2008 Ford F-150

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 369 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 1 time.

Not among the Ford F-150 years to avoid. Which Ford F-150 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
61,500 milesMedian miles at failure

319 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Ford F-150 problems

61 of the 369 complaints (17%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering45
001
Engine44
010
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration32
1004
Power Train · transmission32
111
Air Bags · airbags25
19031
Electrical System24
040
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system15
010
Structure › Body · body and frame14
001
Unknown or Other13
111
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine13
131

2008 Ford F-150 engine problems

17% of all complaints

61 of the 369 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • knocks, grinds or clunks15% · 9
  • stalls13% · 8
  • sets off warning lights on the dash10% · 6
  • loses power8% · 5
  • smokes or smells of burning8% · 5
  • turns on the check engine light7% · 4

Share of the 61 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
82,000 mi
median of 53 reports
Peak year of filing
2014
8 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 5 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
“My 5.4 v8 triton motor timing came phasers are bad the truck runs fine when cold when it gets warmer up it rattles and shakes and stalls air bag light stays on I had to pull the fuse bc it beeps and warning light so it's not active”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 18, 2024
“Tl* the contact owns a 2008 FORD f-150. While operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Also, while idling, the vehicle shook and rattled. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered a crack in the exhaust manifold. The cause of the crack was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Sep 13, 2019 at 100,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2008: 32 complaints, 3 about the engine'082009: 21 complaints, 3 about the engine2010: 31 complaints, 2 about the engine'102011: 28 complaints, 2 about the engine2012: 20 complaints, 3 about the engine'122013: 33 complaints, 4 about the engine2014: 27 complaints, 8 about the engine'142015: 31 complaints, 7 about the engine2016: 32 complaints, 8 about the engine'162017: 22 complaints, 7 about the engine2018: 24 complaints, 1 about the engine'182019: 25 complaints, 5 about the engine2020: 11 complaints, 2 about the engine'202021: 5 complaints, 0 about the engine2022: 5 complaints, 1 about the engine'222023: 4 complaints, 1 about the engine2024: 11 complaints, 4 about the engine'242025: 6 complaints, 0 about the engine2026: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'26Recall 08V523000 (engine)NHTSA investigation PE08060
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2008 F-150 peaked in 2013, with 33 filed that year. Owners had filed 2 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 08V523000 in October 2008; 59 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.

1 safety recall

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling08V523000
Filed Oct 8, 2008213 vehiclesRoush Performance Products, Inc.

Defect. ROUSH IS RECALLING 213 MY 2007-2008 FORD F-150 TRUCKS ALTERED TO OPERATE USING LIQUID PROPANE INJECTION. THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER AFFIXED TO THE INSIDE OF THE AIRBOX LID WITH ADHESIVE MAY BECOME DISLODGED DURING OPERATION.

Risk. THIS FAILURE MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF PERFORMANCE, ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) AND, IN EXTREME CASES, A STALLING OF THE VEHICLE DURING OPERATION WITHOUT NOTICE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIRBOX LID WITH A NEW ONE THAT INCLUDES THE HYDRO-CARBON PAPER WHICH HAS BEEN AFFIXED USING AN ADHESIVE PROMOTER AND GREATER PRESSURE AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 21, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROUSH AT 1-866-307-6788.

All 1 campaign on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. One names the 2008 F-150.

TIRE VALVE CRACKINGPreliminary evaluation PE08060Closed
Opened Oct 14, 2008Closed Apr 9, 2009tires

On october 14, 2008, odi opened pe08-060 to investigate allegations of cracked and leaking snap-in tire valves in model year (my) 2007 vehicles manufactured by FORD motor company.the valves were supplied to FORD by topseal auto-parts, a subsidiary of the shanghai baolong automotive corporation in china.valves made by topseal for aftermarket sale were the subject of two recent safety recalls by tech international (08t-018) and dill air controls (08t-028), the latter of which was investigated by odi in pe08-036 and ea08-022.the defect conditions addressed by the aftermarket tire valve recalls …

Technical service bulletins

39 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2008 F-150. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 10engine 7equipment 6body and frame 5electrical system 4wheels 3parking brake 1fuel system 1
DOR-N3Z7B-03Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 7, 2020engine

This SKU is an Oil Dipstick. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect the dipstick tube. The dipstick tube inner diameter may be small enough that it prevents installation of the OE dipstick.

SSM 47331Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2018engine

Various vehicles equipped with a 4.6L, 5.4L, 6.8L modular 3 valve engine built on or before 8-Jan-2016 may exhibit symptoms that may include upper end engine noise, rough running, misfire and/or engine damage. If diagnosis leads to only camshaft/camshaft roller follower(s) requiring replacement, replace all of the camshaft roller followers on both …

SSM 46085Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 21, 2016engine

The Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual has been revised for diagnosing electronic throttle bodies (ETBs). The ETC_ACT and ETC_DSD PIDs should not used to diagnose possible ETB concerns. The IDS has a limited refresh rate when reading these PIDs and cannot display quickly enough to validate a concern. The PCM automatically monitors these …

TSB-14-0114Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 30, 2014engine

LINCOLN/FORD: WHEN DRIVING FROM IDLE UP TO 1200 RPM, THERE MAY BE AN INTERMITTENT RATTLE NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. 2004-2013 F-150, F-250, F-350, EXPEDITION, MARK LT, NAVIGATOR. *PE

SB-21434Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 1, 2010engine

FORD: SUPPLY/RETURN LINES INSTALLATION AT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP-REVISED WASHER FOR TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 6.4L ENGINES. WHEN INSTALLING SUPPLY OR RETURN LINES AT HIGH PRESSURE PUMP ON DIESEL ENGINES, DO NOT USE THE BONDED STYLE WASHER (W302870), USE ONLY THE HYBRID STYLE WASHER (W303659). *PE

20228Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsApr 1, 2008engine

1999-2008 7.3L/6.0L/6.4L/4.5L DIESEL F-SUPER DUTY - CLEAN THE CHARGE AIR COOLER (CAC) SYSTEM AFTER CERTAIN TURBO OR ENGINE FAILURES - SERVICE TIP. *NJ

Showing the newest 6 of 7 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2008 Ford F-150 Regular Cab———★★★★★19.8%
2008 Ford F-150 Supercab———★★★★★19.8%
2008 Ford F-150 Supercrew 4-DR.———★★★★★19.8%

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Sep 3, 2026IN

The driver side air bag went off while reversing out of my home. The air bag went off while my arm was across the steering wheel. Powder went in my eyes from it and my arm was bruised and burned from the impact. It hurt so bad that my I had someone pick me up from home and drive me to the hospital. I also had my ear drums ringing for a good while. No police has inspected it as it happened at my home and there were no warning lights for it on. I didn’t hit anything either. I was simply reversing when it went off.

Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Dec 11, 2025MN

The mirrors are not convex, the do not meet safety standards for viewable angles. Impossible to use to back up.

Wheels
Filed Nov 25, 2025IA

Walmart Auto Center installed the incorrect tire size 255/70R17 on my factory setup with factory wheels. Westlake SU318 All Season 255/70R17 112T SUV/crossover tires were installed in place of the correct size 245/70R17 tires. Walmart is refusing to fix my truck and I had the brake lines blow out 3 weeks after installing the tires. I am a current threat to the public and myself driving with these incorrect tires. Walmart will not replace the tires. Walmart is attempting to coverup this by not providing the information to carfax. I have submitted a carfax update case#XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Aug 26, 2025135,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle and became aware that the gear shifter was not in park(P). The contact inspected the gear shift lever, and the gear shifter was in the park(P); however, the contact was unable to move the gear shift lever. The contact depressed the brake pedal, moved the gear shift lever, and was able to restart the vehicle. A mobile mechanic arrived at the residence and replaced the shifter cable, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while arriving at her sister's residence, the failure reoccurred. The shift indicator displayed that the vehicle was not in park(P). However, the gear shifter lever was in park(P). A neighbor stopped by and assisted the contact by going underneath the vehicle and manually shifting the gear. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The failure had progressively worsened, and the vehicle was no longer driven. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Unknown or Other1 injured
Filed Apr 21, 2025VA

The grab handle on drivers side that is put there to assist the driver to enter the vehicle is the issue. On 4/17/2025 I was attempting to enter my truck. I am severely disabled. I grabbed the handle that is attached to the A pillar as I have hundreds of times since I bought the truck in 2008. I am the original owner. Vehicle only has about 36,000 miles on it. As I was pulling myself in the entire handle detached from the A pillar sending me into a bad fall onto my driveway. Luckily I was not seriously injured. I'm 6'4 190 pounds, so its not like I'm terribly heavy. The next day I went to see just what happened and removed the the handle assembly. I was shocked to find that it is not attached to the steel A pillar. A steel plate is attached to the pillar under the handle but the handle is anchored to that plate only by two plastic wells that the screws go through. Both of the bottoms of those wells broke clean off which then allowed the entire assembly to pull away from the A pillar. I did some research and there is like a 5 year period of this being a known issue. I found dozens of examples of the exact same failure online. There is no "better" replacement part available either. I'm shocked that Ford would not secure this handle into the frame. Something thats meant to assist people entering the vehicle that will be pulled on anchored with PLASTC?? Ford needs issue a recall for this and provide a fix. If i had been 4 inches closer to my brick wall corner of my house I would

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 4, 2025IA

The truck has a body frame that was cracked in several spots and welded back together in more then 5 different spots and the welding job is very poor. The truck has a power steering line leak, cvs axle leaks and a exhaust manifold leak. The dealership fixed upper ball joints when we agreed on lower and upper in the front. They added a exhaust but did not do the job correctly with completing the job and the welding of it. Ive made a complaint with the loan company and i as well have talked to the owner of the dealership and he fights that none of those things are wrong with the truck and im lying but i have had a inspection done on the truck. When i got the truck i looked it over and so did my brother i pointed the issues of what needed fixed that i could see and that was not done. I then started having issues with the truck and took it to a mechaninc and had an inspection done

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 20, 2025KY

Door fails to close and latch shut. Several other recalls on this issue but my vin was not included. I am currently not able to drive the car with out the door falling open Related recalls provided to me by Ford 17s33 19n06 18n03

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 20, 2024WV

See attached document for complaint.

Engine
Filed Sep 18, 2024OH

My 5.4 v8 triton motor timing came phasers are bad the truck runs fine when cold when it gets warmer up it rattles and shakes and stalls air bag light stays on I had to pull the fuse bc it beeps and warning light so it's not active

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2024TX

Vehicle will not go into reverse. After research and reviews of this transmission in this year model, the reverse band is a known issue by Ford. Even the transmissions installed for replacement have bad reverse bands. There was a service advisory put out by ford but the advisory is no longer available. The reverse band is weak and the incorrect part was installed from factory.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 20, 2024ND

The defroster does not blow. There is an issue with the actuator and although the air can be heard blowing, the air is restricted at the firewall. Per the dealership, it is a known issue. I can't drive my truck in winter because it won't defrost. I live in Fargo, ND.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 3, 2024FL

I experienced a loss in power while driving and not driving, as well as locking my keys in the vehicle once It would not unlock. The gear shifting knob stopped due to what seemed like resistance an the damaged caused by sales man to the top plunger cap just after i paid. Recently the battery and the alternator are not working and when power is ran through the vehicle, an obvious sound of a live cable buzzing in the rear cab exterior light and seemed to be spliced in a n unsafe way.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 30, 2024TX

My emergency brake doesn't work and light is on,and air bags did not deploy when I was hit from behind.

EngineFire
Filed Jun 11, 2024TX

Vehicle caught on fire from the engine compartment while driving. Total loss, Fire Department responded to the scene. Two persons on board of the vehicle had to escape the fire, pulled over and jumped out.

Power Train
Filed May 23, 202439,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound. The vehicle was driven to a nearby parking lot. In addition, the engine seized. The contact restarted the vehicle; however, the gear shifter failed to shift to the intended gear. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The contact stated that due to the failure, the contact was stranded at night in a dark parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 18, 2024155,000 milesDC

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that the starter and the computer were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a possible liquid propane injection system failure. The contact stated that after researching, the failure was like the failure described in NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V523000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

Power Train
Filed Feb 8, 2024FL

Lost reverse completely which is apparently a know issue

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 20, 2024NY

When stepping on brake peddle gos so far Dow foot hits accelerator pedal causing the truck to lunge forward as if accelerator stuck. Nearly caused accident, dealer said there was no fix to raise the brake pedal.

Tires
Filed Dec 1, 2023TX

LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON EVEN AFTER GETTING AIR AT DISCOUNT TIRES. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY HAD A BLOWOUT. ONLY SIDE WALL CAME APART. FIRESTONE DESTINATION LE3 265/60R18 110T M+S

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 15, 202332,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered that the sub frame had experienced severe rusting and corrosion. The contact was advised that the vehicle was unsafe to operate. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure put no assistance was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 32,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 15, 2023144,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic for service and the contact was informed by the mechanic that there was severe corrosion on the subframe. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2023CA

My F150 will run great until it warms up and then it will run rough, shows low oil pressure, and stalls at stops and while driving at low speeds. I have taken it to two mechanics and have spent thousands of dollars without fixing this problem. This has been an ongoing issue and started in Sept. 2022

Power Train
Filed Dec 14, 2022GA

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

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 3, 2022FL

During an accident that totaled the car, air bags didn’t deployed.

Power Train
Filed Aug 31, 2022ID

Transmission fluid pouring out from dipstick tube oring while parked.

Engine and Engine CoolingCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 24, 2022167,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH and rounding a right-hand bend, the steering wheel veered to the left direction. The contact stated the "tire pressure" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle crashed into a guard rail on the driver's side and flipped over the rail and landed on the driver's side. The contact said that there was damage to the front fender, driver's and passenger door, and rear quarter panel. The contact said he had received medical attention on-site for minor lacerations to his left hand and bruising on his left shoulder. The police wrote an incident report. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact said that a day prior to the crash he had smelled a burning smell coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign: 08V523000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 21, 2022OH

The three rear brake lights stay on all the time, even after the truck is turned off and key removed. The malfunction is definitely available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and others are put at risk, because vehicles behind me don't know when I'm actually applying the brake. This safety defect has been an issue (off and on} for the last 2 years. I'm apprehensive about taking my truck to a Ford Dealership, due to an expense that I shouldn't be responsible for. I have not been able to drive my truck for the last 3 months, due to this safety defect. My truck hasn't been inspected by police or insurance representatives, because I haven't been in a fatal accident yet. I'm the original owner.

Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 2021164,000 milesFL

THE REAR END WENT OUT CANNOT GO IN REVERSE

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 9, 2021145,000 milesTX

THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON AN EXIT ON INTERSTATE (I-610 LOOP SOUTH IN HOUSTON). MY SON CAME TO A STOP WHEN CAR IN FRONT STOPPED ABRUPTLY. THIS IS WHEN MY SON WAS REAR ENDED BY 2016 F-250 THAT WAS TOWING HORSE TRAILER. THIS PUSHED MY SON'S TRUCK INTO THE CAR IN FRONT. IMPACT COMPLETELY BUCKLED MY SON'S TRUCK BED AND DAMAGED THE FRONT AND THE INSIDE CABIN. BOTH THE FRONT SEATS BROKE (BACK RECLINING PORTION SNAPPED BACKWARD) PLUS NEITHER AIRBAGS INFLATED FROM THE IMPACT. SO MY QUESTION IS WHY WOULD THE FRONT SEATS SNAP BACKWARDS (IS IT DESIGN FLAW?) AND WHY DIDN'T THE AIRBAGS INFLATE FROM THE IMPACT TO THE CAR IN FRONT? FROM THE DAMAGE TO ALL THE VEHICLES INVOLVED YOU CAN SEE THAT IT WAS A VERY HARD IMPACT.

Power Train
Filed Feb 22, 202198,000 milesPA

CV ON RIGHT FRONT AXLE CLUNKING WHEN DRIFTING IN NEUTRAL IN MOTION ON CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT

Air Bags
Filed Jan 22, 2021200,036 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR MECHANIC TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,036.*DT*JB

Power Train
Filed Jan 21, 202182,000 milesMO

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 82,000 MILES, BUT BECAUSE OF THE LOW MILEAGE IT WAS NO LONGER COVERED UNDER THE NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY AND HAD TO SPEND OVER $5,000 FOR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. THE VEHICLE RARELY USED FOR TOWING AND NEVER OFF-ROAD AND HAS BEEN TREATED LIKE A BABY.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 14, 202091,000 milesVA

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED FROM A DEALERSHIP IN VIRGINIA AND THERE IS EXTREME PREMATURE FRAME CORROSION AND RUST. THE EXTERIOR BODY DOES NOT EXHIBIT SPOTS OR SURFACE RUST ON VISIBLE BODY PANELS. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME IS RUSTED AND IS CRACKED UNDER BED AND REAR WHEEL WELLS. THE FRAME MAY NO LONGER SUPPORT WEIGHT OF VEHICLE DUE TO THE RUST HOLES AND LONGITUDINAL CRACKS FORMED ON THE BOTTOM AND SIDE FRAME SURFACES AT THE STRESS POINT BEFORE THE REAR WHEEL BEND. THIS CAR WILL NOT PASS THE STATE INSPECTION. FORD IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS RECALLED 385,762 FORD ESCAPE MODELS-YEAR 2001-2004 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 28, 2020VA

A PILLAR POST ASSIST HANDLE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BROKE LOOSE WHEN I WAS ENTERING THE VEHICLE,I FAILED BACK OUT THE VEHICLE HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVERS DOOR, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE MY DRIVEWAY,THE ASSIST HANDLE WAS INSTALLED WITH SCREWS INTO PLASTIC NOT GOOD,COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL IT VEHICLE WAS ON CITY STREET OR A HIGHWAY,ETC

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Oct 23, 2020176,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HELD THE DOOR HANDLE TO STEP UP INTO THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE DOOR HANDLE DETACHED. THE CONTACT FELL AND HIT HIS HEAD ON THE DOOR AND THEN FELL ONTO THE NEIGHBORING VEHICLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT SOUGHT HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM HEADACHES. THE CONTACT CONTACTED RICHMOND FORD WEST (10751 W BROAD ST, GLEN ALLEN, VA 23060; (804) 273-9700) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HANDLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 25, 2020108,024 milesMD

BRAKES FAILED, TWICE. AUGUST 2020, AUGUST 2019. BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT AND BRAKE PETAL WENT TO FLOOR, BOTH TIMES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED. WHEN PUT IN GEAR, BRAKE WENT TO FLOOR AFTER TWO SOFT PUMPS AS VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD.

Engine
Filed May 24, 2020TX

MY TRUCK TIMING BELTS HAVE BIN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN THE LAS 3 YRS. IT STARTS BY MAKING THE ENGINE JUMP THE RPM GO BELOW 300 AND IT SHUTS OFF AS I APPROACH A STOP SIGN OR A LIGHT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER COMES ON IT JUST SHUTS OFF AND IT WONT DRIVE. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2020200,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. ON SOME OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO START. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO ROUSH TRANSITION TO PROPANE ON THE FORD F-150. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V523000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 13, 202072,177 milesHI

MY ABS/BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. A COUPLE OF WEEKS PRIOR TO THE LIGHTS APPEARED I TOOK THE TRUCK IN FOR SERVICE. MY COMPLAINT THE BRAKES FELT SPONGY WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKES. I WAS INFORMED NO PROBLEM FOUND.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 12, 20207,000 milesPA

I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ROTORS SINCE I BOUGHT TRUCK IN 09', A MONTH OR 2 AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD ROTORS CHANGED AND THEN EVERY 3 TO 4 MONTHS AFTER THAT. MY FRONT WHEELS ARE BLACK AFTER 2 WEEKS OF DRIVING. I HAVE NEVER PULLED A TRAILER WITH THIS TRUCK AND THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN USED LIGHTLY. ALSO AFTER 12 YEARS OLD, MECHANIC TOLD ME YESTERDAY I HAVE A YEAR OR 2 BEFORE MY FRAME IS GOING COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU AND BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Mar 22, 2020140,000 milesWI

CAM PHASERS WENT OUT TWICE BEFORE 150K. STEERING SHAFT AND STEERING FLUID LINES RUST OUT AROUND 150K.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 7, 202089,000 milesMI

THE VEHICLE HAS STARTED TAKING LONGER TO STOP SO I REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ALL AROUND, THIS DID NOTHING TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. IT FEELS LIKE THE SYSTEM IS TELLING ITSELF TO NOT BRAKE USING THE ABS EVEN ON DRY ROADS OR JUST NOT APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES.

Steering
Filed Feb 7, 2020119,000 milesMI

THREE MONTHS AGO I HEARD A POP NOISE UNDER THE HOOD THEN SHORTLY AFTER THE STEERING BEGAN TO FEEL STIFF EVEN ON THE RETURN AFTER TURNING I NEEDED TO HELP.UPON INSPECTION I FOUND THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT JOINTS ARE EXTREMELY CORRODED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED UPON CHECKING THIS SEEMS T BE A LARGE PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD MUCH OLDER VEHICLES THAT HAVE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 31, 201972,000 milesTX

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE SPEEDS UP LIKE THE ACCELERATOR IS BEING PRESSED. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A TURN BUT THE TRUCK DID NOT SLOW DOWN BUT ACCELERATED. THE SECOND TIME IT OCCURRED, I WAS BACKING UP AND PRESSED THE BRAKE WHEN I WAS FINISHED BUT THE TRUCK ACCELERATED BACKWARDS. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED, I THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A MISTAKE WHERE I HAD MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED, I KNOW THAT I WAS ONLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY OCCUR WHEN IN TRAFFIC, CAUSING ME TO RUN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE ACCELERATION ONLY OCCURS FOR A FEW SECONDS BUT I AM COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL OF MY TRUCK FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 26, 2019127,940 milesVT

MY MOTOR HAD STARTED TICKING A BIT BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2018 I ADDED SOME OIL AND IT WENT AWAY. THEN, IN JANUARY 2019 I HAD ENGINE CODES. PLUGGED MY SCAN TOOL IN AND SAID I NEEDED BOTH CAMSHAFT SENSORS, MISFIRE ON CYLINDERS 1, 3, & 7. REPLACED ALL 8 PLUGS AND COILS, MOTOR HAD 123XXX MILES. DROVE ANOTHER 4000 MILES AND THE SAME PROBLEMS PERSISTED AND GOT WORSE. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSIS ON THE MISFIRES AND ENGINE TICK, COME TO FIND OUT IT IS A 'LIFTER TAP', SHAVINGS OF ALUMINUM IN MY OIL AND PLUGGING UP THE LIFTERS. MECHANIC SAID TO GET A NEW MOTOR, DON'T BOTH TRYING TO FIX IT. I BOUGHT IT USED WITH 119XXX AND TRUCK RAN FINE IN AUGUST OF 2018.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Nov 22, 2019115,600 milesUT

HAD CRUISE CONTROL SET WHILE DRIVING ALONG FREEWAY. NEEDED TO SLOW DOWN AND TAPPED BRAKE TO RELEASE CRUISE CONTROL. NOTHING HAPPENED. PRESSED BRAKE AGAIN TO SLOW DOWN AND ENGINE POWER INCREASED TO COINCIDE WITH CRUISE CONTROL SETTING. MANUALLY SHUT OFF CRUISE CONTROL AND IT DISABLED. CRUISE CONTROL CURRENTLY WILL NOT SHUT OFF BY UTILIZING BRAKE SYSTEM.

Air BagsCrash4 injured
Filed Nov 22, 2019119,000 milesCO

I,(MR.[XXX])WAS DRIVING MY GRANDCHILDREN HOME AND THEY LIVE @1025 [XXX] DR.,AND WAS DRIVING ON A DIRT ROAD AND SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING A DEER,AND OVERSTEERED AND HIT A LARGE TREE HEAD ON AND THE AIR-BAGS DID NOT EMPLOY,LEAVING US WITH ALL KINDS OF MEDICAL COST,THANKS TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY(GEICO) [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

Engine
Filed Nov 6, 2019202,000 milesSC

PLASTIC TIMING GUIDES ARE RIPPED FROM MOUNTING LOCATION BY TIMING CHAINS AND DROP INTO THE OIL SYSTEM, USUALLY CAUSING LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE, CONTAMINATED OIL, TRASH-FILLED MOTOR, AND ACCELERATED WEAR OF THE TIMING CHAINS, RESULTING IN ENGINE DAMAGE. USUALLY THE GUIDES BREAK OFF AT OR BEFORE 100,000 MILES AND THE CHAINS NEED REPLACING BETWEEN 120,000 AND 200,000 MILES, DEPENDING ON HOW THE TRUCK IS DRIVEN. METAL REPLACEMENT GUIDES ARE AVAILABLE AT MOST SHOPS AND ONLINE PARTS STORES.PRICES RANGE BETWEEN $10 AND $40. OCCURS IN 4.6L AND 5.4L V8 ENGINES.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Oct 9, 201970,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, HE SMELLED EXHAUST FUMES INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CAUSEWAY FORD LINCOLN (LOCATED AT 375 NJ-72, STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ 08050, (609) 597-8083), WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH EXHAUST MANIFOLDS, GASKET, AND HARDWARE BOLTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *CW CONSUMER STATED HE HAS SOLD THE VEHICLE.*JB

Power Train
Filed Oct 7, 2019154,000 milesNH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FORD OF LONDONDERRY (33 NASHUA RD, LONDONDERRY, NH 03053) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 369, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270300Routine
202612800Routine
20251091440Routine
20241951140Routine
20234181340Above average
20226042370Above average
20211,0422940Do not drive
20207421140Above average
20191,345970Above average
20182,32719333Fatalities reported
20171,46518210High concern
20162,09314250High concern
20151,74614133Fatalities reported
20141,5398161Do not drive
20132,9943354Fatalities reported
20121,7844142Fatalities reported
20112,1946190Above average
20108431350High concern
2009324280Above average
2008 — this page3691122Fatalities reported
20074887131Fatalities reported
200658514181Fatalities reported
20051,11214292Fatalities reported
20042,02916406Fatalities reported
200342311371Fatalities reported
200282110950High concern
20011,236192487Fatalities reported
20001,075173431Fatalities reported
19991,044186911Fatalities reported
19981,38118911Fatalities reported
19972,7582626214Fatalities reported
19963247752Fatalities reported
199562671142Fatalities reported
1994676131010High concern
199358613211Fatalities reported
19924709395Fatalities reported
19913046410High concern
19902755320High concern

Compare every F-150 year →

2008 Ford F-150: questions buyers ask

Is the 2008 Ford F-150 a good car?

It is not among the F-150 years to avoid. Owners filed 369 complaints, against about 843 for a typical F-150 year. The most common complaint is about the engine (17%).

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford F-150?

The engine: 61 of the 369 complaints (17%) are about it. Owners most often say it knocks, grinds or clunks (15%), stalls (13%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (10%). The typical report comes at 82,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2008 Ford F-150 have?

1 safety recall on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 8, 2008. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-150 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 61,500 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 82,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2008 Ford F-150?

Yes, once. PE08060 ("TIRE VALVE CRACKING") was opened Oct 14, 2008 and closed Apr 9, 2009.

Are there service bulletins for the 2008 Ford F-150?

The manufacturer filed 39 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (10), the engine (7) and the body and frame (5). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 8, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.