WE PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2008 FORD F-150 BACK IN MAY, 2008. WE HAVE ONLY PUT ON IT 27,000 MILES AND HAVE NEVER TOWED ANYTHING WITH IT, WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A TRAILER HITCH ON IT. ON DEC. 10, 2015 THE "TRANS FAULT" LIGHT CAME ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND THE TRUCK STARTED MAKING LOTS OF NOISE AND JUMPING INTO GEAR WHEN YOU PUT IT IN "DRIVE". WE DROVE TWO MILES TO OUR HOME AN…
2008 Ford F-150 powertrain problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Crashes
3
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Transmission failure. Internal failure causing back up to shake really bad (stutter) , going up a hill and struggles in first and doesn’t want to increase speed. No light indications or anything to show transmission problems. Relying on a sound that sounds like brake scrub but it’s the transmission
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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