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
369 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2018
MY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING ON AND OFF, AND THEN TURNED ON CONSTANTLY. I'VE CHECKED THE BRAKE COMPONENTS, AND THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS THERE. FURTHER DIAGNOSIS SHOWED THAT IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, AND HAS OCCURRED IN SEVERAL MODEL YEARS. BESIDES THE IRRITATION OF HAVING THE LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME, I NOW HAVE NO RELIABLE WAY TO KNOW IF THERE REALLY IS A BRAKE ISSUE.
Steering, Jun 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEVEL WAS TOPPED OFF; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE REMAINED. AUTONATION FORD NORTH CANTON (5900 WHIPPLE AVE NW, NORTH CANTON, OH 44720, (330) 238-3206) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
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.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 28, 2018
GAS GUAGE IS NOT WORKING. READS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES. TRUCK HAS STALLED OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. FOESNT START EASILY AND CUTS OUT WHILE DRIVING.
Steering, May 16, 2018
STEERING JUST BEGAN FREEZING WHEN TURNING. ALL OF THE JOINT HAVE CHECKED OUT APPEAR TO BE ISSUE WITH STEERING COLUMN.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 25, 2018
CONTROL SWITCH HAS A SHORTED IN IT BATTER LIGHT COME ON WHILE DRIVER LONG
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.
Steering, Apr 17, 2018
STEERING BINDS IN THE UPPER U-JOINT ON STEERING ROD. IT STARTED ON THE HIGHWAY. I DIDN'T WANT TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE THAN I HAVE TO IN FEAR OF DOING MORE DAMGGE TO IT.
Seat belts, Apr 10, 2018
2008 FORD F 150. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NON OPERATIONAL MIDDLE PASSENGER SEATBELT. CONSUMER IS ALSO SEEKING A REFUND FOR VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER KNOWINGLY SOLD THE VEHICLE WITH DEFECTIVE SEAT BELTS. *JS
Steering, Mar 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED MERCEDES-BENZ OF CALDWELL (230 BLOOMFIELD AVE, FAIRFIELD, NJ 07004, (973) 227-3600) AND WAS ADVISED TO CALL BACK ON MARCH 19, 2018 TO INQUIRE ABOUT HAVING THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Power train, Wheels, Mar 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE WHEEL WAS RUSTED AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING. IN ADDITION, THE TIRE PRESSURE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CHAPMAN FORD (1485 MANHEIM PIKE FRNT, LANCASTER, PA 17601) WHERE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,542. *TT *JS
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY HOUSING AND COVER RUSTED THROUGH, WHICH CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT MADE THE FUEL PUMP BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS [XXX]. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000. *TT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2018
FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE FAILURE
Steering, Jan 25, 2018
OK WHEN I TURN MY STEERING WHEEL TO TURN IT STICKS AND HAVE ALMOST HIT OTHER CARS HAVE TO TURN WHEEL BACK LIKE THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT BUT MOSTLY AT LOW SPEEDS.. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS .. I HAVE DONE SOME CHECKING AT IT APPEARS TO BE THE STEERING SHAFT U JOINTS FREEZE UP DUE TO LACK OF ABLE TO GREASE THEM AND BAD DESIGN MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM I SEE MANY HAVE HAD SAME ISSUE I THINK IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND REPAIRED BY FORD FOR SAFETY BECAUSE STEERING STICKS WHEN TURNING .
Visibility/wiper, Jan 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR BLOCKED THE CONTACT'S VISION. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT A PEDESTRIAN COULD BE INJURED DUE TO THE LACK OF VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE MIRROR WAS REPLACED WITH A SMALLER MIRROR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Air bags, Jan 17, 2018, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 48 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A DODGE DAKOTA. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, BACK, AND NECK, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
Engine, Jan 4, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (AUTO NATION OF PANAMA CITY, 1730 W 15TH ST, PANAMA CITY, FL 32401) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.
Seat belts, Dec 24, 2017
DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT FRAYED FROM NORMAL USE
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2017
ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGH ON THE FREEWAY. WHEN I EXITED, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE FUEL PUMP DRIVER CONTROL UNIT. HE SAID IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE F150 TRUCKS. MY OPINION IS THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND THE DRIVER MODULE WAS DAMAGED DUE TO CORROSION.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GUS MACHADO FORD (1200 W 49TH ST, HIALEAH, FL 33012, (305) 822-3211) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PLASTIC MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED USING A METALLIC DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR WOULD ALSO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE. SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, THE DOOR LOCK MECHANISM ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 4, 2017
WHEN THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED THE ENGINE ACCELERATES (NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN). I HAVE HAD THREE INSTANCES OVER THE TOTAL 8 YEARS (FIRST OWNER). ALL THREE TIMES THE BRAKES ARE INEFFECTIVE IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. TWO TIMES BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY (AFRAID THAT THE TRUCK WOULD CROSS OVER MY ROAD AND HIT NEIGHBOR'S VEHICLES OR HOME. ONCE IT OCCURRED AT A ALL STOP INTERSECTION. IN MOST CASES I HAD TO TAKE THE TRUCK OUT OF DRIVE TO STOP IT. I'M AFRAID IT IS GOING TO CAUSE SERIOUS ISSUE WITH LIFE AND PROPERTY. THERE ARE NINE OTHER REPORTED CASES OF THIS HAPPENING ON 2008 F-150 VEHICLES SEE WEBSITE FOR THE NINE REPORTED CASES ( HTTP://M.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/FORD/F-150/2008/ENGINE/UNINTENDED_ACCELERATION.SHTML). I THINK THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE THROTTLE BODY STICKING BUT HAVE NO IDEA. I CHECKED FORD AND THERE IS NO KNOWN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. SO FAR NO INJURIES OR DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY HAS OCCURRED WITH ME BUT SOME OF THE NINE OTHER CASES HAS OCCURRED. WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP SO THERE ARE NO FATALITIES REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Sep 2, 2017
STEERING GOT VERY HARD WHILE MAKING A TURN ON AN OFF RAMP. ALMOST VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC! POWER STEERING PUMP AND LINES WERE REPLACED ONE WEEK PRIOR...
Service brakes, Aug 16, 2017
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT , BRAKE AND ABS. ABS MOTOR AND CONTROLLER BAD.
Engine, Aug 16, 2017
ENGINE STUMBLES AND LOSES OF POWER ON SLIGHT INCLINE.
Steering, Jun 15, 2017
STEERING LOCKS UP WHEN CORNERING OR WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT AND WILL NOT RETURN TO CENTER WITHOUT BEING FORCED NO MATTER WHAT SURFACE YOU ARE DRIVING ON IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT STEERING SHAFTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND WERE RECALLED IN LINCOLN AND MERCURY CARS AND SUVS. THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN WITH VERY GOOD CHANCE OF IT BEING FATAL.