same thing occurred last wednesday. Except this was the opposite side on the rear. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10235375, filed 2008-07, 7,500 miles

   “2008 Ford F-350 SD diesel 31000 miles brake caliper failure the vehicle had lag because the brakes were stuck on once vehicle was stopped the smell of the brake was very noticeable also very hot could not touch the wheel hub once the caliper was removed it was a piece that had broken inside causing the brakes to stick while I was buying the caliper there was another truck same problem only 18,000 miles also comments from parts that this happens all the time .”

   NHTSA complaint #10346052, filed 2010-07, 31,000 miles
5. 5
   Tires

   Tire tread separation and sidewall cracking

   • 14 complaints (14%)
   • median 31,000 mi at 3.7 yrs old (13 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2008–2019

   Owners describe tread separating from the tire or sidewall cracks opening up while driving, in some cases with the tread coming off and damaging body panels. Complaints name original-equipment tires on relatively young trucks, with several owners saying the tires had covered only a fraction of the truck's mileage. Reports describe dealer replacement of the tire and repaired body damage in some cases; one owner cites a tire recall notice that they had not been told about. Reported across a wide mileage range, on both original-equipment and replacement tires.

   What to check: Check tire date codes, look for cracks in the sidewall and tread grooves, and confirm whether any tire recall applies to the brand and size fitted. Budget for replacement if the tires are original.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I had a continental contitrac lt 245/75r17 121/118s tire which developed 5 cracks in side of tread. While driving f350 truck, one crack totally separated causing instant deflation of front driver side tire. Tire had approximately 21,000 miles on it and was original equipment when I purchase truck new in feb 2008.”

   NHTSA complaint #10332529, filed 2010-05, 21,000 miles

   “I purchased a 2008 Ford f-350 p/u truck with the original continental/contitrac tires (lt275/70r18 125/122s). They only have approx. 31k miles on them and the tread showing signs of separation as outlined in a recall dated march 11, 2011. There have been no accidents, and that is what I am trying to avoid. I have contacted the manufacturer and it does not appear that they will be helpful in resolving this matter. Please help!”

   NHTSA complaint #10680494, filed 2015-02, 31,000 miles

Buying note. A pre-purchase highway test drive over uneven pavement, a scan for stored diesel trouble codes, and a look at radiator, brake and tire condition cover most of what owners report here. Service records showing cooling system and calibration work done are worth asking for.

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.