Wrench.Pro

2008 Ford F-250 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Ford F-250 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake pedal loss of resistance and brake lock-up.” Ford uses the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) to determine when oil changes are due based on actual driving load — not just mileage. Ford's published cap is 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The schedule below reflects Ford's Normal service intervals; F-Series trucks and Super Duty have additional towing-specific items.

Save this car as:

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Ford F-250.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake pedal loss of resistance and brake lock-up

SERVICE BRAKES

16 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2023-01

“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a left turn, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond and went to the floorboard. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stood on the brake pedal and the vehicle stopped”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11502160
“I HAVE 46000 MILES ON MY TRUCK AND FOUR TIMES MY REAR BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP ON ME. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED WITH 17000 MILES SO CAN NOT TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES IT HAS HAPPENED PREVIOUSLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11220814
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT SUNK TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY USING THE ELECTRIC BRAKE FROM A TRAILER BEING TOWED BY THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10893155

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator and EGR cooler coolant leak

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2019-08

“ON 2 OCT 2008, RADIATOR WAS DISCOVERED TO BE CRACKED AND LEAKING AT LEFT LOWER CORNER AT 6,240 MILES AND WAS REPLACED BY FORD UNDER 3YR/36000 WARRANTY. FORD INSTALLED DEGAS BOTTLE "T" FITTING TO ELIMINATE ANY FURTHER RADIATOR FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10512136
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE LOW ENGINE POWER WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE RADIATOR SEAL FRACTURED AND THE HOSES WERE LEAKING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10691615
“CPSC# I1310184A. 2008 FORD F-250. CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAS HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE COOLING SYSTEM. STATED THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING ALSO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10508006

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation

TIRES

11 NHTSA complaints · 2014-03 → 2025-07

“Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires LT275/70R18 D1 I purchased these tires on 11/08/2019. My truck had 166,736 miles it now has around 202,000. I experienced a blow out where the total tread separated from the rear driver side side walls”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673254
“TIRE HAD A FULL TREAD SEPERATION WHILE DOING 65 ON [XXX] IN BROWARD COUNTY FL CAUSED DAMAGE TO DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND ALLOY RIM , WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD WITH NO ACCIDENT TIRE SIZE WAS LT275 / 70 R18 AND HAD LESS THAN 12000 MILES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618970
“WE OWN A 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY TRUCK WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES. ON OR ABOUT 7/5/15, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE DEVELOPED TREAD FAILURE AS A PORTION OF THE TIRE TREAD BEGAN PEELING OFF WHILE TRAVELLING ON I-75”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11241495

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front-end death wobble at highway speed

STEERING, SUSPENSION

30 NHTSA complaints · 2013-03 → 2024-05

“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH on a bridge, the vehicle drove over potholes and the vehicle experienced the death wobble, causing the steering wheel to shake uncontrollably”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579750
“MY VEHICLE HAS A DEATH WOBBLE WHEN HITTING A BUMP AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. I RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM FORD THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES; SPECIAL FIELD ACTION 09L02 DATED JANUARY 2018”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073058
“ON MY DAILY COMMUTE TO WORK I EXPERIENCED WHAT I HAVE LATER RESEARCHED TO FIND OUT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". THE FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED WHILE MAINTAINING A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHICH WAS THE SUGGESTED ROAD SPEED LIMIT, AFTER RIDING OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10607347

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering gear box wear and loss of steering control

STEERING

30 NHTSA complaints · 2013-02 → 2019-08

“STEERING BOX WORN OUT AFTER 47000 MILES. EXCESSIVE PLAY THAT CANNOT BE ADJUSTED OUT BY ANY ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC. CAUSES ME TO OVER STEER THE VEHICLE TO KEEP CONTROL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10991853
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, A POPPING NOISE CAME FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE IN EITHER DIRECTION AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10979637
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND SWERVED OFF OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10659835

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump wiring harness failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2013-06 → 2015-08

“WE PURCHASED THIS 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY NEW AT THE FORD STORE IN SAN LEANDRO, CA ON JULY 21, 2007 AND CONTINUE TO BE THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4 TURBO-DIESEL ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO TSB 07-26-2 (WIRING HARNESS DEFECT ON HPFP) ISSUED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10704582
“SUMMARY: PURCHASED THIS 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY NEW AT A FORD DEALERSHIP IN FLA. ON FEB. 29, 2008 AND CONTINUE TO BE THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4 TURBO-DIESEL ENGINE. THIS VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO TSB 07-26-2 (WIRING HARNESS DEFECT ON HPFP) ISSUED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10759410
“THE WIRES SUPPLYING POWER TO THE HIGH PRESSURE OIL PUMP FRAYED. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE WIRES NOT BEING PROPERLY PROTECTED BY FORD (ACCORDING TO THE FORD DEALERSHIP). ONCE THE SHORT IN THE WIRE OCCURRED, MY TRUCK IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10650773

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine block failure requiring replacement

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250 The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the bottom of the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the engine block of the vehicle had fractured”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11625228
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SD. WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A CRACK IN THE NUMBER EIGHT CYLINDER WALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10904538
“The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving uphill at approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was HOT before the vehicle stalled”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668717

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic Motorcraft oil per the IOLM, or every 7,500-10,000 miles. EcoBoost engines require full synthetic; Coyote 5.0L V8 specifies SAE 5W-30.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 10,000 mi

Rotate tires every 10,000 miles, or with every other oil change. F-150 4x4 owners should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain bias wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid level every 10,000 miles. Front pads on F-150 and Explorer typically last 40,000-60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Ford specifies brake fluid replacement on an inspection basis, but moisture testing every 3 years is recommended. Replace if reading exceeds 3% water content.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the engine air filter every 30,000 miles. EcoBoost turbocharged engines are sensitive to airflow restriction — don't extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 150,000 mi

Ford 6R80, 10R80, and 8F transmissions use Mercon LV fluid rated 150,000 miles under normal service. Severe service (towing, plowing) drops this to 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On 4x4 models, replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Motorcraft XL-12 — do not substitute generic transfer case fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 100,000 mi

F-Series and Expedition: replace rear axle fluid every 100,000 miles, or 50,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip rear ends require friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on Coyote 5.0L, EcoBoost 2.7L/3.5L, and 2.3L are rated 100,000 miles. EcoBoost engines: never exceed the interval — gap erosion causes coil failure.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Motorcraft Orange (Dex-Cool compatible) coolant: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Older trucks with Yellow Motorcraft coolant: 50,000 miles throughout.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. On F-150, located behind the glove box; on Escape and Explorer, accessed from the passenger footwell.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

865 crashes 1990–2024

How the 865 occupant deaths break down

671

driver deaths

193

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

865

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

16

complaints mentioning a crash

7

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Ford F-250 reflects Ford's published service intervals and the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

Check another vehicle →