2008 Ford F-350 SD Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 21%of 101 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 Ford F-350 SD, 21% of the 101 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a 2008 super duty with the 6.4 l diesel engine in it. I noticed that the radiator was leaking on the bottom driver side. I decided to do some research on the internet to see if it were a common problem , to my surprise it was. Everyone that has a super duty truck with the 6.4 l complaint about the same problem , radiator leaking on the bottom driver side. Some of the owners recorded that it was their 3 rd radiator in their truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #10389875, filed 2011-03, 64,000 miles“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. I have read of numerous radiator failures on this years f350 so evidently there is a problem with the design of their cooling system and Ford should reimburse for these failures. …”
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“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. The whole incident happened in less than 30 seconds and left truck completely vulnerable to whatever traffic conditions were at the time of incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10408617, filed 2011-06, 23,000 miles“I leased a 2008 f350 6.4 liter it was smoking out of the tailpipe often so I called the dealer and they said it was normal over the next few months it got worse then I had the oil changed at the dealer and the smoke checked they said in the paper work it was undetermined 1 month later I lost all power and the truck died the oil cap was not put on and there was oil everywhere since then the smoke has gotten worse so I started to go to a small mechanic that works on my other trucks well since this incident the smoke is more often like two times a week for 10 min son I brought it to the dealer…”
NHTSA complaint #10237247, filed 2008-08, 31,000 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.
- 10038949Apr 1, 2011Ford: 2005-2011 f250/f350. The fuel fill nozzle may automatically shut off too early.
- 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.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 14% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 3% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 0% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 5 | 17% |
| 2011 | 5 | 12% |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 21 | 21% |
| 2006 | 16 | 13% |
| 2005 | 48 | 22% |
| 2004 | 42 | 32% |
| 2003 | 51 | 39% |
| 2002 | 41 | 33% |
| 2001 | 40 | 25% |
| 2000 | 41 | 26% |
| 1999 | 32 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford F-350 SD
25 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsTires
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsWheels
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford F-350 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