2008 Ford F-150
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 369 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 26 F-150 model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 39 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 46 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine coolingOct 8, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 08V523000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
39 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Service brakes, Jun 30, 2024, crash
My emergency brake doesn't work and light is on,and air bags did not deploy when I was hit from behind.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 20, 2024
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Other or unspecified, Apr 21, 2022
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.
Service brakes, Aug 25, 2020
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.
Service brakes, Apr 13, 2020
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, Service brakes, Apr 12, 2020
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
Service brakes, Feb 7, 2020
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.
Exterior lighting, Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 31, 2018
AIR BAG LIGHT ON RED BRAKE LIGHT ON
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, May 31, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE HESITATED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE SPARK PLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2018
WHEN I BRAKE THE ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE ITS RACING LOUDER AND LOUDER AND SEEMS LIKE I'M EXCELLERATING INSTEAD OF STOPPING. ITS VERY HARD TO STOP IN TIME AT A STOP SIGN AND I CAN'T. I ALMOST IT A CROSSING CAR.THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WITH MYSELF AND ALSO WHEN MY HUSBAND DROVE THE TRUCK.WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC. THE SAME HAPPENED TO 2 MECHANICS AT THE SHOP ON TEST DRIVES. THEY HAVE A THEORY IT IS HAPPENING BECAUSE WHEN WE TAKE OUR FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND PUT IT ON THE BRAKE TO BRAKE WE ARE TOO CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL AND ARE UNKNOWINGLY PRESSING BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. I DIDN'T FEEL LIKE THAT WAS HAPPENING, BUT MAYBE IT WAS BEC NOW WHEN I BRAKE , I PLACE MY FOOT MUCH FURTHER FROM THE GAS PEDAL. I'VE HEARD THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN TRUCKS, BUT I WASN'T WARNED AND I DON'T THINK THIS IS SAFE.
Service brakes, Aug 16, 2017
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT , BRAKE AND ABS. ABS MOTOR AND CONTROLLER BAD.
Service brakes, Mar 20, 2017
POOR BRAKING--I'M NOT ALWAYS SURE IF MY TRUCK WILL STOP OR NOT---I'VE PUT NEW BRAKES ON EVERY YEAR THEY ALL FEEL GOOD FOR ACOUPLE MONTHS THEN IT STARTS TAKING LONGER AND LONGER TO STOP EVEN WHEN I BUY OFF BRAND AND EITHER DRILLED AND SLOTTED OR WHAT EVER THEY JUST DON'T STOP THIS TRUCK WELL--HELP.
Service brakes, Mar 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED, THE ABS ACTIVATED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PULSATE AND THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FRONT ROTORS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DRAINED THE FRONT BRAKES; HOWEVER, THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,200. UPDATED 03/10/16*LJ *CN
Air bags, Service brakes, Mar 25, 2015, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER, WHILE REVERSING AT 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE REAR OF A SECOND VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Jun 25, 2014
I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW WITH 26 MILES ON IT. I HAVE SINCE HAD BRAKES GO OUT...STEERING GO OUT, POWERTRAIN REPLACED WITH REFURBISHED ONE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE STEERING ISSUE IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE AND ALL THE MECHANICS AT FORD SAY IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE SPARK PLUGS CAN'T BE REMOVED WITHOUT BREAKING OFF AND FORD IS TOTALLY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. MY TRUCK STEERING ...I WAS TOLD A PART NEEDS TO BE REPLACED THAT HAPPENS TO ALL THESE TRUCKS...IT IS AT LEAST $1300.00...AND WHEN I ASKED FOR A TUNEUP AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE THE SPARK PLUGS BREAK OFF IT CAN BE OVER 800.00...I WAS ASTONISHED THAT WITH ALL THE TROUBLE WITH GM RECALLS YOU WOULD NOT TARGET THIS 2008 FORD F-150...THERE ARE MULTIPLE MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES. I ALREADY WENT UP AGAINST FORD ABOUT THE POWERTRAIN AND HAVE PAID $35,000.00 FOR THIS TRUCK, I OWE THOUSANDS MORE. CAN YOU HELP OR BE OF ANY ASSISTANCE FOR ALL FORD TRUCK OWNERS? OH, AND THE TRUCK STARTS SHAKING AND I HAVE TO STOP PUT IN 4WD AND THEN OUT AGAIN IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC TO GET IT TO RUN RIGHT, AND THE EMERGENCY BRAKES STICKS TOO. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Dec 21, 2013, crash
THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHEN BRAKING THE ACCELERATOR IS ALSO DEPRESSED AT THE SAME TIME. CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE TO MOVE UNEXPECTEDLY. TODAY WHILE PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY THIS HAPPENED AGAIN AND THE VEHICLE WENT THROUGH THE HOUSE PUSHING IT OFF THE FOUNDATION AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE TO CLOSE TOGETHER. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY WIFE AND SHE WEARS A SIZE 6 SHOE. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS OR CLASS ACTION SUITS THAT ANY ONE IS AWARE OF. OR DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE IT MATTERS. I HAVE BEEN ON OTHER WEB SITES AND FIND MANY OWNERS OF AND \08 F150 HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINTS. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 13, 2013
THE BRAKES COME ON WITHOUT STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 1, 2012
FRONT ROTORS NEEDED REPLACED AT 20000 MILES THEN AT 44000 MILES....IN ALL THE VEHICLES I OWN HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE????WARPED ROTORS COSTING OVER 600 TO REPLACE EVERY 20 TH MILES....DEFECTIVE!!!!! *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Jun 12, 2012
BOUGHT A 2008 FORD F150 FROM A SO CALLED REPUTIBLE DEALER. HAD ISSUES AFTER THE FIRST COUPLE OF MONTHS WITH A VIBRATION TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER RAN A DIAGNOSTICS CHECK ON IT, THEY SAID NOTHING IS WRONG. TWO YEARS LATER PROBLEM HAS ESCALATED WHERE TRUCK VIBRATES SO BAD THAT IT SPILLS A CAN OF SODA. FORD NOW SAYS NO WARRANTY LEFT ON VEHICLE AND WE HAVE TO PAY FOR FIXING. IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY TWO YEARS AGO WHEN PROBLEM ARISED. I AM VERY UNHAPPY WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND FORD ITSELF. I AM THINKING ABOUT FILING A LAW SUIT AGAINST FORD IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT RECTIFIED. *TR
Service brakes, May 16, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150 FX2. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO STOP PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT BOTH ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,322 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,383.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WERE POSITIONED TO CLOSE TO ONE ANOTHER. WHENEVER THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, HE ALSO UNINTENTIONALLY DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ADDRESSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 18, 2011
ABS TONE RING BREAKAGE. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 6, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS WERE EXTREMELY CLOSE TOGETHER AND ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, WOULD SIMULTANEOUSLY DEPRESS BOTH PEDALS. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED AND EXPRESSED TO THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CALL HIM BACK AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,400 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 13,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jan 7, 2011
THIS SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW SAFETY PROBLEM. ON MY 2008 FORD F-150 PICK-UP TRUCK, THE BRAKE PEDAL IS MOUNTED TOO CLOSE TO THE GAS PEDAL. IF, DURING A "PANIC STOP" MY FOOT IS NOT PLACED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT TENDS TO OVER LAP THE GAS PEDAL AND WHEN TRYING TO BRAKE, WILL ACTUALLY ACCELERATE THE TRUCK. THIS PROBLEM GETS WORSE AS THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES WEAR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSES EVEN FURTHER. I HAVE CONTACTED FORD AND THEY ADVISED ME TO CONTACT MY DEALER, WHICH I DID. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT CAN DO NOTHING TO FIX IT SINCE FORD HAS NOT GIVEN THEM A FIX. THIS COULD E A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY WHEN TOWING A HEAVY LOAD SUCH AS A TRAVEL TRAILER OR LARGE BOAT. I HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ADDRESSED ON THIS SITE AND ALSO OTHER FORD TRUCK BLOG SITES.