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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-FORD-F-250
2008 · ford

ford F-250 problems

4 safety recalls. 336 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
3
Severe
1
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
119 reports · avg $700
severe
engine
65 reports · avg $3,100
severe
tires
28 reports · avg $150
severe
brakes
24 reports · avg $450
moderate
electrical
17 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
16 reports · avg $2,500
severe
suspension
15 reports · avg $900
moderate
body
10 reports · avg $1,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 F-250 · body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS WATER LEAKING INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, MOLD WAS BUILDING UP ON THE REAR SEATS AND SEAT BELTS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WATER WAS ENTERING THROUGH THE CABIN AND HE WAS CONCERNED…
12/30/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10669084.0
2008 F-250 · engine
EXHAUST LEAK FROM BEHIND THE TURBO. EXHAUST ENTERS THE INSIDE OF THE CAB. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. EXPENSIVE TO FIX. MUST REMOVE CAB FROM FRAME TO REPAIR. HAZARDOUS FUMES ENTER VEHICLE CAUSING HEADACHES. DEALER IS ACTING LIKE THIS IS RARE BUT IN SEARCHING THE WEB I HAVE…
12/28/2012 · NHTSA ODI #10490351.0
2008 F-250 · seatbelts
I ORDERED A 2008 F-250 SUPER DUTY LARIAT CREW CAB IN MARCH 2008 AND TOOK DELIVERY IN LATE APRIL 2008. WHEN TRYING TO INSTALL A CHILD SAFETY SEAT, I REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SEATBELT IN THE INBOARD REAR SEAT. IT WOULD NOT GO INTO 'AUTOMATIC LOCKING MODE' FOR THE…
12/28/2008 · NHTSA ODI #10252990.0
2008 F-250 · cruise control
THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO TURN OFF. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS OF HIGHWAY DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL TURNED ON, I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF BY USING THE CRUISE CONTROL ON/OFF SWITCH OR BY BRAKING. THE TRUCK ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. AFTER…
12/27/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10372590.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Likely repair cost in next 24 months
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Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 08V096000 28/02/2008

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

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT SIDE PIVOT BRACKET MAY CRACK OR BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 07V140000 26/03/2007

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6

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.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 08V191000 25/04/2008

FORD IS RECALLING 64,754 MY 2008 F-250 AND F-350 SINGLE REAR WHEEL, 4X4, 156 INCH WHEEL BASE PICK UP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A TWO PIECE DRIVE SHAFT FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE FUEL SPILLAGE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO

FUEL SPILLAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A BRACKET ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 23, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2008 Ford F-250 reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 336 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Ford F-250 has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Ford F-250?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 119 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Ford F-250 has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Ford F-250?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 336 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with ford. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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