2008 Ford F-250 Sd Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Ford F-250 Sd, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4225.5%
- Steering3923.6%
- Brakes1810.9%
- Tires & wheels127.3%
- Electrical95.5%
- Fuel system84.8%
- Body & structure74.2%
- Driver assistance63.6%
- Suspension53.0%
- Other / unspecified53.0%
- Transmission42.4%
- Seat belts31.8%
- Powertrain (other)31.8%
- Airbags21.2%
- Heating & air conditioning10.6%
- Visibility10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE. HAD THE AIR CHARGE COOLER REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AT AROUND 70,000 MILES. THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING AS WELL BUT DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE IT AND WANTED 1400.00 TO REPLACE. WAS LOSING COOLANT AT A RATE OF ABOUT 1 GALLON A WEEK GOING THRU THE AIR CHARGE COOLER AND OUT THE EXHAUST. AT 89,000 MILES I HAD TO PAY $1947.00 TO REPLACE BOTH THE VERTICAL AND HORIZONAL EGR COOLERS. AGAIN, DUMPING A GALLON OF COOLANT INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM A WEEK CAUSING SEVER SMOKING AND POLLUTANTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT THOUSANDS OR PROBABLY MILLIONS OF F-250 AND OTHERS WITH THE 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE. FORD REFUSED TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND DO A TOTAL RECALL ON THESE ILL DESIGNED TRUCKS. I CANNOT BELIEVE THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH TURNING THEIR HEAD ON THIS DESIGN FLAW AND NOT MADE TO CORRECT THE AIR CHARGED COOLERS, PLASTIC RADIATORS AND THE EGR COOLERS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK IN THE NUMBER EIGHT CYLINDER WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTUER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. WITHIN LESS THAN A YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED AND EXPERIENCED A DEATH WOBBLE. THE DEALER (RAY'S FORD, INC., 385 BY PASS RD, BRANDENBURG, KY 40108, (270) 422-4901) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT AN APPOINTMENT MAY NEED TO BE SCHEDULED. IT HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED IF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO SPECIAL FIELD SERVICE CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09L02 TO PREVENT SHIMMIES. THE VEHICLE WAS HAULING A TRAILER OVER UNLEVELED LAND DURING THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
I EXPERIENCED "DEATH WOBBLE" 3 TIMES IN TWO WEEKS AFTER HITTING A BUMP ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 - 65 MPH EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL I SLOWED DOWN TO 40 MPH OR BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE BRAKES HAD TO BE APPLIED EACH TIME WHILE MAKING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND BRAKE FLUID, BUT WERE ALSO UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT SUNK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY USING THE ELECTRIC BRAKE FROM A TRAILER BEING TOWED BY THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL BRAKE RELEASE SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000. UPDATED 09/22/16*LJ UPDATED 10/6/2017*JS
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE OWN A 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY TRUCK WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES. ON OR ABOUT 7/5/15, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE DEVELOPED TREAD FAILURE AS A PORTION OF THE TIRE TREAD BEGAN PEELING OFF WHILE TRAVELLING ON I-75. A SPARE TIRE WAS PUT ON AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AND A WARRANTY CLAIM WAS SUBMITTED AS IT WAS STILL UNDER TREAD WARRANTY. ON OR ABOUT 8/21/15, THE DRIVERS SIDE REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED COMPLETE TIRE FAILURE WHILE TRAVELING ON I-95, WHICH CAUSED NEARLY $3000.00 IN DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. THERE IS CURRENTLY A RECALL ON THE BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES BUT NOT FOR THE 20 INCH TIRES WHICH ARE THE ONES DESCRIBED HERE. WE FEEL THAT THE 20 INCH TIRES NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR POSSIBLE RECALL AS WELL. THESE TIRES ONLY HAD 37,667 MILES ON THEM AND WERE PURCHASED NEW FROM FORD ON 7/23/12. THIS TIRE FAILURE NEARLY CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHICH COULD OF LEAD TO DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION SHOWING THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED/INFLATED AND ROTATED. *JS
TIRE SEPARATION - FACTORY ORIGINAL TIRES WERE REPLACED FOR THE SAME REASON UNDER A RECALL.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
SOME TIMES THE FIRST GEAR LIGHT WILL COME ON DURING DRIVING NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW WHY
SUMMARY: PURCHASED THIS 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY NEW AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN FLA. ON FEB. 29, 2008 AND CONTINUE TO BE THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4 TURBO-DIESEL ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO TSB 07-26-2 (WIRING HARNESS DEFECT ON HPFP) ISSUED AUGUST 2007.IN JANUARY 2015, WHILE ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY SPEED, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I LOST ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE DIED. BRAKING AND STEERING WERE ALSO DIMINISHED.GOT LUCKY AND WAS ABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A SHORT IN THE WIRING OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP GASKET WIRING HARNESS (THE SUBJECT OF TSB 07-26-2 WHEREIN FORD RECOGNIZED IN AUGUST OF 2007 A PROBLEM WITH UNPROTECTED WIRING WITHIN THE HPFP WIRING HARNESS). REPAIRS WERE EXTREMELY COSTLY (OVER $3,000.00)MORE IMPORTANTLY THIS INSTANTANEOUS FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH; IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME.I URGE NTSB TO INVESTIGATE UNPLANNED SHUT DOWNS OF THIS VEHICLE'S POWER PLANT. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THIS LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, COLLISION, INJURY AND POSSIBLY DEATH. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE AUGUST OF 2007 YET HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL.REPLACE THE HPFP GASKET AND WIRING HARNESS. RUN # 2 FOR US: MY FORD 2008 F250, IS BACK IN THE SAME FORD SHOP ON RUN #2 OF THE SAME WIRING HARNESS. WHILE ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY SPEED OF 60 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE DIED. BRAKING AND STEERING WERE ALSO DIMINISHED. WAS ABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION AND COAST ACROSS TWO LANES TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED.DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A SHORT IN THE WIRING OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP GASKET WIRING HARNESS. ( ALREADY SEE 7 COMPLAINTS).
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS BACKING UP IN THE PARKING AREA OF MY HOUSE IN MY 2008 F250 (DIESEL), AND APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP AND CHANGE DIRECTION. AS I STARTED BRAKING, THE ENGINE STARTED ACCELERATING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING BACKWARD, AND I HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO GET IT TO STOP MOVING BACKWARD. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE PROBLEM STOPPED. I THEN CONTINUED ON MY WAY. THE VEHICLE HAD 37,060 MILES.
WE PURCHASED THIS 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY NEW AT THE FORD STORE IN SAN LEANDRO, CA ON JULY 21, 2007 AND CONTINUE TO BE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4 TURBO-DIESEL ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO TSB 07-26-2 (WIRING HARNESS DEFECT ON HPFP) ISSUED AUGUST 2007. ON THE MORNING OF MARCH 27, 2015, WHILE ACCELERATING ONTO A FREEWAY AND AT AN APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 50 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I LOST ALL ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE DIED. BRAKING AND STEERING WERE ALSO DIMINISHED. I GOT LUCKY AND WAS ABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION AND COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP (BUD ADAMS - CASTRO VALLEY, CA; BAR#:228593 CAL#:66801). DIAGNOSIS REVEALED A SHORT IN THE WIRING OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP GASKET WIRING HARNESS (THE SUBJECT OF TSB 07-26-2 WHEREIN FORD RECOGNIZED ON OR ABOUT AUGUST OF 2007 A PROBLEM WITH UNPROTECTED WIRING WITHIN THE HPFP WIRING HARNESS). REPAIRS WERE EXTREMELY COSTLY ($3,791.89 REDUCED TO $2,591.89) BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THIS INSTANTANEOUS FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, INJURY OR DEATH; IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME. I GOT LUCKY. I SEE OTHER COMPLAINANTS WHO HAD HOURS STUCK IN THE DESERT, SOMEONE WITH A LOAD OF CATTLE STUCK WITHOUT WARNING, THE LIST GOES ON. IN EACH REPORTED INSTANCE THE OPERATOR DESCRIBED AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER PLANT WITH NO WARNING. I URGE THE NTSB TO INVESTIGATE THESE UNPLANNED SHUT DOWNS OF THIS VEHICLE'S POWER PLANT. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THIS MAY LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, COLLISION, INJURY AND POSSIBLY DEATH. FORD HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE SINCE AUGUST OF 2007 YET HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. SOME MAY SAY THIS IS DUE TO THE LARGE COSTS INVOLVED TO REMOVE AND REPLACE THE HPFP GASKET AND WIRING HARNESS (IN PART INVOLVING THE REMOVAL OF THE VEHICLE'S CAB). *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BUSHINGS THAT CONNECT THE BED OF THE TRUCK TO THE FRAME HAD DETERIORATED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS WATER LEAKING INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, MOLD WAS BUILDING UP ON THE REAR SEATS AND SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THROUGH THE CABIN AND HE WAS CONCERNED THAT IT MIGHT POTENTIALLY LEAK THROUGH THE MOON ROOF. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE CAUSED A STRONG MILDEW ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON MORE THAN TWO OCCASIONS WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS BACKING UP IN THE PARKING AREA OF MY HOUSE IN MY 2008 F250 (DIESEL), AND APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP AND CHANGE DIRECTION. AS I STARTED BRAKING, THE ENGINE STARTED ACCELERATING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE KEPT MOVING BACKWARD, AND I HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKES AND SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO GET IT TO STOP MOVING BACKWARD. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE PROBLEM STOPPED. I THEN CONTINUED ON MY WAY. THE VEHICLE HAD 37,060 MILES.
WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 60MPH, THE TRUCK INSTANTLY "TOOK OFF", THE TACHOMETER WENT TO BETWEEN 5500 & 6000 RPM, AND SPEED INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY TO ALMOST 90MPH. I TAPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE BRAKE TO TRY TO INTERRUPT WHAT WAS OCCURRING. I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, WHERE THE RPMS DROPPED TO 3000. I TURNED THE TRUCK OFF IN HOPES OF RESETTING WHATEVER HAD JUST OCCURRED. WHEN I STARTED THE TRUCK BACK UP, IT IMMEDIATELY BEGAN DOING WHAT IT WAS DOING BEFORE. I PLACED THE TRUCK INTO "DRIVE" AND ATTEMPTED TO GET OUT OF THE ROADWAY. AT THIS TIME, EVERYTHING RETURNED TO "NORMAL". I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (UNIVERSITY FORD, DURHAM NC). THEY DETERMINED WITHIN 40 MINUTES THAT IT WAS THE FLOOR MAT. HOWEVER, I HAVE TRIED FOR MORE THAN AN HOUR TODAY TO RECREATE A FLOOR MAT ACCELERATOR STICKING WITHOUT SUCCESS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN UNABLE TO RECREATE THE MAXIMUM RPMS THAT I EXPERIENCED WITH MY FOOT IN A NORMAL DRIVING POSITION. THIS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY OCCURRENCE, BUT I DO NOT AGREE THAT IT WAS A FLOOR MAT PROBLEM OR THAT MY ISSUE WAS TAKEN SERIOUSLY. THE SERVICE REP (KENNETH) ADVISED THAT THE TRUCK DID NOT PROVIDE ANY COMPUTER CODES INDICATING A PROBLEM, SO THERE WAS DEFINITELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK OTHER THAN THE FLOOR MAT BEING OUT OF POSITION. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. WITHIN LESS THAN A YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE SHIMMIED AND EXPERIENCED A DEATH WOBBLE. THE DEALER (RAY'S FORD, INC., 385 BY PASS RD, BRANDENBURG, KY 40108, (270) 422-4901) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INDICATED THAT AN APPOINTMENT MAY NEED TO BE SCHEDULED. IT HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED IF THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO SPECIAL FIELD SERVICE CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09L02 TO PREVENT SHIMMIES. THE VEHICLE WAS HAULING A TRAILER OVER UNLEVELED LAND DURING THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
I EXPERIENCED "DEATH WOBBLE" 3 TIMES IN TWO WEEKS AFTER HITTING A BUMP ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60 - 65 MPH EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY UNTIL I SLOWED DOWN TO 40 MPH OR BELOW. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING FORWARD IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING MY 08 FORD F250 SD, I EXPERIENCE SEVERE SHIMMY GOING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD OR SMALL DIP. MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN GOING ABOUT 45 AND I HIT A BUMP AND THE WHEEL JERKS AND THROWS THE TRUCK WHAT FEELS LIKE FEET. I HAVE NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS YET NOR HAVE I SPOKEN WITH THE DEALER. THE FIRST I EVER KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM NOTED BY FORD WAS WHEN I RECEIVED AN ALERT ON FLMOWNER.COM AND IT STATED FIELD SERVICE ACTION NUMBER: 09L02 FSA TITLE: CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE REMINDER VEHICLE SHIMMY AND TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE I ALWAYS MAINTAIN PROPER TIRE PRESSURE AND HAVE THEM BALANCED AND ROTATED ON A REGULAR BASIS THROUGH DISCOUNT TIRES (WHERE I BOUGHT NEW TIRES IN 2011). I DON'T HAVE A LIFT AND HAVEN'T ALTERED ANY OF THE STOCK SUSPENSION PARTS. MILEAGE AND TIME FRAME ARE AN APPROX AS I WASN'T AWARE OF THIS SERVICE ISSUE PRIOR TO THIS WEEK. THOSE ARE THE APPROXIMATES TO WHEN I MOVED TO CO.
18" RIMS ON FORD F-250SD REPLACED IN AUG. 2009 WITH SAME STYLE RIM. OUTER COVER SEPARATES FROM RIM. NOW, OCT. 2010, SAME PROBLEM, NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. ONLY THING HOLDING THE "GLUED" COVERS ON WERE THE WHEEL WEIGHTS. RIM COVERS COULD OF FLEW OFF TRUCK AT ANY TIME. FORD IS WILLING TO COMPROMISE AND HELP OUT (AFTER CONTACTING DEALER PRESIDENT) BUT STILL HAVE TO PAY MONEY TO UPGRADE TO ALUMINUM RIMS. DON'T SEE WHY I HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING FOR AN OBVIOUS FORD DEFECT. LIKE I STATED BEFORE THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN A YEAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR RECALIBRATION. AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE, THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AROUND FOR A WHILE UNTIL IT FUNCTIONED NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,545. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,344. THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING AT AN ESTIMATED SPEED OF 50-60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A FORCED DOWN SHIFT, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTED INTO 3RD GEAR INSTEAD OF 4TH GEAR CAUSING RAPID REAR WHEEL DECELERATION AND HIGH ENGINE RPM TO OCCUR. IT OCCURRED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SERVICING OF THE PCM PER THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONSUMER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE UP TO 500 MILES WHILE THE TRANSMISSION RE-LEARN ITS SHIFT TO POINTS. AFTER COMPLYING WITH THE DEALERS REQUEST, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. UPDATED 12/19/12.. UPDATED 12/31/12 *BF UPDATED 1/3/2013 *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TURBO ENGINE STALLED WITH AN ILLUMINATION OF A WARNING INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO PERFORM ROUGHLY WITH SMOKE AND FLAMES EMITTING FROM THE EXHAUST. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF THE FLAMES WERE NO LONGER VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THE TURBO CHARGER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND INCLUDING OTHER DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V139000 (POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)). THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE IDENTICAL DEFECT AS STATED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 11/01/12*LJ
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD 250 ON A SLICK ROAD WHEN A PICK UP STOPPED SHORT IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME HITTING THE REAR END OF THE PICK UP APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT ALLOWED ME TO SLIDE UNDER THE BELT CAUSING MY KNEES TO HIT THE DASH. OTHER THEN GOOD BRUISES AND MILD SORENESS I WAS FINE. THE OTHER PERSON WAS FINE AS WELL. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE AND I AM WONDERING WHY MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE GRILL AND RADIATOR WERE DAMAGED?
I ORDERED A 2008 F-250 SUPER DUTY LARIAT CREW CAB IN MARCH 2008 AND TOOK DELIVERY IN LATE APRIL 2008. WHEN TRYING TO INSTALL A CHILD SAFETY SEAT, I REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SEATBELT IN THE INBOARD REAR SEAT. IT WOULD NOT GO INTO 'AUTOMATIC LOCKING MODE' FOR THE CORRECT INSTALLATION OF THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT AS THE TWO OUTBOARD REAR SEATS AND THE OUTBOARD PASSENGER SEAT DID. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE INBOARD REAR SEATBELT ONLY TO FIND THAT ONE DIDN'T WORK EITHER. UPON CLOSE EXAMINATION OF MY OWNER'S MANUAL I FOUND THAT IT SAID THAT ONLY THE OUTBOARD REAR SEATS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT HAD SEATBELTS WITH AN 'AUTOMATIC LOCKING MODE.' THE TECH SERVICE LINE TOLD MY DEALER THAT THE REAR INBOARD SEAT WAS NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE AN 'AUTOMATIC LOCKING MODE' AND LEO FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLD ME THE SAME. FORD WAS FORCED TO CHANGE FROM A 'TYPE 1 LAP BELT' IN THE REAR INBOARD SEAT TO A 'TYPE 2 INTEGRAL LAP/SHOULDER BELT' BECAUSE OF 'ANTON'S LAW,' WHICH WAS SIGNED DECEMBER 4, 2002. ONE OF THE PRIMARY REASONS FOR THIS LAW WAS THE 'INCREASED PROTECTION THAT CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF FOUR AND EIGHT GAIN BY HAVING A LAP/SHOULDER BELT MADE AVAILABLE IN REAR INBOARD SEATING POSITIONS. WHEN THESE TYPE 2 BELTS ARE INSTALLED IN THE REAR INBOARD SEATING POSITION, THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL, AND POTENTIALLY SAFER, SEATING POSITION AVAILABLE FOR A CHILD IN A BELT-POSITIONING BOOSTER SEAT.' *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
AT APPROXIMATELY 3 PM ON SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 2018, MY 2008 F-250 SD 4WD TRUCK EXPERIENCED AN ABRUPT CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TRANSFER CASE. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE CORRIDOR WHILE I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH WHILE IN 2WD MODE. IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, A DULL RUMBLE COULD BE HEARD, WHICH RAPIDLY AMPLIFIED TO A LOUD ROAR. I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WAS ALMOST IMMEDIATELY JOLTED BY A THUNDEROUS EXPLOSION THAT EMANATED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE ENTIRE TRUCK SHOOK VIOLENTLY AS I PULLED OVER ONTO THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER. AS THE TRUCK LURCHED FORWARD HESITANTLY, A CLOUD OF THICK SMOKE BILLOWED OUT FROM BELOW THE TRUCK NEAR THE FRONT DOORS. UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS POURING OUT THE TRANSFER CASE, WHOSE EXTERIOR WALL HAD LITERALLY BEEN RIPPED APART. LARGE GEAR COMPONENTS FROM THE TRANSFER CASE WERE STREWN ALONG THE HIGHWAY SHOULDER. THE EXPLOSION WITHIN THE TRANSFER CASE CAUSED SEVERAL INTERNAL PARTS TO BE EJECTED WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE AND VELOCITY. THE SIZABLE INDENTATIONS AND LARGE SCRAPES INFLICTED UPON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND THE PASSENGER FLOOR PAN, RESPECTIVELY, ARE A CONSPICUOUS TESTAMENT TO THE FORCEFUL DISCHARGE OF THESE VARIOUS COMPONENTS PARTS FROM INSIDE THE TRANSFER CASE. THE SUBSTANTIAL ENERGY CONTAINED IN THIS EXPLOSION NECESSARILY IMPLIES THAT TREMENDOUS PRESSURE WAS BUILDING UP INSIDE THE TRANSFER CASE. FURTHERMORE, THE THICK, ACRID SMOKE RELEASED FOLLOWING THE EXPLOSION IS ALSO INDICATIVE THAT THE TRANSFER CASE WAS SUBJECT TO APPRECIABLE HEAT GENERATION. FORTUNATELY, AND RATHER INCREDIBLY, NO INJURIES NOR CRASHES WERE SUSTAINED WHEN THE TRANSFER CASE PRECIPITOUSLY BURST. DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF COLLATERAL DAMAGE OR CASUALTIES, THE SEVERITY AND MAGNITUDE OF THIS INEXPLICABLE EQUIPMENT FAILURE WARRANT DOCUMENTATION AS THIS IS A CRITICAL PART MALFUNCTION.
MY FORD F-250 SD ENGAGES INTO 4X4 HIGH AND LOW WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ALL ON ITS OWN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING MY FORD 250 ON A SLICK ROAD WHEN A PICK UP STOPPED SHORT IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IN TIME HITTING THE REAR END OF THE PICK UP APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MPH. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT ALLOWED ME TO SLIDE UNDER THE BELT CAUSING MY KNEES TO HIT THE DASH. OTHER THEN GOOD BRUISES AND MILD SORENESS I WAS FINE. THE OTHER PERSON WAS FINE AS WELL. MY SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE AND I AM WONDERING WHY MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE GRILL AND RADIATOR WERE DAMAGED?
MY DAUGHTER AND HER FIANCE WERE INVOLVED IN A WRECK. HIS 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY TRUCK FLIPPED END OVER END. THEY WERE VERY BADLY INJURED. THE DRIVER AIR BAG NOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. HIS NECK WAS BROKEN BY THE STEERING WHEEL OR DASH AND SHE RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER FACE AND HAD TO GET STITCHES, ALONG WITH OTHER INJURIES. WE SAW A FORD F-150 A FEW DAYS LATER WITH DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND PASSENGER SIDE AND THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS A DEFECT IN HIS PICKUP AND WHAT CAN WE DO. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, CRUISE CONTROL, AND AIR CONDITIONING FAILED. ALL OF THE GAUGES DISPLAYED ZERO. THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE, BUT NOTHING WOULD DISPLAY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO STUTTER AND THEN THE GAUGES WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR TWO WEEKS AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS FAULTY AND WOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE HAVE A NUMBER OF 2008 FORD F-250 PICK UP TRUCKS IN OUR FLEET. THE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR CONSTANTLY VIBRATES OUT OF POSITION, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN BACKING UP. IT SHAKES OUT OF POSITION WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF SETTING IT. IT IS A MANUAL ADJUSTING MIRROR. WE ARE A MUNICIPALITY LOCATED IN OHIO, AND HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLES TO FORD, WHO STATE THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .