2008 Ford F-550 SD Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 19%of 26 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Ford F-550 SD, 19% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 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.
“Vehicle overheats and looses power at different speeds; we had over $1100.00 in repairs done and it still overheats with the wrench light coming on, took it back to mechanic and he ran the codes and now says it is the oil cooler not working. Ford said they do not have a recall on this and the heart of texas Ford place in brady, tx mechanic said there are alot of complaints on this oil cooler part for the f550 6.4 diesel.”
NHTSA complaint #10560786, filed 2014-01, 36,000 miles“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 f550 sd diesel. The contact stated that the vehicle would independently decelerate without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose the problem. The manufacturer was contacted who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10394348, filed 2011-04, 50,000 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-550 SD 2008, F-250 2008, F-350 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.
- 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.
- 10023435Oct 1, 20072005-2008 f-super duty manual transmission- clutch pedal concern.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 8% |
| 2015 | 1 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 11% |
| 2008 | 5 | 19% |
| 2007 | 1 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 6% |
| 2004 | 6 | 12% |
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 4 | 14% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 23 | 38% |
Other parts of the 2008 Ford F-550 SD
8 complaintsEngine
6 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 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