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.
Engine, Jun 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARKS PLUGS WERE FRACTURED AT THE BOTTOM TIP AND WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. UPDATED 08/29/17*LJ *CN
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 6, 2017
LOW OIL PRESSURE MESSAGE OCCASIONALLY POPS UP
Tires, May 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150 EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC II TIRES, SIZE: 255/70R16. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RUBBER SEPARATED FROM THE INNER CORE OF THE TIRES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT IT EXPIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE REPLACEMENT TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Engine, May 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR AND THE SPARK PLUG SUDDENLY BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO THE ALUMINUM HEADS AND THE THREADS WERE WORN AND FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED THEM TO DETACH. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE'S HEATING COILS THREADED IN THE HEAD COVER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AGAIN WHO STATED THAT THE HEATING COIL BLEW OUT AND DAMAGED THE HEAD COVER. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HEAD COVER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 12284440. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Engine, May 2, 2017
BOUGHT MY TRUCK WITHOUT KNOWING THAT IT HAS A COMMON IS WITH THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD LEAK. IT IS REAL BAD WHERE THE FUMES GET IN THE CAB OF TRUCK WHEN IT FIRST STARTS UP THIS ISSUE HAS LEAD TO OTHER HEALTH ISSUES FOR ME
Seat belts, Apr 13, 2017
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WILL NO LONGER BUCKLE. THE RECEPTOR WILL NOT HOLD THE BELT BUCKLE.
Engine, Apr 9, 2017
WHEN THE TRUCK IS UNDER 1000RPM AND AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, IT BEGINS TO KNOCK LIKE A DIESEL AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THIS IS ONLY REMEDIED BY TURNING THE TRUCK OFF OR REVING THE ENGINE OVER 2000 RPM. THE CHECK ENGIN LIGHT NEVER COMES ON AND AT ALL OTHER TIMES THE TRUCK DRIVES NORMALLY. THIS HAD BEGUN TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY, INCLUDING AT RED LIGHTS, MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 78,000 MILES
Power train, Mar 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM THE PARK POSITION INTO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HESITATION LASTED FOR APPROXIMATELY THREE SECONDS BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING DIAGNOSED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Engine, Mar 29, 2017
WHEN THE TRUCK IS UNDER 1000RPM AND AT NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE, IT BEGINS TO KNOCK LIKE A DIESEL AND SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THIS IS ONLY REMEDIED BY TURNING THE TRUCK OFF OR REVING THE ENGINE OVER 2000 RPM. THE CHECK ENGIN LIGHT NEVER COMES ON AND AT ALL OTHER TIMES THE TRUCK DRIVES NORMALLY. THIS HAD BEGUN TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY, INCLUDING AT RED LIGHTS, POSING A DANGER TO ANYONE DRIVING THE TRUCK. DIAGNOSIS HAS TAKEN THREE MECHANICS INCLUDING A FORD DEALERSHIP WHO IS STILL NOT 100% CERTAIN THE ISSUE SINCE THERE IS NO CHECK ENGIN LIGHT OR OTHER ISSUES.
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.
Power train, Feb 22, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY ON AN INCLINE, THE CONTACT CHANGED GEARS FROM PARK TO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY REVERSED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED DOWN THE STREET AND CRASHED INTO A CAR PORT AS WELL AS PART OF A RESIDENTIAL HOME. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND BRUISING FROM THE IMPACT, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SPECIFY IF THE AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A TOW TRUCK TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO A WRECKING YARD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD NOT YET INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS WAITING FOR BOTH TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Structure, Feb 18, 2017
THE PAINT IS PEELING OFF OF MY TRUCK. THEIR IS NO VISIBLE RUST BEHIND IT JUST GRAY PRIMER. I HAVE VIEWED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON-LINE ABOUT FORD VEHICLES AND PAINT ISSUES. THIS WAS PURCHASED AND A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE.
Structure, Feb 2, 2017
2908 FORD F-150 FRAME CORROSION. DEC 2016 TOOK TRUCK TO LOCAL TIRE REPAIR FACILITY. THEY ADVISED VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE DUE TO CORROSION OF TRUCK FRAME. TRUCK IS A FORD F-150 2008 WITH APPROXIMATELY 80K MILES. THEY ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE LONG DISTANCES OR PULL ANYTHING. I TOOK IT BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT VEHICLE IN SEPT 2015 AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL. I HAVE ALSO TRIED TO CONTACT FORD WHO ONLY STATES TRUCK IS OUT OF 36,000 MILE WARRANTY.
Other or unspecified, Jan 4, 2017
VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE AND TECHNICIAN FOUND FRAME ROTTED ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE.
Suspension, Dec 22, 2016
I OWN A 2008 FORD F150. IN THE YEAR OF 2014 I BEGAN TO HEAR A NOISE FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AND MAKING TURNS. ON AUGUST 14, 2014 THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND REPAIRED FOR FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS. IN THE YEAR OF 2016 THE NOISE RETURNED WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. ON APRIL 5, 2016 THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND REPAIRED FOR FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS. IN THE SAME YEAR THE NOISE RETURNED WITH THE SAME SYMPTOMS. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2016 THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND I INFORMED THE SERVICE ADVISOR ABOUT THE NOISE. HIS RESPONSE WAS, 'HIS MECHANICS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CHECK THE ISSUE DUE TO MINIMUM STAFFING'. DECEMBER 17, 2016 THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND REPAIRED FOR FRONT SWAY BAR END LINKS. I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS REOCCURRING ISSUE AND ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISOR WHO WOULD I NEED TO SPEAK WITH IN REGARDS TO THIS ISSUE. HE REPLIED 'NO ONE, JUST BRING IT BACK AND WE WILL REPLACE IT FOR FREE'. I REALLY WASN'T SATISFIED WITH HIS ANSWER AND CALLED THE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP CENTER. I INFORMED THEM OF MY SITUATION AND WAS PROVIDED A FOLLOW UP CASE NUMBER (CAS11317836). I WAS TOLD TO SPEAK WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER IN REGARDS TO THE ISSUE AND REFUNDING THE AMOUNT PAID ON AUGUST 14, 2014. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN THE STABILIZER SWAY BAR LINKS AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSED. SERVICE MANAGER INDICTED THERE WILL NOT BE A REFUND AND I WILL BE PAYING FOR ANY FUTURE SWAY BAR LINK SERVICE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTEE. FORD SELLING AND PLACING DEFECTIVE PARTS ON VEHICLES AND NOW WANT REPLACE IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. IS THIS FARE?
Steering, Nov 7, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,792.
Electrical system, Nov 4, 2016
FAULTY CIRCUITRY IN THE REAR OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CAUSES RED EMERGENCY BRAKE WARNING LIGHT TO STAY ON. THE ONLY FIX FROM FORD IS TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT A COST OF 900 DOLLARS. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ANYTHING ELSE ON THE TRUCK EXCEPT A LIGHT THAT WILL NOT GO OFF. THIS LIGHT WILL CAUSE MY TRUCK TO FAIL INSPECTION. MULTIPLE FORD MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN WITH STATE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, ONE STATED HE HAS REPLACED 12 CLUSTERS IN JUST THIS PAST YEAR. TO SPEND 900 DOLLARS TO TURN OFF A LIGHT BULB IS INSANE FORD DEALER AND FORD CORPORATE WERE ASKED AND THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST IN THIS COST TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.
Steering, Nov 3, 2016
STEERING BECAME TIGHT AND HEAVY MAKING IT HARD TO TURN. MY MECHANIC FOUND THE LOWER UNIVERSAL JOINT ON THE STEERING SHAFT HAD HEAVY CORROSION AND DIDN'T FUNCTION. HE REPLACED THE STEERING SHAFT. TRUCK HAD 87,000 MILES. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION AND SHOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF A FACTORY RECALL.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW COLLAPSED INSIDE THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW COLLAPSED A MONTH AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THERE WAS DEFECTIVE HARDWARE INSIDE THE DOOR THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,400.
Wheels, Oct 4, 2016
NEW SET OF 4 FEDERAL COURAGIA MUD TIRES (35X12.50X20) PURCHASED JUNE 2015- AT 60 MPH TRUCK WOBBLES/SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. FINALLY FOUND WALMART AUTO/TIRE CENTER (NOT PURCHASED FROM WALMART).TECH STATED THAT THE STEEL BELT HAD SHIFTED. WENT BACK TO ORIGINAL TIRE DEALER , NO REPLACE NO REFUND. PURCHASED 2 MORE FEDERAL COURAGIA TIRES FROM A DIFFERENT TIRE DEALER APRIL 2016 THINKING MAYBE IT WAS A FAULTY SET FROM OTHER DEALER, BUT STEEL BELT SHIFTING IN 1 OF THE 2 NEWEST TIRES AS OF 10/04/16. SAME FIERCE WOBBLE/SHAKE AT 60-MPH.
Steering, Aug 17, 2016
STEERING BECAME VERY HEAVY, ALMOST LIKE POWER STEERING WAS GONE. VERY HARD TO TURN AND CONTROL THE TRUCK WHILE MOVING. SUDDENLY LOOSENS UP AND WORKS AS NORMAL. DEALER SAYS IT IS THE STEERING SHAFT AND NOW REFUSES TO FIX IT. I SEE A LOT OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS HERE, WHY ISN'T FORD BEING HELD RESPONSIBLE? THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING. I'M GLAD IT HAPPENED TO ME AND NOT TO MY WIFE; I DON;T THINK SHE WOULD HAVE HAD THE STRENGTH TO CONTROL THE TRUCK AND COULD HAVE KILLED OR SEVERELY INJURED HERSELF OR OTHERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!
Engine, Aug 10, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAMSHAFT PHASER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Engine, Jul 27, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE LOST OIL PRESSURE AND STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND RESUME DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOW OIL PRESSURE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Jul 6, 2016
AS MY WIFE WAS TURNING A CORNER THE POWER STEERING FAILED ON HER. SHE CROSSED THE CENTER LINE AND NEARLY HIT VEHICLE THAT WAS WAITING AT A STOP SIGN. SHE HAD TO JERK ON THE STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD TO GET THE TRUCK BACK IN THE PROPER LANE. MECHANIC INDICATED THIS IS FAIRLY COMMON AND FORD DEALERS ARE KEEPING THE LOWER STEERING SHAFTS-U-JOINTS IN STOCK DUE TO OLDER ONES LOCKING UP. NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THIS POINT HOWEVER, I HAD IT REPLACED AT A COST OF $490.00.
Steering, Jun 19, 2016
STEERING SHAFT MADE FROM INFERIOR MATERIAL CAUSING IT TO MALFUNCTION. VERY HARD TO TURN.