2008 Ford F-450 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 16%of 68 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Ford F-450 SD, 16% of the 68 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“First time it was my radiator, I replaced it. Second time it was and injector, I had that fixed. Now it is my turbo and engine. Ford refuses to cover it under wanrrenty, many people have had issues with these models.”
NHTSA complaint #10467138, filed 2012-07, 30,000 miles“I was making a left hand turn afyer stoping at a traffic light and loss power. The engine light came on and the turbo pressure gauge dropped. I took the truck into the dealer and the dealer told me that a manafold bolt had broken which caused a bad exhuast leak. Repair cost was $3500. I drove the truck less than 50 miles over the next two days and the problem happened again with loss of power and engine light on. I took the truck back the dealer and was informed that the high pressure fuel pump had exploded and sent metal debris through out the fuel system. …”
NHTSA complaint #10730584, filed 2015-06, 124,000 miles“Driving as normal on fwy heard a loud noise thought I got a flat. Stopped vehicle on shoulder, braking was difficult and white smoke was around the car. I got out and did not see any flat tires but I saw smoke between the cab and bed of the truck. I ran back to the driver door and saw a small fire on the floor next to the 4x4 shifter for the transfer case. I immediately grabbed my 3 year old daughter from her car seat as the cab filled with smoke and ran approximately 300 feet away and told my daughter to stay. …”
NHTSA complaint #10321167, filed 2010-03, 13,000 miles“Driving down the road at 65 MPH pulling a horse trailer, transfer case blew up, breaking the front drive shaft, which wiped out the brake lines, trailer brake line and the fuel lift pump and lines. Had no power or brakes. Had Ford fix the truck, but they would not take any responsibility for the failure. The reason for the failure was not found.”
NHTSA complaint #10497616, filed 2013-02, 50,000 miles“Truck was recalled to give warning when the truck goes into regeneration. When the check engine light would come on now Ford current fix is for the messato display for just a few seconds. So it can be in the regeneration mode and you will not know it. Back to the same old safety and fire hazard as be fore the recall.. Been at the dealer several times to correct the problem. Last time 10/11/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10364158, filed 2010-11, 22,624 milesRelated recalls
- 07V139000Mar 26, 2007On certain trucks equipped with a 6.4l diesel engine, excessive temperatures in the diesel particulate filter in the exhaust system may result from excess…Covers: Ford F-450 SD 2008, F-250 2008, F-550 SD 2008 +1 more
Related 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.
- 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.
- 10024834Mar 1, 2008Axle whine noise between 50-60 mph (80-97 km/h) wide frame with pickup box--dana s110.
- 10023653Nov 1, 20071999-2008 f250-f550 super duty 4x4 with electronic shift transfer case not engaging 4x4.
- 10021623Oct 22, 2007Helix angle and tooth pressure angle count and look the same. Installing a z92 gear on this transmission will result in premature failure. *kb updated 12/12/07.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 8% |
| 2021 | 4 | 22% |
| 2011 | 1 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 16% |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 9% |
| 2002 | 1 | 7% |
| 2001 | 3 | 13% |
| 2000 | 6 | 14% |
| 1999 | 15 | 23% |
| 1991 | 2 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford F-450 SD
28 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford F-450 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