2008 Ford F-550 SD Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 23%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Ford F-550 SD, 23% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles.
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.
“Ford 6.4l diesel engines (2008-2010) in f-250, f-350, f-450, and f-550 trucks contain radiators that were improperly constructed and unable to withstand engine pressures and leak coolant, and can cause catastrophic engine failures due to overheating. Ford replaced countless radiators in its 6.4l vehicles under warranty and issued a number of service bulletins related to its 6.4l radiator failures. However, even its redesigned radiators continue to fail. In our very low mileage f550 diesel, the radiator failed at 23000 miles even after being inspected by Ford and approved as adequate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10536573, filed 2013-08, 23,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the vehicle started to lose power and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. ...updated 06-12-15 the consumer stated the dealership bought the truck back. The issue was resolved. Updated 06/30/15”
NHTSA complaint #10713225, filed 2015-04, 150,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-550 SD. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and a stop safety now message displayed. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust fuel temperature sensor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer issued a recall for the 2011-2012 model year vehicles associated with NHTSA campaign number: 13v535000 (engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10839026, filed 2016-02, 110,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 22% |
| 2021 | 2 | 17% |
| 2015 | 4 | 36% |
| 2014 | 2 | 22% |
| 2012 | 3 | 50% |
| 2008 | 6 | 23% |
| 2007 | 6 | 26% |
| 2006 | 3 | 7% |
| 2005 | 2 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford F-550 SD
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford F-550 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