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2008 Ford F-350 Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Ford F-350 has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Radiator and engine cooling system leaks.” 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.

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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-350.

Reported to NHTSA

Radiator and engine cooling system leaks

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

15 NHTSA complaints · 2010-12 → 2016-02

“2008 FORD F350 6.4 DIESEL. JOB 1 TRUCK PRODUCTION LINE. 33,000 MILES, LEAKING RADIATOR. DEALER REPLACED AND DETERMINED DEFECTIVE. $1709.43 COST”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10368528
“THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO RADIATOR FAILURES. WE HAD THE DEALER DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR BOTH TIMES. EVERY TRUCK IN OUR FLEET OF 7 F-350'S HAS HAD AT LEAST TWO RADIATOR FAILURES AND FORD REFUSES TO WARRANT THE REPAIRS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10378564
“I BROUGHT THIS 2008 FORD F-350SD TO THE DEALER TODAY BECAUSE OF ANTI-FREEZE LEAKING FROM BOTTOM OF RADIATOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE TRUCK HAS ABOUT 16000 MILES ON IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10396152

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tire tread separation and wheel rim cracking

TIRES

18 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2021-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 SD EQUIPPED WITH BF GOODRICH RUGGED TERRAIN T/A TIRES, SIZE: 275/70R18. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TIRE TREAD DETACHED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10905837
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE PERSONNEL THAT THE RIM WAS FRACTURED AND HAD CAUSED THE BLOW OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10508250
“THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT 20" ALLOY RIM MOUNTED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF MY 2008 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY DEVELOPED A STRESS FRACTURE THAT WHEN IN MOTION AND SUPPORTING THE FULL WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, OPENS AND CLOSES WITH EACH ROTATION OF THE WHEEL, CAUSING AIR PRESSURE TO VENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10400037

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Death wobble front-end vibration at highway speed

STEERING, SUSPENSION

28 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2023-07

“I HAVE A 2008 FORD F-350 THAT I EXPERIENCED A VIOLENT, SHUDDERING, VIBRATION AT APPROXIMATELY 75 M.P.H. ON INTERSTATE-75 YESTERDAY, 09/19/2020, THAT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11360212
“I HAVE A 2008 F350 SINGLE REAR WHEEL!!!! DEATH WOBBLE WITH MY FRIENDS BOSTON WHALER GOING DOWN 495 TO THE CAPE!!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10592301
“2008 F-350 HAS WHAT THEY CALL THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND HAS A CONSTANT SHAKE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10319436

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering gearbox failure causing loss of steering control

STEERING

32 NHTSA complaints · 2010-11 → 2023-02

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 SD. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 12 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DETACHED FROM THE STEERING BOX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11176185
“AS I WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN TO FOLLOW THE DRIVE THROUGH LANE, A HEARD A METAL BREAKING SOUND FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10606385
“THERE WAS AN INTERNAL FAILURE OF THE STEERING GEAR BOX. THE SHAFT PIN SHREDDED OFF ALLOWING THE STEERING WHEEL TO SPIN FREELY WITH NO MOVEMENT TO THE WHEELS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10462146

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump failure and engine stall

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

18 NHTSA complaints · 2010-02 → 2026-01

“WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40MP WHEN THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED AND LOST POWER. THIS HAPPENED ON 2 MORE OCCASIONS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10560424
“2008 F350 FORD TRUCK, BAD HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. FORD REFUSING TO SUPPORT THEIR WARRANTY. RUNNING ROUGH, WITH NO HIGH END POWER. STALLED WHILE TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO BUSY TRAFFIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10456802
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY TRUCK PURCHASED NEW. HE STATED AFTER HAVING A REGULAR OIL CHANGE, HE NOTICED A LARGE OIL SPILLAGE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED REPLACING THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10304285

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Diesel exhaust regeneration system shutdown and fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2011-06 → 2025-03

“WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 F-350 SUPERDUTY DIESEL POWERED TRUCK AT 45 MPH FOR APPROX 2 MILES, RECEIVED MESSAGE " "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND COMPLETE POWER DOWN OF ENGINE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10420668
“EXHAUST GAS TEMP SENSOR ISSUE: DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THANK GOD I WASN'T TOWING MY 5TH WHEEL. GOT THE MESSAGE ON THE DASH "STOP SAFELY NOW" AND 10 SECONDS LATER THE TRUCK SHUT ITSELF OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10653018
“Items inside bed caught on fire due to exhaust cleaning system getting so hot to burn off pollution in DPF pipe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645692

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake caliper and master cylinder failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

10 NHTSA complaints · 2010-07 → 2023-05

“MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2011, WE WERE DRIVING ON A RURAL ROAD IN ROUTE TO SHARPS CHAPEL, TENNESSEE WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT PASSENGER CALIPER/ROTOR ASSEMBLY FAILED CAUSING SMOKING AND BURNING SMELL OF THE BRAKE SHOES FORCING ME TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490117
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-350 HD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING AN OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC NOTICED THE REAR BRAKES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE METAL ON METAL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10354620
“2008 FORD F-350 SD DIESEL 31000 MILES BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAD LAG BECAUSE THE BRAKES WERE STUCK ON ONCE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED THE SMELL OF THE BRAKE WAS VERY NOTICEABLE ALSO VERY HOT COULD NOT TOUCH THE WHEEL HUB”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10346052

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.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

13

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-350 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.

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