2008 Ford F-150 Reliability
The 2008 Ford F-150 has 369 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA, most often about steering and engine. Compared with other F-150 model years, it rates as one of the better years: complaints run below the F-150's typical year.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
369
NHTSA owner complaints
1
Recall campaigns
39
Complaints citing a crash
12
Complaints citing a fire
2008 Ford F-150 complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 model year, filed between 2008 and 2026. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 53 | 14% |
| Engine | 53 | 14% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 50 | 14% |
| Speed control / throttle | 41 | 11% |
| Service brakes | 39 | 11% |
| Air bags | 29 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 29 | 8% |
| Body structure | 23 | 6% |
2008 Ford F-150 recalls
1 recall campaign on NHTSA record for the 2008 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08V523000 | Oct 8, 2008 | Engine & cooling | 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. |
How the 2008 compares with nearby F-150 years
Verdicts come from CarWhere's year-by-year F-150 analysis where it covers the year, otherwise from the years shown here.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 589 | 14 | Service brakes | Solid |
| 2007 | 492 | 7 | Engine | Solid |
| 2008 (this page) | 369 | 1 | Steering | Better year |
| 2009 | 324 | 2 | Speed control / throttle | Better year |
| 2010 | 851 | 1 | Visibility / wipers | Better year |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2008 Ford F-150
- Steering: check for a steering warning light, heavy or notchy steering and clunks over bumps; power-steering faults show up at low speed.
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Throttle and speed control: check for surging, hesitation or a reduced-power warning, and test cruise control.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 1 campaign above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2008 Ford F-150 can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2008 Ford F-150 reliability FAQ
Is the 2008 Ford F-150 reliable?
The 2008 Ford F-150 has 369 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA, most often about steering and engine. Compared with other F-150 model years, it rates as one of the better years: complaints run below the F-150's typical year.
What are the most common 2008 Ford F-150 problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Ford F-150 are steering (53), engine (53), powertrain / transmission (50), speed control / throttle (41). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2008 Ford F-150 have recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 Ford F-150, including 08V523000 (engine & cooling). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2008 Ford F-150 compare with the 2007 and 2009 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2007 has 492 complaints and 7 recalls (solid); the 2009 has 324 complaints and 2 recalls (better year). The 2008 has 369 complaints and 1 recall.
How do I check a specific used 2008 Ford F-150?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Ford F-150 research
Other Ford F-150 model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2008 F-150, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.