2008 Ford F-350 Problems, Recalls & Reliability

322 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2008 Ford F-350, alongside 1 recall campaign and 1 defect investigation. It scores 45/100 on the trouble index — a below-average year for this model. Engine leads the reports, typically around 53,000 miles.

322Complaints
45/100Trouble index
1Recalls
54,000Typical trouble mileage

Below average

Where 2008 sits among all F-350 years

Darker = quieter yearsBrighter amber = more trouble

What owners report

Engine 83 complaints (26%) · typically ~53,000 miles
“Truck was taken to ford dealer and diagnosed with low pressure fuel pump and high pressure fuel pump out.prior to this white smoke rolled out of exhaust while driving on highway and engine shut off.truck waa towed to dealer with above findings.ford diesel mechanic stated several issues with high…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-350
Steering 73 complaints (23%) · typically ~79,000 miles
“Power steering pump replaced with new unit. Major steering issues. Will not turn at some points. Almost caused 3 accidents on 10/22/2021. Have had front end and power steering pump replaced.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-350
Wheels & tires 29 complaints (9%) · typically ~72,564 miles
“Driving thru town 25mph or less turning one corner fine then another corner the opposite direction and only steering wheel turned.my truck went straight into the rock wall damaged hood fender,bumper,headlight bezel and lights driver wheel, and when diagnosed the original problem it was the steering…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-350
Suspension 28 complaints (9%) · typically ~48,000 miles
“Death wobble occurs at highway speeds if bumps occur consecutively close together,the only way to stop wobble if you abruptly stop,it's worse if your on a transition ramp to on coming traffic.”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-350
Brakes & stability 25 complaints (8%) · typically ~35,000 miles
“Cruse control switch on the brake master cylinder disintegrated, causing immediate loss of brake fluid and braking. Switch body appeared rusty, while the switch next to it on the master cylinder did not. Vehicle in motion, descending driveway when brake pedal went to the floor and all braking…”— owner report to NHTSA, 2008 F-350
Fuel system 21 complaints (7%) · typically ~71,000 miles

Mileage when trouble shows up

Among the 283 reports that include an odometer reading, problems most often appear around 54,000 miles. Half of those reports fall between 26,000 and 95,000 miles — a useful range to weigh against the mileage of the exact car you're looking at.

Recalls (1)

STEERING 20E090000 2020

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer…

Fix: Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon…

Federal defect investigations

Alleged Loss of Steering PE13014 opened 2013, closed 2014

Technical service bulletins

99 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on engine and electrical — are on file for the 2008 Ford F-350. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.

See the 2008 F-350 TSB list →

Complaint history for this model year

When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.

2007peak 47 in 20102026

Questions buyers ask

Is the 2008 Ford F-350 reliable?

The 2008 Ford F-350 drew 322 complaints in federal safety records — a below-average year for this model. Its trouble index is 45/100, scored against the model's worst year (1999).

What are the most common 2008 Ford F-350 problems?

The top reported problems for the 2008 Ford F-350 are engine (83 complaints), steering (73), and wheels & tires (29).

At what mileage do 2008 Ford F-350 problems show up?

Owners most often report 2008 Ford F-350 problems around 54,000 miles. Half of all reports that include an odometer reading fall between 26,000 and 95,000 miles.

Does the 2008 Ford F-350 have recalls?

1 recall campaign applies to the 2008 Ford F-350. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.

← 2007 F-350 All F-350 years 2009 F-350 →
Data updated 2026-08-20 from NHTSA's public records

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.