RoadVitals

2008 Ford F-450 Sd

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
68
Latest Sep 20, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Feb 28, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
4
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 68 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Ford F-450 Sd, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 88 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine3941.1%
  • Powertrain (other)77.4%
  • Steering77.4%
  • Brakes44.2%
  • Driver assistance44.2%
  • Visibility33.2%
  • Transmission33.2%

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

3 campaigns 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.gov
Feb 28, 2008
87,515 units potentially affected
The defect: FORD IS RECALLING 87,515 MY 2008 F250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." SOME 40% SPLIT AND CAPTAIN'S CHAIR DRIVER'S SEATS, EQUIPPED WITH LUMBAR SUPPORTS, MAY HAVE IMPROPER WELDS AT THE JOINT OF THE SEAT BACK PIVOT BRACKET AND THE SEAT BACK FRAME.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT SIDE PIVOT BRACKET MAY CRACK OR BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD A REINFORCEMENT TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK FRAME ON THE 40% SPLIT OR CAPTAIN'S CHAIR SEAT EQUIPPED WITH LUMBAR SUPPORT OR, IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT BACK FRAME WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 08C01View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Mar 26, 2007
33,169 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES IN THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY RESULT FROM EXCESS HYDROCARBONS IN THE EXHAUST.
The risk: LACK OF POWER OR ROUGH OPERATION, UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE ENGINE OR EXHAUST, WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, AND POTENTIALLY A VISIBLE FLAME OUT THE TAILPIPE CAN OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 07S49View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Mar 26, 2007
1,022 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE OF THE BATTERY POSITIVE (B+) WIRE TO THE RIGHT HAND SPLASH SHIELD BOLT MAY RESULT IN THE BATTERY B+ WIRE CONTACTING THE SPLASH SHIELD BOLT.
The risk: LONG TERM CONTACT COULD CAUSE WIRE CHAFE, RESULTING IN COPPER WIRE BEING EXPOSED. IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE BATTERY B+ WIRE COULD SHORT TO GROUND INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BATTERY B+ WIRE LOCATION AND, IF NECESSARY, REPOSITION THE WIRE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
FORD MOTOR COMPANYManufacturer number 07S50View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the transfer case exploded, and the front windshield shattered. No injuries were sustained; however, several other vehicles sustained cosmetic damage. No warning light was illuminated. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the transfer case, drive shaft assembly, fuel injection pump, fuel lines, and transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,176.

NHTSA ID
11615638
Incident
Sep 9, 2024
Mileage
164,176 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 9, 2019

FUEL TANK DELAMINATION LEADING TO BLOWN ENGINE X2 AND FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT X2. I USE NO ADDITIVES AND BUY ONLY COMMERCIAL FUEL ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA.

NHTSA ID
11166041
Incident
Feb 25, 2009
Mileage
15,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Nov 28, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10928366
Incident
Nov 27, 2016
Mileage
200,000 mi
EngineSteering
Filed Oct 4, 2016

ENTERED ON 10/04/2016 AT 2:45:07 PM EDT (GMT-0400) BY [email protected]: SENDER NAME: SENDER EMAIL: SUBJECT: FORD F-450 COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS COMMENTS: I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW IN 2008 AND DROVE IT CROSS COUNTRY TOWING MY 5TH WHEEL. AT 4,544 MILES THE RADIATOR BLEW APART. (DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER FIGHTING WITH FORD. AT 6,065 MILES I HAD ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM LEAK.(DRIVING LOCAL) THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE "SMALL" RADIATOR, THE "FUEL AND TURBO" COOLER. AT 21432 MILES THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.(DRIVING/TOWING/LOCAL) SHOP STATED THAT "FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED" (THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY FORD) AT 22215 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT REAR AXLE SEAL, BRAKE PADS AND LOWER CAC HOSE FOR TURBO REPLACED.( DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) NOW AT 29,017 MILES THE RADIATOR TANKS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE CORE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH THE CRANK SEAL AND ANOTHER POWER STEERING PUMP.( COMBINATION, HIGHWAY/LOCAL/TOWING? NOT TOWING) I HAVE CHECKED WITH FORD AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY REFUSE TO COVER ANY OF THIS, OR ANY PART, UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE ALSO DONE RESEARCH ON THESE TRUCKS HAVING FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME COOLING SYSTEM ISSUES ALONG WITH OTHER ISSUES THAT FORD REFUSED TO COVER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, I THINK THEY NEED TO HAVE A RECALL ON THE COOLING SYSTEMS IN THEIR TRUCKS. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS. I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE. CHECK EDMUNDS FORD F-450 SD TURBO DIESEL REVIEW, MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS OF COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE, ENGINE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10913839
Incident
Sep 16, 2016
Mileage
28,900 mi
Engine
Filed Jul 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER THE CONTACT REMOVED AND RECONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST FUEL RECIRCULATION VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10883654
Incident
Jun 10, 2016
Body & structure
Filed May 24, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AS THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THE DOOR FAILED TO LATCH IN A SECURED POSITION. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE DOOR LATCHED PROPERLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TEN TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ID
10870536
Incident
May 1, 2015
Mileage
100,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 22, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. AFTER WATER WAS ADDED TO THE RADIATOR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER LEAKED OUT OF THE HOSE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED RADIATOR FLUID FROM THE HOSE. IN ADDITION, THE EGR COOLER MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONER TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR COOLER, RADIATOR, AND HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

NHTSA ID
10860944
Incident
Sep 22, 2015
Mileage
95,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 20, 2016

I HAVE 2008 FORD F450 WITH 60 K MILES AND RADIATOR START LEAKING AT THE BOTTOM AND IT WAS BUILDING PREASSURE ON THE TOP OF ATIFREAZE BOX AND HEAT AIR STOPED WORKING AND FORD DEALER THAT I BOUGHT FROM DISNT COVER THE WARRANTY I PAID 1400$ TO GET PROBLEM FIXED AND IT SECOND RADIATOR THAT I CHANGED FROM MY POCKET !!!! I THINK FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR ALL 2008-2014 POWER STROKE DIESEL ENGINES

NHTSA ID
10821300
Incident
Jan 10, 2016
Mileage
61,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM 54601

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

SSM 52476

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.

SSM 51909

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.

SSM 49495

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

SSM 48494

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

SSM 48157

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

Ford F-450 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120
2025240
2024730
20235130
20222414057.7
20211712262.6
20200103
2019393
2018073
20171113
2016131
2015142
2014141
2013281
2012371
2011681
2010360
2009350
2008Viewing683046.3
2007162040.0
2006352045.5
2005405043.8
2004333150.5
2003166349.1
2002146350.1
2001239764.3
2000437562.1
19996611562.6
1998122
1997441
1996221
1995221
1994332
1993542
1992322
1991611

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.