2008 Ford F-450 SD

Routine

Owners filed 68 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the Ford F-450 SD years to avoid. Which Ford F-450 SD years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
34,090 milesMedian miles at failure

57 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 10,000–20,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Ford F-450 SD problems

37 of the 68 complaints (54%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine11
000
Engine11
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · engine6
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine4
101
Steering3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system3
000
Fuel System, Diesel · fuel system3
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration2
000
Unknown or Other2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Filed Feb 28, 200887,515 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. 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. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." SOME 40% SPLIT AND CAPTAIN'S CHAIR DRIVER'S SEATS, EQUIPPED WITH LUMBAR SUPPORTS, MAY HAVE IMPROPER WELDS AT THE JOINT OF THE SEAT BACK PIVOT BRACKET AND THE SEAT BACK FRAME.

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

Remedy. 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.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)07V139000
Filed Mar 26, 200733,169 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES IN THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY RESULT FROM EXCESS HYDROCARBONS IN THE EXHAUST.

Risk. LACK OF POWER OR ROUGH OPERATION, UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE ENGINE OR EXHAUST, WHITE SMOKE FROM THE EXHAUST, AND POTENTIALLY A VISIBLE FLAME OUT THE TAILPIPE CAN OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery07V140000
Filed Mar 26, 20071,022 vehiclesFord Motor Company

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE OF THE BATTERY POSITIVE (B+) WIRE TO THE RIGHT HAND SPLASH SHIELD BOLT MAY RESULT IN THE BATTERY B+ WIRE CONTACTING THE SPLASH SHIELD BOLT.

Risk. 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.

Remedy. 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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Sep 20, 2024164,176 milesCA

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the transfer case exploded, and the front windshield shattered. No injuries were sustained; however, several other vehicles sustained cosmetic damage. No warning light was illuminated. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the transfer case, drive shaft assembly, fuel injection pump, fuel lines, and transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,176.

Engine
Filed Jan 9, 201915,000 milesGA

FUEL TANK DELAMINATION LEADING TO BLOWN ENGINE X2 AND FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT X2. I USE NO ADDITIVES AND BUY ONLY COMMERCIAL FUEL ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 28, 2016200,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Oct 4, 201628,900 milesWY

ENTERED ON 10/04/2016 AT 2:45:07 PM EDT (GMT-0400) BY [email protected]: SENDER NAME: SENDER EMAIL: SUBJECT: FORD F-450 COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS COMMENTS: I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW IN 2008 AND DROVE IT CROSS COUNTRY TOWING MY 5TH WHEEL. AT 4,544 MILES THE RADIATOR BLEW APART. (DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER FIGHTING WITH FORD. AT 6,065 MILES I HAD ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM LEAK.(DRIVING LOCAL) THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE "SMALL" RADIATOR, THE "FUEL AND TURBO" COOLER. AT 21432 MILES THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.(DRIVING/TOWING/LOCAL) SHOP STATED THAT "FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED" (THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY FORD) AT 22215 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT REAR AXLE SEAL, BRAKE PADS AND LOWER CAC HOSE FOR TURBO REPLACED.( DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) NOW AT 29,017 MILES THE RADIATOR TANKS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE CORE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH THE CRANK SEAL AND ANOTHER POWER STEERING PUMP.( COMBINATION, HIGHWAY/LOCAL/TOWING? NOT TOWING) I HAVE CHECKED WITH FORD AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY REFUSE TO COVER ANY OF THIS, OR ANY PART, UNDER WARRANTY. I HAVE ALSO DONE RESEARCH ON THESE TRUCKS HAVING FOUND MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME COOLING SYSTEM ISSUES ALONG WITH OTHER ISSUES THAT FORD REFUSED TO COVER. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE, I THINK THEY NEED TO HAVE A RECALL ON THE COOLING SYSTEMS IN THEIR TRUCKS. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS. I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPON

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
Filed Jul 8, 2016FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER THE CONTACT REMOVED AND RECONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST FUEL RECIRCULATION VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Structure › Body
Filed May 24, 2016100,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AS THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THE DOOR FAILED TO LATCH IN A SECURED POSITION. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE DOOR LATCHED PROPERLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TEN TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 22, 201695,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. AFTER WATER WAS ADDED TO THE RADIATOR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER LEAKED OUT OF THE HOSE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED RADIATOR FLUID FROM THE HOSE. IN ADDITION, THE EGR COOLER MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONER TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR COOLER, RADIATOR, AND HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 20, 201661,000 milesPA

I HAVE 2008 FORD F450 WITH 60 K MILES AND RADIATOR START LEAKING AT THE BOTTOM AND IT WAS BUILDING PREASSURE ON THE TOP OF ATIFREAZE BOX AND HEAT AIR STOPED WORKING AND FORD DEALER THAT I BOUGHT FROM DISNT COVER THE WARRANTY I PAID 1400$ TO GET PROBLEM FIXED AND IT SECOND RADIATOR THAT I CHANGED FROM MY POCKET !!!! I THINK FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR ALL 2008-2014 POWER STROKE DIESEL ENGINES

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2015122,000 milesVA

INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE ON 2008 FORD F450SD 6.4L TRUCKS ON THE BOLTS THAT ARE USED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR THE EXHAUSTS. HAVE A BOLT THAT BROKE THAT IS NOW CAUSING A WHISTLING SOUND UNDER ACCELERATION AND EXHAUST FUMES TO ESCAPE. ON THE DRIVER SIDE FOUR OTHER BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF IN THE HEAD UNIT THAT WILL REQUIRE FOR THE ENGINE OR CAB TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE BOLTS. THE REPAIR FACILITY MY TRUCK IS LOCATED HAS FOUR OTHER 6.4L FORD SUPER DUTY TRUCKS SITTING THEIR FOR THE SAME REPAIRS. SEEMS TO ME THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TYPE OF STUDS AND BOLTS THE MANUFACTURER USED. RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE OTHER TRUCKS WERE F250, F350, AND F450 SUPER DUTY 6.4L TURBO DIESEL. THE EXHAUST FUMES IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD.

Engine
Filed Sep 15, 2015122,000 milesVA

FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR FAULTY BOLTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ONE BOLT BROKEN OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT DEALS WITH THE EXHAUST CAUSING A WHISTLING SOUND UNDER ACCELERATION. FOUR BOLTS BROKE OFF ON THE DRIVER SIDE THAT GO INTO THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. IMPOSSIBLE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THESE BOLTS UNLESS YOU PULL THE ENGINE OUT IN ORDER TO REPLACE. FORD NEEDS TO HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE FAULTY HARDWARE AND REPLACE THIS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.

Engine
Filed Jun 30, 201568,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS GAUGE STARTED TO FLUCTUATE ABNORMALLY AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM STARTED TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE COOLER, COOLANT, THERMOSTAT, AS WELL AS THE OIL AND OIL FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/02/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO BOOST BRAKE SYSTEM WAS SLOWLY LEAKING. UPDATED 12/7/2015*JS

Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2015124,000 milesTX

I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFYER STOPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND LOSS POWER. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TURBO PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED. I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT A MANAFOLD BOLT HAD BROKEN WHICH CAUSED A BAD EXHUAST LEAK. REPAIR COST WAS $3500. I DROVE THE TRUCK LESS THAN 50 MILES OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN WITH LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD EXPLODED AND SENT METAL DEBRIS THROUGH OUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS THEN TOLD THE REPAIR COST WERE GOING TO $7500 ($6000 FOR PARTS AND $1500 FOR LABOR). THIS IS A BAD FORD ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY FORD AS WELL AS A RECALL ON ALL MODELS USING THE SAME HPFP ASSEMBLY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 26, 20158,200 milesOH

WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS.TRUCK ONLY USED TO HAUL DRINKING WATER. THAT IS WHY THE MILEAGE IS LOW. IN MARCH WE SMELLED GASOLINE IN DRIVE BUT WE HAVE SEVERAL CARS AND COULDN'T PINPOINT PROBLEM OR SEE GAS ON GROUND. WE HAD FILLED UP THE TRUCK AND THOUGHT MAYBE SOME GAS HAD SPILLED. AFTER THAT WE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENCES OF DRIVING DOWN ROAD 40-60 MPH AND TRUCK SLOWED TO 20MPH. IT STALLED AND CAME TOA COMPLETE STOP ON A FEW OCCASIONS. WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART IT. LOCAL SHOP RAN DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND NOTHING WAS EVIDENT. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER TODAY AND MECHANIC SAYS THE GAS TANK HAS IMPLODED DUE TO CRACK AND DIRT GOT IN AND FUEL PUMP IS CLOGGED. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY INCIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO OUR VEHICLE AND NO INCIDENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO SPLIT. WE FOUND ON THE INTERNET A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2012 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND MODEL OF VEHICLE WE HAVE.WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OR POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO STEER TO THE BERM.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Jan 29, 2015MN

2008 FORD F450 CREW CAB. CONSUMER STATES CAR HAD TWO MAJOR MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO AND ENGINE BLEW OUT FIVE DAYS APART. *JB

Steering
Filed Dec 3, 2014170,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BOLT IN THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME DETACHED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE AND AFTER ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Power Train
Filed Nov 27, 201485,600 milesIA

DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WHEN SUDDENLY FELT TRUCK VIBRATION. AS I PULLED OFF TO EXIT - HEARD AND FELT WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION FROM UNDERNEATH. WHEN GOT OUT TO LOOK UNDERNEATH, NOTED THAT HALF OF THE TRANSFER CASE WAS GONE; THERE WAS OIL SPILLED ALL OVER THE GROUND AND GEARS LAYING ON TOP OF THE CROSS MEMBER. HAD TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED. TECHNICIAN SAID THE DRIVE SHAFT AND TRANSFER CASE NEEDED REPLACING. UNABLE TO SAY WHY IT OCCURRED. CHARGES OVER $3,000.00. HAD JUST RECENTLY HAD IN SHOP BECAUSE OF NOISE FROM WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT, BUT TECHNICIAN COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AT THAT TIME. BOUGHT THIS USED TRUCK JUST 9 MONTHS EARLIER 2014. PLAN TO SPEAK TO OWNER OF DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF WE CAN NEGOTIATE THIS HUMONGOUS CHARGE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Sep 17, 2014CO

2008 FORD F-450 BASED TYPE I AMBULANCE. CONTACT ALLEGES THAT IMPROPER MANUFACTURING OF 6.4L POWERSTROKE DIESEL ENGINE CYLINDER NUMBER 8 RESULTED IN REDUCED COMPRESSION AND EXCESSIVE BLOW BY OF COMBUSTION GASES AND PARTICULATE MATTER. REPORTED CONSEQUENCE INCLUDES ENGINE STALL, REDUCED POWER, NO START CONDITION, EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSOR CONTAMINATION AND CATASTROPHIC TURBOCHARGER DAMAGE. ENGINE PROBLEMS HAD NEGATIVE IMPACT ON DELIVERY OF AMBULANCE SERVICES.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 16, 201466,462 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,462.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 30, 2014SC

I TRAVEL FOR WORK AND DRIVE MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF RENTAL CARS. I HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING OCCUR IN MORE MODELS THAN I CAN REMEMBER. VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. ROOT CAUSE: THE ELEVATION / SPACING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR. OPERATOR ERROR CONTRIBUTES TO THE PROBLEM ALSO. PEOPLE HAVE A TENDENCY TO ROLL THEIR FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEPENDING ON THE ANGLE OF THEIR FOOT, THE EDGE OF THEIR SHOE WILL HANG OVER THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN THEY APPLY THE BRAKE THEY ALSO APPLY THE GAS. THE ENGINE TORQUE OVER COMES THE BRAKE FRICTION AND THE CAR ACCELERATES. MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENS I CAN REMOVE MY FOOT, RELOCATE IT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SAFELY STOP. SEVERAL TIMES MY SITUATION REQUIRED ME TO HOLD THE BRAKE / GAS PEDALS IN POSITION AND QUICKLY USE MY LEFT FOOT TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. WEARING MY HEAVY BOOTS WITH A LARGE SOLE INCREASES THE FREQUENCIES OF THESE INCIDENTS. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 201464,075 milesTN

VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT CRUISING SPEED. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNINGS, THE ENGINE JUST QUIT, DISABLING THE VEHICLE IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. THE DEALER REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE WIRING HARNESS FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP DUE TO WIRES SHORTING THE ENGINE AFTER THE INSULATION WAS CHAFED BY INTERNAL CONTACT WITH OTHER ENGINE PARTS, WHICH WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE FOR BUILDS PRIOR TO AUGUST 20, 2007, ACCORDING TO A FORD TSB: 07-26-2. THIS PART IS COMPLETELY INTERNAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION UNTIL FAILURE. MY FAMILY AND I WERE EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE WITH MANY SEMI'S AND CARS AROUND US WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ALSO, SINCE ENGINE WOULDN'T START AT ALL, WE WERE SUBJECTED TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS WHILE WAITING FOR TOW VEHICLE, OVER 2 HOURS. THIS IS A POTENTIAL LIFE-THREATENING DEFECT!! LOSING ALL POWER IN SECONDS WITHOUT WARNING IN HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC IS UNACCEPTABLE, FORD! *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 10, 2014125,000 milesUT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE MANIFOLD BOLTS WERE CORRODED, THE OIL COOLER WAS CLOGGED AND IT HAD TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TURBO CAUSED THE EGR SENSOR TO FAIL AND IT ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 21, 201396,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS HAULING A TRAILER AT 60 MPH UPHILL WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 20 MPH INDEPENDENTLY AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE COMPUTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 11/15/13*CN UPDATED 12/2/2013 *JS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed May 6, 2013GA

2008 FORD F-450. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE RADIATOR FAILURE AND DENIED WARRANTY CLAIM. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS PULLING A 27-FOOT TRAILER, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WENT FROM NORMAL TO COMPLETELY HOT, AND A DIGITAL TEMPERATURE GAUGE LIT UP. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. HE ADDED WATER TO THE RADIATOR RESERVOIR AND PROCEEDED ONCE AGAIN TO DRIVE THE TRUCK, AND TRAILER, TO THE NEXT EXIT. THE CONSUMER ALLOWED THE ENGINE TO COOL, ADDED MORE WATER AND SOME STOP LEAK INTO THE RESERVOIR. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER. AN INSPECTION REVEALED THE RADIATOR FAILED AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE EXTENDED SERVICE CARRIER INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP, THEY WOULD HONOR THE RADIATOR CLAIM, BUT FIRST THEY REQUESTED THE DEALER TO BREAK DOWN THE MOTOR, INSPECT AND TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS AND SEND THEM IN FOR ANALYSIS. AN ADJUSTER FROM AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY PERFORMED A THOROUGH VEHICLE INSPECTION AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NO COOLANT/WATER IN THE ENGINE. THE INSPECTOR FURTHER CONCLUDED THE CAUSE OF THE OVERHEATING WAS A FAILED RADIATOR RESULTING IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF COOLANT AND THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE DAMAGE WAS CONTINUED OPERATION OF AN OVERHEATED VEHICLE DUE TO LACK OF PROPER FLUIDS.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 10, 201350,000 milesOH

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 65 MPH PULLING A HORSE TRAILER, TRANSFER CASE BLEW UP, BREAKING THE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT, WHICH WIPED OUT THE BRAKE LINES, TRAILER BRAKE LINE AND THE FUEL LIFT PUMP AND LINES. HAD NO POWER OR BRAKES. HAD FORD FIX THE TRUCK, BUT THEY WOULD NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE FAILURE. THE REASON FOR THE FAILURE WAS NOT FOUND. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 14, 201223,000 milesCT

MOTOR REPLACED AND/OR REBUILT BY DEALER TWICE SINCE PURCHASED. *TR

Power Train
Filed Dec 5, 2012123,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRANSFER CASE EXPLODED, CAUSING THE PARTS AND FLUID TO SHOOT OUT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULD OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WOULD NEED TO BE PERFORMED AND THE TRANSFER CASE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 4, 201262,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE METAL CABLE THAT HOLD THE VEHICLE SPARE TIRE BROKE STRIKING THE HORSES THAT WERE BEING HAULED IN THE REAR TRAILER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVER UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFERED ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 27, 201255,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH HE FELT AS IF THE VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 9/25/12 *CN UPDATED 10/04/12

Engine
Filed Jul 23, 201230,000 milesTX

FIRST TIME IT WAS MY RADIATOR, I REPLACED IT. SECOND TIME IT WAS AND INJECTOR, I HAD THAT FIXED. NOW IT IS MY TURBO AND ENGINE. FORD REFUSES TO COVER IT UNDER WANRRENTY, MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THESE MODELS. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 5, 2012126,988 milesIL

DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND POOR QUALITY OF THE ENGINE COOLING RADIATOR 3RD ONE INSTALLED. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO GO THREW 3 RADIATORS IN 126 K MILES JUST CRAZY. *TR

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)Fire1 injured
Filed Jun 6, 2012NC

CPSC#X1190467A. 2008 FORD F450. CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK EXPLODED. HE LOST CONTROL OF THE TRUCK AND RAN OFF THE ROAD. THE TRANSFER CASE HAD EXPLODED AND SENT METAL INTO MY TRANSMISSION AND BUSTED IT. *LN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL LINE WAS CUT AND THE WIRING WAS BURNED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF A FACTORY DEFECT. THE CONSUMER SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 8, 201232,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. WHILE TRAVELING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MOMENTS LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TURBO HEAD WAS REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE TURBO HEAD HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 6, 201137,000 milesTN

PROBABLY AROUND 30,000 MILES MY FORD F450 STARTED HAVING THE WATER IN FUEL LIGHT COME ON CONSTANTLY. I WOULD ATTEMPT TO DRAIN AND THERE WOULD BE NO WATER. RIGHT AROUND THE SAME MILEAGE THAT MY F250'S WATER IN FUEL SENSOR WENT BAD (AT 35,000 MILES), THE COMPUTER IN MY F450 HAD BEEN "RE-CALIBRATED" AT THE DEALERSHIP WHILE IN FOR SERVICE. THE RE-CALIBRATION CAUSED THE TRUCK TO GO INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE EVERYTIME THE WATER IN FUEL SENSOR CAME ON. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AS THESE DIESEL TRUCKS ARE USED TO HAUL HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND SOMETIMES ON THE INTERSTATE AT HIGH RATES OF SPEED. THE LIMP HOME MODE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING TAKES THE THROTTLE AWAY AND THE TRUCK WON'T GO OVER ABOUT 30 MPH WHICH COULD CAUSE VERY SERIOUS WRECKS WITH THAT KIND OF WEIGHT JUST STOPPING IN FRONT OF OTHER VEHICLES GOING 50-80 MPH. ONCE STOPPED, YOU HAVE TO TURN VEHICLE OFF, PRETEND TO DRAIN THE FUEL AND YOU ARE GOOD FOR ANOTHER HOUR OR SO. IT GOT TO WHERE THE TRUCK WAS DOING THIS AT LEAST 5 TIMES A DAY. LIKE I SAID, MY F250'S SENSOR ALSO WENT OUT (BEFORE BEING RE-CALIBRATED) RIGHT BEFORE 36,000, AND I GUESS MINE HAD GONE OUT ABOUT THE SAME TIME, BUT BEING SELF-EMPLOYED, I DEPENDED ON MY TRUCK TO WORK 6-7 DAYS A WEEK AND COULDN'T TAKE IT IN. MY DAD & SEVERAL FRIENDS WITH 2008 SUPER DUTY TRUCKS ALL HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE POINT IS FORD IS INSTALLING CRAPPY PARTS, NOT STANDING BEHIND THEM (WANTED $800 TO REPLACE ENTIRE HOUSING ON A PART THAT SHOULD LAST WAY LONGER, BUT FAILING ON MANY OF THE TRUCK

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Sep 20, 201127,250 milesOR

THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. A LOUD POP WAS HEARD AND THE GLASS EXPLODED OUT OR UPWARD. SUNROOF WAS CLOSED, AS WAS SHADE THAT COVERS IT. THERE WAS A CAMPER ON THE TRUCK THAT COVERS THE CAB OF THE TRUCK, AND THERE WERE NO MARKS ON THE TRUCK OR CAMPER TO SAY A ROCK HAD SOMEHOW RICOCHETED AND HIT THE SUNROOF. (I DON'T THINK THIS WOULD BE POSSIBLE ANYWAY.) THERE IS PLENTY OF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE CAMPER AND THE CAB AND IT HAS NEVER IT THE ROOF. THERE IS A ROW OF LIGHTS ACROSS THE CAB THAT SIT HIGHER THAN THE SUNROOF, AND THEY ARE ALL FINE. ALL THIS TO SAY, THE 'EXPLOSION' HAPPENED WITHOUT COMING IN CONTACT WITH ANYTHING, AND THE FACT THAT IT EXPLODED OUT, NOT IN, ALSO WOULD TELL ME IT'S SOME SORT OF DEFECT. FORD WOULD NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT, AND WILL NOT LOOK INTO IT, SINCE WE ALREADY HAD IT FIXED. I SEE MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS HAPPENING, SEVERAL ON FORDS, BUT ALSO OTHER CARS AS WELL. I'M HOPING SOMEONE WILL LOOK INTO THIS. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Aug 24, 2011DC

2008 FORD F450. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SAFETY CONCERN OF AN AUXILIARY FUEL TANK *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE PURCHASED THE FUEL TANK AND IT WAS INSTALLED ON JUNE 1, 2011. THE TANK WAS MADE OF THE SAME MATERIAL AS TOOL BOXES FOR TRUCK BEDS. RECENTLY, A SINGLE BOLT ATTACHED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE BECAME LOOSE AND SLIPPED AN INCH AND A HALF OUT OF THE HOLE SECURING THE TANK TO THE BED OF THE TRUCK. THE BOLT THREADS WERE STRIPPED UP TO THE END OF THE BOLT. THE NUT WAS AT THE END OF THE THREADS OF THE BOLT. THE BOLT WAS PROTRUDING OUTWARD IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK AND WAS BENT AT A 45 DEGREES. WITH THE BOLT BENT OVER, THE TANK SLID AN INCH FORWARD IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK. THE DRIVER SIDE BOLT HAD ALSO LOOSENED, BUT WAS STILL SECURE WITH A NUT. THE ESTABLISHMENT WHERE THE CONSUMER MADE THE PURCHASE, INFORMED HIM HE TANK WAS SUPPOSED TO BE MOVABLE. THEY STATED IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SECURED WITH ONE BOLT ON EACH END.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 11, 201120,347 milesNC

5/15/09 ~ RADIATOR LEAKING COOLANT, REPLACED RADIATOR. 4 MONTHS LATER REPLACED FUEL INJECTOR AND OIL CAP ASSEMBLY. 9/1/10~ REPLACE COOLANT HOSE AGAIN.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 11, 201124,593 milesNC

THIS TRUCK STARTED HAVING ISSUE AT 24,593 MILES FROM THE RADIATOR, COOLER, AND GASKET ISSUES, REPLACED PARTS. THEN 6 MONTHS LATER ISSUE AGAIN ON RADIATOR AND REPLACE AGAIN. 4 DAYS LATER BACK AGAIN FOR SAME ISSUES. 1 MONTH LATER AGAIN IN SHOP FOR COOLANT LEAKING. FEB 2010 WE REPLACED FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY. JULY 2010 HAD TO REPLACE FUEL SYSTEM ON VEHICLE AND ALL 8 INJECTORS. HAD WORK DONE AT ANOTHER SHOP BECAUSE 2 FORD DEALERSHIPS WHERE BEHIND 2 WEEKS. VEHICLE ONLY HAD 39,849 MILEAGE AND FORD WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME SINCE FORD DEALER DID NOT FIX. OCTOBER 2010 FUEL SENSORS NOT WORK AND HAD TO PAY FOR REPAIR. HAVE 5 F-450 AND ALL HAVE ISSUES.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 31, 201137,063 milesTX

2008 FORD F-450 SD DIESEL ENGINE AND RADIATOR FAILURE. THROUGHOUT OWNERSHIP I HAVE CONSISTENTLY HAD THE NOTICE OF "CLEANING EXHAUST" COME UP. I MADE FORD AWARE OF IT AND THEY WOULD TELL ME THAT THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT WOULD CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. I WAS PULLING A 5 HORSE TRAILER (APPROXIMATELY 18,000 POUNDS EMPTY) WITHIN WHICH I HAD ONLY 3 HORSES. IT WAS A WARM, BUT NOT HOT DAY AND I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH ON FAIRLY FLAT TERRAIN. THE WATER TEMP LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SUDDENLY WENT TO HOT. I BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FORD DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AWAY. I WAITED FOR A BIT AND I DROVE 20 MPH TO DEALERSHIP. THANK GOD I WAS GOING TO MEET SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVE A 5TH WHEEL AND COULD COME PICK UP THE HORSES. THANK GOD I WAS NEAR A SMALL TOWN. I WAS ABOUT TO GET OFF OF THE HIGHWAY TO HEAD OUT INTO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE! I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS VEHICLE DEPENDABLE AT ALL. I MUST HAVE A DEPENDABLE TRUCK TO HAUL HORSES!!! THE TRUCK IS APPROXIMATELY 1,000 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO OWN 2008 FORD F-350 AND F-450 TRUCKS WHO HAVE HAD ENGINE AND COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEMS AROUND THE 30,000 TO 40,000 MILE MARK. THE ENGINES HAD TO BE REPLACED. THAT IS RIDICULOUS ON A DIESEL ENGINE! THEY SHOULD LAST 200,000 MILES!!! *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 5, 201022,624 milesAL

TRUCK WAS RECALLED TO GIVE WARNING WHEN THE TRUCK GOES INTO REGENERATION. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON NOW FORD CURRENT FIX IS FOR THE MESSATO DISPLAY FOR JUST A FEW SECONDS. SO IT CAN BE IN THE REGENERATION MODE AND YOU WILL NOT KNOW IT. BACK TO THE SAME OLD SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD AS BE FORE THE RECALL.. BEEN AT THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. LAST TIME 10/11/10. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Sep 5, 201035,000 milesCA

OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, OUR 2008 FORD F-450 HAS BEEN INTO FORD SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES RELATED TO THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM. SPECIFICALLY THE REGENERATION PROCESS. THE TRUCK GOES INTO THE REGENERATION MODE AND OVER THE LAST WEEK HAS INSTANTANEOUSLY SHUT THE ENGINE, BRAKING, AND STEERING SYSTEMS DOWN WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A 5 SECOND WARNING. THUS, CAUSING IMMEDIATE DANGER TO MYSELF AND MY FAMILIES HEALTH, SAFETY, AND LIFE (ALONG WITH OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY).WITH THIS VEHICLE, WHEN THIS HAS OCCURRED, WE WERE TOWING AN 15K POUND, 40 FOOT FIFTH WHEEL. PACIFIC FORD, LONG BEACH, CA WAS CONTACTED WITHIN 10 MINUTES OF THIS OCCURRING. THE SERVICE CENTER AT THIS DEALERSHIPS ADVISE TO US WAS TO "BABY" THE TRUCK. WE JUST GOT THE TRUCK BACK AFTER TWO WEEKS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE REGENERATION ISSUE, WHERE THEY COULDN'T IDENTIFY ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY AND ALL OTHERS ON THE ROAD AND FORD HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY SOLUTION TO THIS SITUATION AS THEY HAVE REPEATEDLY TOLD US THEY CAN'T LOCATE ANYTHING WRONG. THE LAST TIME THIS OCCURRED, TODAY 9/4/10, MYSELF, WIFE, AND TWO SMALL CHILDREN WERE STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DESERT, IN 100 DEGREE TEMPERATURES, MILES FROM THE NEAREST TOWN FOR 6 HOURS WAITING FOR A TOW TRUCKS. AT THIS POINT, WE NOW CONSIDER THE VEHICLE UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS TO MY FAMILY AND THE PUBLIC. I REFUSE TO PUT MYSELF, FAMILY, AND THE PUBLIC IN IMMINENT DANGER. WE FEEL THE ONLY FEASIBLE OPTION TO INSURE

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 5, 2010CA

WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK JUST SHUT DOWN! THIS IS THE 3RD TIME. TRUCK ONLY HAS 26,900 MILES. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2010TX

2008 FORD F450 OIL LEAK, BOUGHT NEW IN 4/08 AND TRUCK HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NOW 6 TIMES FOR AN OIL LEAK. THE LEAK HAS BEEN AROUND THE FRONT COVER, REAR MAIN SEAL, AND CAM SENSOR. I LEFT THE TRUCK WITH THE DEALER FOR 2 WEEKS AND WHEN I BROUGHT IT HOME IT LEAKED AS SOON AS I PARKED IT IN DRIVEWAY. THE TRUCK NOW HAS 36,514 MILES, LUCKILY A 100K MILE EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS PURCHASED BUT THE COST FOR THE DOWNTIME OF THE VEHICLE IS FAR OUTWEIGHING IT'S VALUE AND NOW EITHER MUST BE REPLACED OR SOLD DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF TIME IT WILL SPEND IN THE SHOP HAVING A CHRONIC OIL LEAK REPAIRED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › EngineCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 17, 201025,000 milesTX

HAVE HAD ACCELERATION ISSUES WITH THIS FORD F-450 SINCE APRIL OF 2010, THE FIRST TIME THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INCIDENT BUT THE ENGINE BLEW UP WHEN HE PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT WAS AT THE FORD DEALERSHIP FOR 6 WEEKS, I RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, WHILE ON THE WAY HOME THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN, IT WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. 1 WEEK LATER I RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE AGAIN, 2 DAYS AFTER THAT THE ACCELERATOR STUCK ONCE AGAIN WHILE HAULING A TRAILER LOADED WITH A RENTAL TRENCHER. THIS TIME THE RESULT WAS A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT THAT SENT ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES TO THE HOSPITAL AND CAUSED MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAS BEEN THERE EVER SINCE. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE SHORT BLOCK, INJECTORS, AND OTHER VARIOUS ENGINE COMPONENTS. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 24, 20101,200 milesCA

TRUCK HAS A DEAD THROTTLE W/O ANY NOTICE. I CAN DRIVE MY KIDS AROUND ALL DAY AND TRY TO CROSS TRAFFIC AND I HAVE LOST THROTTLE RESPONSE. THIS FIRST OCCURRED WHEN TRUCK HAD ABOUT 800 MILES ON IT. IT NEVER FLASHED A CODE SO I WAS SENT AWAY WITH A BUTTON TO PRESS WHEN IT WOULD DO IT AGAIN. AFTER WEEKS IN SERVICE THE MAP SENSOR WAS CHANGE. PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT OCCURRED AGAIN WITHOUT NOTICE ABOUT A YEAR LATER. MAP SENSOR WAS CHANGED AGAIN PROBLEM FIXED. TRUCK IS ONCE AGAIN EXPERIENCING THIS DEAD THROTTLE CURRENTLY AND AM NOT SURE WHAT TO DO. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID NO CODES CAME THROUGH. I AM DRIVING A POTENTIAL DEATH TRAP. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 5, 20104,000 milesFL

INJECTORS TURBO EXHAUST AND ALOT MORE PROBLEMS, BEEN TOWED 6 TIMES BEEN TO THE DEALER OVER 30 TIMES WENT THROUGH LEMON LAW DIDN'T QUALIFY VEHICLE TO HEAVY. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 9, 201015,000 milesMO

I HAVE TWO AMBULANCES THAT ARE ON 2008 FORD CHASSIS'. BOTH AMBULANCES HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS AND HAVE BEEN IN THE SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH THE FOLKS AT FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND HAVE NOT HAD SATISFACTORY RESULTS. MY FEAR IS THAT ONE OF THESE UNITS WILL BE TRANSPORTING A CRITICAL PATIENT AND BREAK DOWN ENROUTE TO THE HOSPITAL LEADING TO THE DEATH OF THE PATIENT. AS A FIRE CHIEF I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Mar 30, 201034,090 milesNY

THE COATING ON THE INTERIOR OF FORD DIESEL FUEL TANKS CORRODES AND COLLECTS AS SEDIMENT IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE SEDIMENT, COLLECTS AT THE BOTTON OF THE FUEL TANK AND IS SUCKED INTO THE FUEL SYSTEM. IN THIS INCIDENT, THE FAILURE BEGAN WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATING. THE DEALER, REPLACED THE SENSOR, THEN AT A SECOND TIME THE FUEL ELEMENT, AND FINALLY THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE FUEL LINES BECOME FOULED, THE FUEL PUMPS BECOME CLOGGED AND REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. AS THE COATING CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE, THE ONLY RECOURSE IT TO CHANGE THE FUEL TANK, THE SENSORS, AND ENTIRE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. WE HAVE HAD 3 FORD VEHICLES F SERIES EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM. IN THIS CASE IN LESS THAN 18 MONTHS FROM DATE OF PURCHASE, THE FUEL ELEMENTS AND SENSORS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT WE ARE REPORTING THIS AS IT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT IN ALL THE FORD DIESEL FUEL SYSTEMS. AS THE FUEL SYSTEMS BECOME CLOGGED, THE VEHICLES LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND CREATE A SAFETY ISSUE AND DRIVING HAZARD NOT ONLY TO THE VEHICLE OPERATOR BUT OTHER MOTORISTS.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust SystemFire2 injured
Filed Mar 20, 201013,000 milesCA

DRIVING AS NORMAL ON FWY HEARD A LOUD NOISE THOUGHT I GOT A FLAT. STOPPED VEHICLE ON SHOULDER, BRAKING WAS DIFFICULT AND WHITE SMOKE WAS AROUND THE CAR. I GOT OUT AND DID NOT SEE ANY FLAT TIRES BUT I SAW SMOKE BETWEEN THE CAB AND BED OF THE TRUCK. I RAN BACK TO THE DRIVER DOOR AND SAW A SMALL FIRE ON THE FLOOR NEXT TO THE 4X4 SHIFTER FOR THE TRANSFER CASE. I IMMEDIATELY GRABBED MY 3 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER FROM HER CAR SEAT AS THE CAB FILLED WITH SMOKE AND RAN APPROXIMATELY 300 FEET AWAY AND TOLD MY DAUGHTER TO STAY. I JUMPED INTO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK GRABBED A LARGE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND DISCHARGED IT INTO THE HOLE IN THE FLOORBOARD NEXT TO THE TRANSFER CASE IT WENT OUT AND IMMEDIATELY CAME STARTED UP AGAIN. I THEN CALLED 911. SOME PEOPLE STOPPED AND HELPED ME REMOVE A FEW POSSESSIONS FROM THE TRUCK BED. WITHIN 3 MINUTES THE TRUCK FIRE FLASHED AND WE ALL STOOD BACK AND VIDEO TAPED THE VEHICLE BURN TO THE GROUND. THE WITNESSES SAID WHAT APPEARED TO BE SOMETHING METAL CAME OFF OF MY TRUCK STRUCK THEIR CAR AND THE REASON THEY PULLED OVER IS BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THEY HAD A FLAT BUT WHEN THEY LOOKED BACK THEY SAW FIRE UNDERNEATH MY TRUCK AND RAN TO HELP. THE FD ARRIVED THEY SHOT FOAM ON THE FIRE BUT IT CONTINUED TO GO OUT THEN START BACK IT TOOK THEM APPROXIMATELY 30 MIN TO EXTINGUISH. I AM VERY MECHANICAL AND BELIEVE MECHANICAL FAILURE IN THE EXHAUST CANNINSTERS THAT COLLECT THEN BURN HYDRO CARBON PARTICLES BEFORE THEY ARE RELEASED INTO THE CAT CONVERTER, SENT EXCESSIVE HEAT TO THE T

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 23, 201043,016 milesMN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND SHIFTED IN GEAR IT ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT APPLIED EXTREME PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM LUNGING FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE HAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF TWICE AND RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,016. UPDATED 4/7/2010 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE TRUCK AS WELL. UPDATED 05/05/10.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 16, 201046,000 milesVA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F450SD. THE CONTACT STATED AS HE WAS DRIVING AT 40-65MPH THE ENGINE GOES INTO A SAFE MODE AND CUTS OFF. HE STATED THAT WHEN PARTS SUCH AS THE EGR VALVE AND FUEL PUMP FAIL THE ENGINE GOES INTO A SAFE MODE AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN. THE CONTACT HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, RESTART THE ENGINE AND THEN DRIVE SLOWLY TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAS ALREADY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP BUT THE EGR VALVE IS ON BACK ORDER DUE TO A HIGH DEMAND OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.

Complaints 1-50 of 68, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20263500Routine
20252500Do not drive
20249330Routine
202351310Do not drive
2022241430Do not drive
2021181210Do not drive
202001000Routine
20193900Routine
20180700Routine
201711100Routine
20161300Routine
20151400Routine
20141400Routine
20132800Routine
20123700Routine
20116810Routine
20103600Routine
20093500Routine
2008 — this page68330Routine
200716200Routine
200635200Routine
200540500Routine
200433310Routine
200316600Routine
200214600Routine
200123920Routine
200043720Routine
1999661110Routine
19981200Routine
19974400Routine
19962200Routine
19952210Routine
19943310Routine
19935400Routine
19923200Routine
19916100Routine

Compare every F-450 SD year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Feb 28, 2008. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.