Total Complaints
105 filings
Ford F-450 SD · model year
105 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 3 recall campaigns listed for this cohort. A VIN lookup is required to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The verdict
The 2008 Ford F-450 SD posts above-average complaint volume among its own model-year siblings.
The 2008FordF-450 SD carries 105 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 7 fires, 14 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
The most frequently selected component label in reports for the 2008 F-450 SD is engine and engine cooling with 11 filings, followed by engine (11) and fuel system, diesel (8). Complaint categories reflect owner reports and intake categorization; they do not establish a defect pattern or cause. This cohort has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns listed below. Enter a VIN in NHTSA's official recall lookup to determine whether a specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
NHTSA currently has 179 investigation files overlapping the 2008 F-450 SD, and 6 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should read the complaint-by-year trend as report volume, not a causal diagnosis. Use the related-complaint feed and the official recall lookup when researching a specific vehicle.
PlainCars' own composite of NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings and rollover-risk assessment, each dimension normalized against the federal scale or the full national model-year corpus. Not an official NHTSA figure, and not a substitute for a specific vehicle's VIN-level recall check.
Total Complaints
105 filings
Crashes Reported
3 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 11 |
| ENGINE | 11 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL | 8 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 8 |
| POWER TRAIN | 7 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL | 6 |
| STEERING | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 6 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 5 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 4 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 3 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM | 2 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 2 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 2 |
SEATS
FORD IS RECALLING 87,515 MY 2008 F250, F-350, F-450, AND F-550 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." SOME 40% SPLIT AND CAPTAIN'S CHAIR DRIVER'S SEATS, EQUIPPED WITH LUMBAR SUPPORTS, MAY HAVE IMPROPER WELDS AT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE OF THE BATTERY POSITIVE (B+) WIRE TO THE RIGHT HAND SPLASH SHIELD BOLT MAY RESULT IN THE BATTERY B+ WIRE CONTACTING THE SPLASH SHIELD BOLT.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH A 6.4L DIESEL ENGINE, EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES IN THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MAY RESULT FROM EXCESS HYDROCARBONS IN THE EXHAUST.
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-450. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the transfer case exploded, and the front windshield shattered. No injuries were sustained; however, several other vehicles sustained cosmetic damage. No warning light was illuminated. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the transfer case, drive shaft assembly, fuel injection pump, fuel lines, and transmission wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,176.
Mileage: 164,176
FUEL TANK DELAMINATION LEADING TO BLOWN ENGINE X2 AND FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT X2. I USE NO ADDITIVES AND BUY ONLY COMMERCIAL FUEL ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA.
Mileage: 15,000
FUEL TANK DELAMINATION LEADING TO BLOWN ENGINE X2 AND FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT X2. I USE NO ADDITIVES AND BUY ONLY COMMERCIAL FUEL ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY IN NORTHEAST GEORGIA.
Mileage: 15,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER AND REAR PASSENGER WINDOWS INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 200,000
ENTERED ON 10/04/2016 AT 2:45:07 PM EDT (GMT-0400) BY NHTSA.WEBMASTER@DOT.GOV: SENDER NAME: SENDER EMAIL: SUBJECT: FORD F-450 COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS COMMENTS: I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW IN 2008 AND DROVE IT CROSS COUNTRY TOWING MY 5TH WHEEL. AT 4,544 MILES THE RADIATOR BLEW APART. (DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER FIGHTING WITH FORD. AT 6,065 MILES I HAD ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM LEAK.(DRIVING LOCAL) THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE "SMALL" RADIATOR, THE "FUEL AND TURBO" COOLER. AT 21432 MILES THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.(DRIVING/TOWING/LOCAL) SHOP STATED THAT "FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED" (THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY FORD) AT 22215 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT REAR AXLE SEAL, BRAKE PADS AND LOWER CAC HOSE FOR TURBO REPLACED.( DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) NOW AT 29,017 MILES THE RADIATOR TANKS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE CORE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH THE CRANK SEAL AND ANOTHER POWER STEERING PUMP.( COMBINAT
Mileage: 28,900
ENTERED ON 10/04/2016 AT 2:45:07 PM EDT (GMT-0400) BY NHTSA.WEBMASTER@DOT.GOV: SENDER NAME: SENDER EMAIL: SUBJECT: FORD F-450 COOLING SYSTEM FAILURE AND ENGINE PROBLEMS COMMENTS: I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK NEW IN 2008 AND DROVE IT CROSS COUNTRY TOWING MY 5TH WHEEL. AT 4,544 MILES THE RADIATOR BLEW APART. (DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER FIGHTING WITH FORD. AT 6,065 MILES I HAD ANOTHER COOLING SYSTEM LEAK.(DRIVING LOCAL) THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE "SMALL" RADIATOR, THE "FUEL AND TURBO" COOLER. AT 21432 MILES THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.(DRIVING/TOWING/LOCAL) SHOP STATED THAT "FLUID WAS CONTAMINATED" (THIS TRUCK HAS ONLY BEEN SERVICED BY FORD) AT 22215 MILES I HAD TO HAVE THE LEFT REAR AXLE SEAL, BRAKE PADS AND LOWER CAC HOSE FOR TURBO REPLACED.( DRIVING HIGHWAY/TOWING) NOW AT 29,017 MILES THE RADIATOR TANKS HAVE SEPARATED FROM THE CORE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ALONG WITH THE CRANK SEAL AND ANOTHER POWER STEERING PUMP.( COMBINAT
Mileage: 28,900
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER THE CONTACT REMOVED AND RECONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST FUEL RECIRCULATION VALVE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE REMEDY FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPENED INDEPENDENTLY AS THE DOOR AJAR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HOWEVER, THE DOOR FAILED TO LATCH IN A SECURED POSITION. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE DOOR LATCHED PROPERLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED TEN TIMES. IN ADDITION, THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Mileage: 100,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. AFTER WATER WAS ADDED TO THE RADIATOR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER LEAKED OUT OF THE HOSE. THE VEHICLE LEAKED RADIATOR FLUID FROM THE HOSE. IN ADDITION, THE EGR COOLER MALFUNCTIONED AND CAUSED THE AIR CONDITIONER TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EGR COOLER, RADIATOR, AND HOSES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
Mileage: 95,000
I HAVE 2008 FORD F450 WITH 60 K MILES AND RADIATOR START LEAKING AT THE BOTTOM AND IT WAS BUILDING PREASSURE ON THE TOP OF ATIFREAZE BOX AND HEAT AIR STOPED WORKING AND FORD DEALER THAT I BOUGHT FROM DISNT COVER THE WARRANTY I PAID 1400$ TO GET PROBLEM FIXED AND IT SECOND RADIATOR THAT I CHANGED FROM MY POCKET !!!! I THINK FORD NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING WITH THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR ALL 2008-2014 POWER STROKE DIESEL ENGINES
Mileage: 61,000
INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE ON 2008 FORD F450SD 6.4L TRUCKS ON THE BOLTS THAT ARE USED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR THE EXHAUSTS. HAVE A BOLT THAT BROKE THAT IS NOW CAUSING A WHISTLING SOUND UNDER ACCELERATION AND EXHAUST FUMES TO ESCAPE. ON THE DRIVER SIDE FOUR OTHER BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF IN THE HEAD UNIT THAT WILL REQUIRE FOR THE ENGINE OR CAB TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE BOLTS. THE REPAIR FACILITY MY TRUCK IS LOCATED HAS FOUR OTHER 6.4L FORD SUPER DUTY TRUCKS SITTING THEIR FOR THE SAME REPAIRS. SEEMS TO ME THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TYPE OF STUDS AND BOLTS THE MANUFACTURER USED. RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE OTHER TRUCKS WERE F250, F350, AND F450 SUPER DUTY 6.4L TURBO DIESEL. THE EXHAUST FUMES IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD.
Mileage: 122,000
INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE ON 2008 FORD F450SD 6.4L TRUCKS ON THE BOLTS THAT ARE USED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR THE EXHAUSTS. HAVE A BOLT THAT BROKE THAT IS NOW CAUSING A WHISTLING SOUND UNDER ACCELERATION AND EXHAUST FUMES TO ESCAPE. ON THE DRIVER SIDE FOUR OTHER BOLTS HAVE BROKEN OFF IN THE HEAD UNIT THAT WILL REQUIRE FOR THE ENGINE OR CAB TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO REPLACE THE BOLTS. THE REPAIR FACILITY MY TRUCK IS LOCATED HAS FOUR OTHER 6.4L FORD SUPER DUTY TRUCKS SITTING THEIR FOR THE SAME REPAIRS. SEEMS TO ME THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE TYPE OF STUDS AND BOLTS THE MANUFACTURER USED. RECALL NEEDS TO BE ISSUED TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE OTHER TRUCKS WERE F250, F350, AND F450 SUPER DUTY 6.4L TURBO DIESEL. THE EXHAUST FUMES IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD.
Mileage: 122,000
FORD NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR FAULTY BOLTS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ONE BOLT BROKEN OFF ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT DEALS WITH THE EXHAUST CAUSING A WHISTLING SOUND UNDER ACCELERATION. FOUR BOLTS BROKE OFF ON THE DRIVER SIDE THAT GO INTO THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. IMPOSSIBLE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THESE BOLTS UNLESS YOU PULL THE ENGINE OUT IN ORDER TO REPLACE. FORD NEEDS TO HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE FAULTY HARDWARE AND REPLACE THIS AT NO COST TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 122,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS GAUGE STARTED TO FLUCTUATE ABNORMALLY AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM STARTED TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE COOLER, COOLANT, THERMOSTAT, AS WELL AS THE OIL AND OIL FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/02/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO BOOST BRAKE SYSTEM WAS SLOWLY LEAKING. UPDATED 12/7/2015*JS
Mileage: 68,000
I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFYER STOPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND LOSS POWER. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TURBO PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED. I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT A MANAFOLD BOLT HAD BROKEN WHICH CAUSED A BAD EXHUAST LEAK. REPAIR COST WAS $3500. I DROVE THE TRUCK LESS THAN 50 MILES OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN WITH LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD EXPLODED AND SENT METAL DEBRIS THROUGH OUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS THEN TOLD THE REPAIR COST WERE GOING TO $7500 ($6000 FOR PARTS AND $1500 FOR LABOR). THIS IS A BAD FORD ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY FORD AS WELL AS A RECALL ON ALL MODELS USING THE SAME HPFP ASSEMBLY.
Mileage: 124,000
I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFYER STOPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND LOSS POWER. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TURBO PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED. I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT A MANAFOLD BOLT HAD BROKEN WHICH CAUSED A BAD EXHUAST LEAK. REPAIR COST WAS $3500. I DROVE THE TRUCK LESS THAN 50 MILES OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN WITH LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD EXPLODED AND SENT METAL DEBRIS THROUGH OUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS THEN TOLD THE REPAIR COST WERE GOING TO $7500 ($6000 FOR PARTS AND $1500 FOR LABOR). THIS IS A BAD FORD ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY FORD AS WELL AS A RECALL ON ALL MODELS USING THE SAME HPFP ASSEMBLY.
Mileage: 124,000
I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFYER STOPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND LOSS POWER. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TURBO PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED. I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT A MANAFOLD BOLT HAD BROKEN WHICH CAUSED A BAD EXHUAST LEAK. REPAIR COST WAS $3500. I DROVE THE TRUCK LESS THAN 50 MILES OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN WITH LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD EXPLODED AND SENT METAL DEBRIS THROUGH OUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS THEN TOLD THE REPAIR COST WERE GOING TO $7500 ($6000 FOR PARTS AND $1500 FOR LABOR). THIS IS A BAD FORD ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY FORD AS WELL AS A RECALL ON ALL MODELS USING THE SAME HPFP ASSEMBLY.
Mileage: 124,000
WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS.TRUCK ONLY USED TO HAUL DRINKING WATER. THAT IS WHY THE MILEAGE IS LOW. IN MARCH WE SMELLED GASOLINE IN DRIVE BUT WE HAVE SEVERAL CARS AND COULDN'T PINPOINT PROBLEM OR SEE GAS ON GROUND. WE HAD FILLED UP THE TRUCK AND THOUGHT MAYBE SOME GAS HAD SPILLED. AFTER THAT WE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENCES OF DRIVING DOWN ROAD 40-60 MPH AND TRUCK SLOWED TO 20MPH. IT STALLED AND CAME TOA COMPLETE STOP ON A FEW OCCASIONS. WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART IT. LOCAL SHOP RAN DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND NOTHING WAS EVIDENT. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER TODAY AND MECHANIC SAYS THE GAS TANK HAS IMPLODED DUE TO CRACK AND DIRT GOT IN AND FUEL PUMP IS CLOGGED. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY INCIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO OUR VEHICLE AND NO INCIDENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO SPLIT. WE FOUND ON THE INTERNET A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2012 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND MODEL OF VEHICLE WE HAVE.WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OR POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER AND IT IS DIFFICULT
Mileage: 8,200
2008 FORD F450 CREW CAB. CONSUMER STATES CAR HAD TWO MAJOR MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO AND ENGINE BLEW OUT FIVE DAYS APART. *JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BOLT IN THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME DETACHED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE AND AFTER ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
Mileage: 170,000
Timing Belt Failure
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
Unintended Transmission Downshift and Rear Wheel Lock-up
Timing Belt Failure
Underbody shields detachment
Data vintage: August 2026. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Every figure on PlainCars is rendered directly from NHTSA complaint and safety data, no number is typed in by an editor. This year-specific record is rendered from NHTSA ODI, recall, and NCAP rows for the 2008 Ford F-450 SD; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of August 2026.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.