RoadVitals

2008 Ford F-250 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
195
Latest Feb 8, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
14

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Ford F-250, 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

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

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

80
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clock spring frayed and uncoiled. Unknown steering issue till clockspring checked. Airbag inflator is unoperational. Current clockspring recall for Ford does not cover this vehicle. Widen your recall. Most owners would believe it to be a power steering issue with pump and fluid, like we did.

NHTSA ID 11611228 · filed Aug 27, 2024

Death wobble

NHTSA ID 11591721 · filed May 31, 2024
All 80 reports naming steering

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

35
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Death wobble

NHTSA ID 11591721 · filed May 31, 2024

Serious uncontrollable violent shaking in the front end of the vehicle when it hits a pot hole or runs over a bump. It’s almost like one side starts to bounce which leads to the other side to start bouncing and it goes back and forth from either side very fast which sounds like a loud rumble

NHTSA ID 11588891 · filed May 15, 2024
All 35 reports naming suspension

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

33
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving uphill at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was HOT before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was then allowed to cool down, and water was added to the radiator. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred 12,000 miles later. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.

NHTSA ID 11668717 · filed Jun 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the bottom of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine block of the vehicle had fractured. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine block had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID 11625228 · filed Nov 14, 2024
All 33 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

When decelerating, such as taking an off-ramp, it loses power to the brakes and steering, which makes it unsafe.

NHTSA ID 11508548 · filed Feb 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a left turn, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stood on the brake pedal and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot at a low speed. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the brake pedal responded as needed while driving to his residence. Upon investigating the failure, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V904000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 179,000.

NHTSA ID 11502160 · filed Jan 17, 2023
All 19 reports naming brakes

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

17
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires LT275/70R18 D1 I purchased these tires on 11/08/2019. My truck had 166,736 miles it now has around 202,000. I experienced a blow out where the total tread separated from the rear driver side side walls. The tread separated piece was in one piece. As if a re-tread tire. It caused extensive damage to my rear quarter panel among a list of other damaged parts. The tread was on the tires were still in excellent shape.

NHTSA ID 11673254 · filed Jul 14, 2025

TIRE HAD A FULL TREAD SEPERATION WHILE DOING 65 ON [XXX] IN BROWARD COUNTY FL CAUSED DAMAGE TO DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND ALLOY RIM , WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITH NO ACCIDENT TIRE SIZE WAS LT275 / 70 R18 AND HAD LESS THAN 12000 MILES I CHECKED THE OTHER 3 TIRES AND A COUPLE HAVE UNUSUAL WEAR WHICH MAY BE STARTING TO HAVE THE TREAD SEPERATE AS YOU CAN A CRACK FORMING WHERE THE FAILED TIRE SEPERATED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11618970 · filed Oct 9, 2024
All 17 reports naming tires & wheels

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 88,000. It was later discovered, after checking the Carfax report, that the mileage was 182,000.

NHTSA ID 11698887 · filed Nov 12, 2025

I have a 2008 ford f250 with 60,000 miles I bought it used about 7 years ago I only drive it to pull my trailer camping also I don't drive it much hoping a engine light will come on my vehicle has unintended acceleration it happen when I come to a stop light and my vehicle will unexpectedly tug forward to 0 to 60 mpg I have to push on my brakes and turn off the key and turn back on sometimes 6 times before it goes back to normal I called the dealer to get answer where I live in California and they said they cant diagnose it unless it duplicates its self and they will charge me $200 plus if they cant find the problem I did research and found 4 vehicles the same year that had this problem and there is a recall on some of these vehicle with the same problem with the same motor and year same electronic gas pedal but they are the expedition and other makes anyways this problem has almost cause me to get in plenty accidents I had the gas pedal and electronic sensor replace throttle body and both sensors replace and still have the problem the ford dealer are saying they never heard of this issue but I google unintended acceleration and see cars of all makes and model with this drive by wire electronic situation all I want is to get it fixed doing my research its a software issue in the computer

NHTSA ID 11594185 · filed Jun 13, 2024
All 12 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

What: 2008 Backup camera failure just like the 1.46 million in newer models. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? See details for current recall, copy/paste. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, but am happy to let them. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, camera simply stopped working around aug-25. I want you to make them include older year models in this recall. I purchased this vehicle from Vic Bailey Ford Spartanburg SC, financed for 72 months to pay off Jan-1-26. *If ford can sell it, and get financed, when still in the process of paying off, this truck SHOULD get the same considerations as newer ones when there is identical issues.

NHTSA ID 11707066 · filed Dec 26, 2025

Clock spring frayed and uncoiled. Unknown steering issue till clockspring checked. Airbag inflator is unoperational. Current clockspring recall for Ford does not cover this vehicle. Widen your recall. Most owners would believe it to be a power steering issue with pump and fluid, like we did.

NHTSA ID 11611228 · filed Aug 27, 2024
All 11 reports naming driver assistance

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 20-25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SPITZER FORD (543 W MAPLE ST, HARTVILLE, OH 44632) AND INFORMED THAT THE TRACK BAR, BALL JOINTS, TIE ROD JOINTS AND POSSIBLE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED A CASE. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT HE WOULD BE NOTIFIED IN THE EVENT THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN FOR THE FAILURE EXPERIENCED. IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT AN EXTRA HEAVY DUTY STEERING DAMPER BE INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,048.*DT

NHTSA ID 11406671 · filed Apr 6, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR AN UNSTATED AMOUNT OF TIME, THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER CEASED IN THE PARK POSITION. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO REPUBLIC FORD LINCOLN LOCATED AT 1740 US-60, REPUBLIC, MO 65738, (417)732-2626, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ID 11297897 · filed Jan 8, 2020
All 11 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Clock spring frayed and uncoiled. Unknown steering issue till clockspring checked. Airbag inflator is unoperational. Current clockspring recall for Ford does not cover this vehicle. Widen your recall. Most owners would believe it to be a power steering issue with pump and fluid, like we did.

NHTSA ID 11611228 · filed Aug 27, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, GOT HIT BY AN EIGHTEEN WHEELER THAT RAN A STOP SIGN, STRIKING THE DRIVER SIDE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE POLICE WAS PRESENT AND A REPORT NUMBER: 88163534 WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE, TREATED AND RELEASED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000.

NHTSA ID 11243200 · filed Aug 12, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

All the fiberglass Bkack trim and the Gray door panels and the middle armrest are causing skin irritation to any person that come in touch with them. I havee owned this Truck for so many years, the problem started about 4 years ago, since I only use it for towing the camper I have ignored the issue for sure this very inconvenient to sell a vehicle with only 87k because of the manufactur cheap trim or other oweners didn't complain and ignored the issue. I have not taken the Truck to the Ford dealer because I have know doubt in my mind that they will tell me it's an 18 years old vehicle get another one. Yes I have the vehicle available for inspection at anytime. Thank you very much for taking the time to read my complaint.

NHTSA ID 11716602 · filed Feb 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and became aware that the rubber body mounts were deteriorating and detaching from the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11629055 · filed Dec 5, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed the oil dipstick indicated that the engine was overfilled with oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump causing diesel fuel to leak into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine had previously been replaced at 288,000 miles. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 307,000.

NHTSA ID 11619980 · filed Oct 15, 2024

FUEL TANK STRAPS FAILED WHILE DRIVING LETTING THE TANK DRAG ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY ROAD SURFACE AND DUMP FUEL ON THE ROAD. TRUCK SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNING WHEN ALL THE FUEL DUMPED OUT, LEAVING NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKES.

NHTSA ID 11269862 · filed Oct 21, 2019

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IF I HIT A BUMP THE WHOLE TRUCK SHAKES VIOLENTLY TO THE POINT OF LOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I NEED TO BRAKE HEAVILY TO STOP THE SHAKING. I'VE READ UP ON IT AND IT HAS BEEN DUBBED THE 'DEATH WOBBLE' AND APPARENTLY IS A HUGE PROBLEM. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE TRUCK, SO I AM KEEPING IT OFF THE ROAD FOR THE SAFETY OF ME AND THOSE AROUND ME. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ID 11326156 · filed May 27, 2020

COOPER DISCOVERY TIRES LT275/65R18 SEPARATIONS (ALL FOUR WITHIN A MONTH) NOTICED ROUGH / WOBBLY RIDE AT ALL SPEEDS. TOOK TO TIRE STORE WHERE PURCHASED, TOLD TREAD / BELTS SEPARATING. REPLACED THE TWO BAD TIRES, TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL, RECEIVED PRORATE ON TIRES AS THERE WAS GOOD TREAD REMAINING. COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE OTHER TWO HAVE SAME ISSUE. REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND TIRE.

NHTSA ID 10902997 · filed Sep 1, 2016

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE SLID OFF THE ROAD DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED INDEPENDENTLY. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A BROKEN NECK, BROKEN SPINAL CORD, DISLOCATED JAW, DISLOCATED SHOULDER, AND SPRAINED RIBS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 11062104 · filed Jan 11, 2018

THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELTS COME UNLATCHED WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED IN ANY WAY. SOMETIMES THE SEAT BELTS WON'T EVEN LATCH. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE FAULTY SEAT BELTS ARE UNRELIABLE TO PROTECT MY FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ID 10618247 · filed Aug 1, 2014

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CHECK THE EXHAUST FILTRATION SYSTEM WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART WAS TOWED TO A SAFER LOCATION WHERE THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED AND RECONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSE THAT THE EXHAUST FILTRATION SYSTEM SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 07V139000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM); HOWEVER THE VIN WAS INELIGIBLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000. UPDATED 11/16/12*LJ UPDATED 11/20/2012 *JS THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE PCM NEEDED TO BE RE-FLASHED. UPDATED 12/19/12

NHTSA ID 10475675 · filed Sep 17, 2012

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE AT 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO FAST IDLE MODE AND SUDDENLY LUNGED BACKWARDS. THE CONTACT SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO DO THIS AS A SELF-CLEANING PROCESS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 1,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

NHTSA ID 10196507 · filed Jul 16, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE VEHICLE LIGHTS WENT OUT, NO HIGH BEAMS, NO DRIVING LIGHTS AT ALL, NO BLINKERS ETC. THE FLASHERS WORKED ONLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING, TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND IT CONTINUED TO RUNTURNED KEY BACK ON AND TURNED FLASHERS OFF AND SPUTTERED AND DIED, BUT THEN ONLY THE MIRROR AND TAIL LIGHT FLASHERS WORKED, NOTHING IN THE FRONT WORKED. WHEN ATTEMTED TO CHECK TO SEE IF LIGHTS WOULD COME ON OR FLASHERS THE WRENCH ICON WOULD APPEAR, ALL INSTRUMENT WARNING CAME ON TO CHECK BREAK SYSYTEM BUT STILL NO LIGHTS OR FLASHER. THIS WAS AN ETREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION DUE TO THE FACT WE WERE IN A DARK RURAL AREA ON A 2 LANE HWY AND COULD NOT SEE A THING. THE VEHICLE INTERMITITNGLY WILL NOT START AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME. ALSO BACK UP SENSOR WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY AT TIMES, THE SOONEST WE CAN GET VEHICLE YO YHE SHOP IS NEXT TUESDAY.

NHTSA ID 11375363 · filed Nov 19, 2020

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

MY HUSBAND WOKE UP AND WENT OUT TO START HIS TRUCK SO IT WOULD BE WARM FOR OUR 1-YR OLD TWIN BABIES TO GET IN THE CAR. WHEN HE WENT TO PUT THE BABIES IN THE BACK SEAT, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW WAS BLOWN OUT FROM THE INSIDE OUT; THE GLASS LOOKED BUBBLED. HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO THE GLASS SHOP AND WAS ADVISED THAT BECAUSE FORD DOESN'T USE THE PROPER SEAL ON IT'S REAR WINDOWS THAT THIS CAN OCCASIONALLY HAPPEN. THE WINDOW BLEW UP FROM THE HEAT INSIDE THE CAR...IT'S 30 DEGREES HERE THIS MORNING. WE THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE THAT IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY TO OUR LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP AND WE WERE ADVISED THAT IT'S NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SO I'M LOOKING AT $800 FOR A WHOLE ENTIRE BACK WINDOW THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED. THIS CONCERNS ME AS IF ONE OF MY BABIES WAS IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPENED, WE WOULD HAVE SOME SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUES....THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. BECAUSE OF THEIR FAULTY SEAL, OUR WINDOW EXPLODED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10306639 · filed Feb 5, 2010

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

Data on this page last refreshed .