RoadVitals

2008 Ford F-550 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.
26
Latest Nov 2, 2022
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.
4
Latest Nov 19, 2009
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.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 26 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Ford F-550 Sd, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and fuel system categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 86 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

  • Engine1448.3%
  • Powertrain (other)517.2%
  • Fuel system413.8%
  • Body & structure26.9%
  • Driver assistance13.4%
  • Electrical13.4%
  • Brakes13.4%
  • Other / unspecified13.4%

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

4 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

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Nov 19, 2009
269 units potentially affected
The defect: CUES, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 SERVICE VEHICLES BUILT ON VARIOUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.
The risk: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: CUES IS WORKING WITH CARRIER TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR CUES AT 1-407-849-0190.
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

Recent owner complaints

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

Fuel system
Filed Nov 2, 2022

Brought the truck in to ford and they told me that paint lining from the tank may of gone into the fuel lines and system so they suggested that we replace the tank and they also replaced 2 injectors and the wiring harness for the injectors and reset the check engine light drove fine till the check engine light come on then its in limp mode and only drives at 40 miles per hour it is unsafe to drive on the highway and I do like this truck

NHTSA ID
11491913
Incident
Jan 4, 2020
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 18, 2020

TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS TO LOW GEAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE INTERSTATE.

NHTSA ID
11359863
Incident
Sep 8, 2020
Mileage
150,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT STATED THEIR COMPANY OWNS A 2008 FORD F-550 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S HEATER CHORD HAD FAILED A TOTAL 5 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER (ROESH FORD LOCATED AT 303 W GRAND AVE BENTONVILLE IL 60106 PHONE NUMBER: 630-279-6000) WHO REPLACED THE HEATER CHORD A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSIST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11298415
Incident
Jan 1, 2018
Mileage
150,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 7, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE AND ENGINE OVERHEATING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CHAPMAN FORD OF HORSHAM (1100 EASTON RD, HORSHAM, PA 19044) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11076629
Incident
Mar 1, 2018
Mileage
33,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 29, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-550 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND A "STOP SAFETY NOW" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST FUEL TEMPERATURE SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE 2011-2012 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V535000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID
10839026
Incident
Feb 12, 2016
Mileage
110,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2015

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

NHTSA ID
10713225
Incident
Jul 16, 2014
Mileage
150,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2015

WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK AND PAID OVER 30K AND PUT DOWN 10K. THEY NEVER GAVE US THE FULL REPORT HISTORY OF THE TRUCK... WITH TWO TO THREE MONTHS THE ENGINE WENT OUT. WE TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE TOLD US ITS NOT WORTH IT. THE ENGINE IF REPLACED WILL GO OUT AGAIN. FORD HAD A DIFFERENTCOMPANY BUILD THE ENGINES AND ALL OF THERE ENGINES WERE BAD. I BELIEVE FROM 2006 TO 2008 UNTIL FORD TOOK OVER. SO, WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK FROM 1900 HAMNER AVE, NORCO, CA 92860 (951) 737-6151. WE CONTACTED THEM AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. SO, NOW I AM STILL MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS OF 543 A MONTH AND THE TRUCK BROKE DOWN AROUND JUNE JULY OF2014. I'VE BEEN PAYING FOR STORAGE PLUS MONTHLY TRUCK PAYMENT. THIS COMPANY KNEW THE HISTORY OF THE TRUCK BUT THEY WENT AHEAD AND SOLD IT TO US. I FOUND OUT THE HISTORY BECAUSE THE LAWYER RECOMMENDED THAT TO ME. I GUESS ITS HARD FOR LEMON COMMERCIAL TRUCK TO HANDLE. I JUST WANT MY MONEY BACK AND FOR THEM TO TAKE THE TRUCK BACK. THEY HAVE BEEN FRAUDULENT ABOUT THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10713207
Incident
Jul 8, 2014
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 19, 2015

THE TRUCK HAS NOT RUN PROPERLY SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED, AND THE MOTOR WAS REPLACED BACK IN 2013 WITH MILEAGE OF 31,00 DUE TO OIL BEING SPLATTERED ALL OVER AND NO POWER. WE HAD SPEND OVER 10,000.00 TO FIX THE DEFECTIVE ISSUES. NOW ALMOST 2 YEARS TO THE DAY THE ENGINE HAS AGAIN FAILED. FORD OFFERS NO HELP OR EXPLANATIONS AS TO WHY THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN.. *TR

NHTSA ID
10676458
Incident
Jan 8, 2013
Mileage
31,871 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-550 Sd by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026120
2025130
2024220
2023190
20229120
2021119175.3
2020482
2019451
2018031
2017281
2016331
2015113260.9
2014961
2013291
20126102
20113121
2010170
2009150
2008Viewing264048.1
2007232045.5
2006442044.5
2005325043.2
2004493155.7
2003335363.3
2002225360.0
2001297761.7
2000726461.8
1999619457.1
1998022
1997231
1996021
1995021
1994021
1993010

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.