2008 Ford F-150 Problems, Recalls & Reliability
455 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2008 Ford F-150, alongside 1 recall campaign and 1 defect investigation. It scores 14/100 on the trouble index — one of this model's quieter years. Engine leads the reports, typically around 80,500 miles.
One of the quieter years. Relative to its siblings, the 2008 Ford F-150 has drawn well-below-average complaint volume with at least four years on the road.
Better year
Where 2008 sits among all F-150 years
What owners report
“While driving at 40mph. My truck made a loud popping sound and i pulled off the road, raised the hood and learned that the sparkplug blew out. I have replaced the spark plug and coil. I learned this is a common occurrence and nothing has been done to fix the problem.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-150
“Steering shaft made from inferior material causing it to malfunction. Very hard to turn.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-150
“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.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-150
“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…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-150
“My emergency brake doesn't work and light is on,and air bags did not deploy when I was hit from behind.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-150
“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…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-150
Mileage when trouble shows up
Among the 367 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 63,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 30,000 and 105,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.
Recalls (1)
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.
Fix: 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…
Federal defect investigations
Complaint history for this model year
When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.
Questions buyers ask
Is the 2008 Ford F-150 reliable?
The 2008 Ford F-150 drew 455 complaints in federal safety records — one of this model's quieter years. Its trouble index is 14/100, scored against the model's worst year (1997).
What are the most common 2008 Ford F-150 problems?
The top reported problems for the 2008 Ford F-150 are engine (77 complaints), steering (53), and transmission & drivetrain (51).
At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-150 problems show up?
Owners most often report 2008 Ford F-150 problems around 63,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 30,000 and 105,000 miles.
Does the 2008 Ford F-150 have recalls?
1 recall campaign applies to the 2008 Ford F-150. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.
Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.