EQUIPMENT; STEERING; SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR
2008 Ford F-350 Sd
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 101 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Ford F-350 Sd, most frequently naming the engine, steering and fuel system categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 94 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 2009 | 1 | 13 |
| Apr 2009 | 2 | 15 |
| Jun 2009 | 2 | 17 |
| Sep 2009 | 2 | 19 |
| Jan 2010 | 2 | 21 |
| Feb 2010 | 1 | 22 |
| Mar 2010 | 5 | 27 |
| Apr 2010 | 1 | 28 |
| May 2010 | 2 | 30 |
| Jun 2010 | 2 | 32 |
| Jul 2010 | 3 | 35 |
| Aug 2010 | 3 | 38 |
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 39 |
| Nov 2010 | 1 | 40 |
| Dec 2010 | 1 | 41 |
| Jan 2011 | 1 | 42 |
| Feb 2011 | 2 | 44 |
| Mar 2011 | 2 | 46 |
| Apr 2011 | 2 | 48 |
| May 2011 | 2 | 50 |
| Jun 2011 | 3 | 53 |
| Nov 2011 | 1 | 54 |
| Jan 2012 | 1 | 55 |
| Apr 2012 | 2 | 57 |
| Jun 2012 | 1 | 58 |
| Aug 2012 | 1 | 59 |
| Sep 2012 | 2 | 61 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 62 |
| Dec 2012 | 1 | 63 |
| Jan 2013 | 1 | 64 |
| Apr 2013 | 1 | 65 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 66 |
| Jun 2013 | 1 | 67 |
| Jul 2013 | 2 | 69 |
| Aug 2013 | 1 | 70 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 71 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 72 |
| Apr 2014 | 3 | 75 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 76 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 77 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 78 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 79 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 80 |
| Oct 2014 | 3 | 83 |
| Nov 2014 | 2 | 85 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 86 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 87 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 88 |
| Apr 2016 | 1 | 89 |
| May 2016 | 1 | 90 |
| Jul 2016 | 1 | 91 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 92 |
| Nov 2016 | 1 | 93 |
| Mar 2017 | 2 | 95 |
| May 2017 | 1 | 96 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 97 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 98 |
| Jul 2018 | 1 | 99 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 100 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 101 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine3121.8%
- Steering2517.6%
- Fuel system149.9%
- Suspension139.2%
- Tires & wheels128.5%
- Brakes107.0%
- Driver assistance85.6%
- Powertrain (other)64.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSafety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Alleged Loss of Steering
The Office of DefectsInvestigation (ODI) opened PE13-014 after identifying five complaints alleging steering gear failure in model year (MY) 2008 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pick-up trucks and to evaluate the relationship between the design history of the steering gear assembly and the alleged defect.As background, ODI investigated steering gear sector shaft fractures in approximately 1.3 million MY 1999 - 2001 Ford Super Duty pick-up trucks and MY 2000 - 2001 Ford Excursion sport utility vehicles in Engineering Analysis EA01-009.The investigation determined that the sector shaft failures were the result of extraordinary, possibly multiple, impacts and not the result of fatigue.No defect in design, manufacturing or materials was identified in the sector shaft.EA01-009 was closed August 19, 2003 with 169 complaints, resulting in a rate of 12.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles after approximately one year of service.Ford increased the diameter of the sector shaft from 1.375 inches to 1.625 inches at the start of MY 2005 production, increasing the resistance of the steering gear assembly to torsional overload by approximately 48% and changing the failure mode from sector shaft fracture to cracked or broken sector shaft gear teeth.The redesigned steering gear assembly was used in approximately 1.1 million MY 2005 through 2009 Ford Super Duty pick-up trucks, including the subject vehicles.Figure 1 shows the basic steering system design used in Ford Super Duty trucks investigated in EA01-009 and PE13-014. Figure 2 shows the locations of failures resulting from impact related torsional overloading of the sector shaft for the subject vehicles and the prior generation Ford Super Duty trucks investigated in EA01-009.Figure 3 shows an example of a failed sector shaft investigated in EA01-009 and comparisons of fracture surfaces of sector shafts failing from fatigue loading and from torsional overload.Ford provided field return part analysis of failed steering gears from MY 2005 through 2009 Super Duty trucks found evidence of broken sector shaft gear teeth and piston damage consistent with incidents of single event overload (Figure 4).Laboratory analysis found no evidence of fatigue or material property defects in any of the fractures.Analysis of complaint rates by vehicle build month showed no patterns indicating potential manufacturing quality issues and no difference before and after Ford introduced design changes to the input shaft and sector shaft seals in July 2007 to address potential leak concerns (Figure 5).Analysis of failures by time in service indicates a random failure pattern/distribution, consistent with incidents of impact induced overload (Figure 6). The complaint rate for the subject vehicles after approximately 5 to 6 years, 7.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles, is lower than the rate observed in EA01-009. Furthermore, similar to the condition investigated in EA01-009, a number of incident records include evidence of impact loads (e.g., curb strikes) and several alleged crashes include incidents in which information suggests that the steering gear failure was most likely a result of crash forces, rather than the cause of the crash.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at ww
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 FORD F-350 SD, EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN TIRES, TIRE LINE: LTX MS/2, TIRE SIZE: 245/75/R17, DOT NUMBER: B74345 (PARTIAL). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT AND THE STEERING CEASED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FIRST TIME, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WENT FLAT WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT THE TIRE WAS OVER THE WARRANTY COVERAGE PERIOD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11406465
- Incident
- Mar 26, 2021
- Mileage
- 54,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 12 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE STEERING BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BOB BELL FORD WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AT 410-766-3600 (LOCATED AT 7125 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11176185
- Incident
- Jan 11, 2018
- Mileage
- 125,000 mi
THE 2008, AS WELL AS OTHER YEARS OF THE FORD F-350 ARE KNOWN TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH A FRONT-END SHIMMY OR "DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE HAD SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS OF WORK DONE TO MY F-350 IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THE DEATH WOBBLE PROBLEM. THE REPAIRS WORK FOR A TIME AND THEN, WITHOUT WARNING, THE DEATH WOBBLE RETURNS. THE FACT THAT THIS CAN OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING, AT HIGH SPEEDS, BY DRIVING OVER A VERY SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD, MAKES THIS AN EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I DON'T THINK I CAN ADEQUATELY DESCRIBE THE EXTREME NATURE OF THE DEATH WOBBLE. THE FRONT-END OF THE TRUCK IS BOUNCING LEFT AND RIGHT, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE IS TWISTING AND ROLLING, THE STEERING WHEEL IS BARELY CONTROLLABLE, ANYTHING LOOSE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT GOES FLYING AND KEEPING THE VEHICLE IN ITS LANE IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE. REDUCING SPEED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE IS THE ONLY RECOURSE AND THIS POSES A DANGER PARTICULARLY WHEN ON A HEAVILY TRAFFICKED HIGHWAY. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN KNOWN ABOUT FOR A LONG TIME AND FORD WILL NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY. EVEN AFTER SPENDING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON COMPLETE FRONT-END REBUILDS, AND IMPECCABLE MAINTENANCE, THE PROBLEM WILL SUDDENLY REOCCUR. THE DESIGN OF THIS FRONT-END IS FAULTY AND VEHICLE OWNERS SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS OF MAINTAINING THIS FAULTY DESIGN AND BEING EXPOSED TO GREAT RISK.
- NHTSA ID
- 11113591
- Incident
- Jul 24, 2018
- Mileage
- 128,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 212,425. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 11064677
- Incident
- Jan 4, 2018
- Mileage
- 212,425 mi
ENGINE DID NOT KICK OUT OF REGIN CAUSEING OVER HEAT
- NHTSA ID
- 11051542
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2017
- Mileage
- 119,000 mi
STEERING GEARBOX FAILED. STEERING FELT VERY LOOSE, PULLED INTO PARKING LOT. STEERING WOULD TURN RIGHT BUT WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT.COULD HEAR A CRUNCHING OR POPPING NOISE WHEN ATTEMPTING TOP TURN LEFT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT FOUND THE STEERING GEARBOX FAILED INTERNALLY.
- NHTSA ID
- 10985553
- Incident
- May 13, 2017
- Mileage
- 52,500 mi
NITTO DURA GRAPPLER 245/75R/17 FRONT LEFT TIRE BLEW CAUSING VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO GUARD RAILING ON INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON I-75 SB NEAR MM 181 APPROXIMATELY 72 MPH. I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. ON MARCH 6,2015 I HAD ANOTHER TIRE BLOW AND I FILED A NITTO CLAIM NUMBER 804190 (THROUGH THE TIRE DEALERSHIP). I RECEIVED FROM NITTO THE SAME TIRE IN EXCHANGE. EVEN THOUGHT THIS TYPE OF TIRE WAS RECALLED ON SAFERCAR.GOV ON NOVEMBER 4, 2015. WHY WAS IT REPLACED BY NITTO WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE TIRE??? NOW MY VEHICLE IS TOTALED!
- NHTSA ID
- 10969212
- Incident
- Mar 7, 2017
- Mileage
- 75,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A RANDOM DEATH WOBBLE ASSOCIATED WITH THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION. A DEALER PERFORMED EXTENSIVE REPAIRS, BUT THE CONDITION CONTINUED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE SAFELY DRIVEN DUE TO A STRONG VIBRATION FROM THE STEERING, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO BE UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 10959732
- Incident
- Dec 19, 2016
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
EQUIPMENT
All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
When 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 and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.
EQUIPMENT
Some 2005-2021 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet
SUSPENSION
Some 2005-2020 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. To ensure the VSM is configured correctly, use the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool and select the blue ball and socket icon in the upper left corner. Select the utility knife in the bottom left corner. Select Update/Special Function and enter 53061 in the blue box then press the tick mark. The screen will go back to the system utilities page. Navigate to the toolbox tab and run the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) on the VSM. The procedure will prompt you to manually enter the as-built into the VSM. Obtain the as-built data from PTS > OASIS > As-Built.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 13 | 6 | 0 | 65.1 |
| 2024 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 60.4 |
| 2023 | 39 | 15 | 0 | 53.1 |
| 2022 | 107 | 17 | 0 | 55.5 |
| 2021 | 94 | 15 | 1 | 62.7 |
| 2020 | 185 | 16 | 3 | 67.0 |
| 2019 | 465 | 12 | 3 | 58.9 |
| 2018 | 199 | 10 | 3 | 58.1 |
| 2017 | 572 | 14 | 3 | 58.6 |
| 2016 | 208 | 4 | 1 | 54.2 |
| 2015 | 207 | 4 | 2 | 59.4 |
| 2014 | 7 | 5 | 1 | — |
| 2013 | 9 | 10 | 1 | — |
| 2012 | 29 | 10 | 1 | 50.4 |
| 2011 | 43 | 8 | 1 | 47.6 |
| 2010 | 50 | 7 | 0 | 48.3 |
| 2009 | 19 | 5 | 0 | 45.4 |
| 2008Viewing | 101 | 1 | 1 | 47.5 |
| 2007 | 25 | 2 | 2 | 51.0 |
| 2006 | 127 | 2 | 2 | 50.7 |
| 2005 | 217 | 4 | 2 | 55.4 |
| 2004 | 130 | 3 | 2 | 52.4 |
| 2003 | 132 | 5 | 5 | 58.2 |
| 2002 | 124 | 4 | 4 | 62.0 |
| 2001 | 158 | 3 | 8 | 62.5 |
| 2000 | 157 | 3 | 5 | 59.7 |
| 1999 | 142 | 3 | 5 | 61.0 |
| 1998 | 3 | 1 | 3 | — |
| 1997 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1996 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1995 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 1994 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1993 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.