2008 Ford F-550 SD recalls and problems

The 2008 Ford F-550 SD has 4 safety recalls and 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Ford dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
26
Crashes / fires
2 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Ford F-550 SD vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Ford F-550 SD recalls

Recall 09V-456: Equipment

Reported Nov 19, 2009 · 269 vehicles affected · CUES, INC.

Problem: Cues, inc. Is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 service vehicles built on various chassis equipped with carrier airv ceiling units, model nos. 68rv0010ba, 68rv0012ca, and 68rv0010ea. The heater element in these assemblies may be defective which could cause the unit to create smoke or sparks.

Risk: This defect could result in a fire.

Fix: Cues is working with carrier to remedy the affected vehicles. Repairs will be made by carrier free of charge. Please see carrier's defect report 09e-053. The safety recall began on january 5, 2010. Owners may contact carrier at 1-877-584-7059 or cues at 1-407-849-0190.

Recall 08V-096: Seats

Reported Feb 28, 2008 · 87,515 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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 the joint of the seat back pivot bracket and the seat back frame.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat side pivot bracket may crack or break, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupant.

Fix: Dealers will add a reinforcement to the driver's seat back frame on the 40% split or captain's chair seat equipped with lumbar support or, if necessary, the seat back frame will be replaced. The recall began on march 28, 2008. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall 07V-140: Electrical System

Reported Mar 26, 2007 · 1,022 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: Long term contact could cause wire chafe, resulting in copper wire being exposed. If this condition occurs, the battery b+ wire could short to ground increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the battery b+ wire location and, if necessary, reposition the wire. The recall began on april 3, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Recall 07V-139: Power Train

Reported Mar 26, 2007 · 33,169 vehicles affected · FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: Lack of power or rough operation, unusual noises from the engine or exhaust, white smoke from the exhaust, and potentially a visible flame out the tailpipe can occur.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the power train control module. The recall began on april 3, 2007. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

2008 Ford F-550 SD problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling9
Engine6
Power Train5
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Structure2
Fuel System, Diesel1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Wheels1
Unknown or Other1
Electrical System1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 33,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Ford F-550 SD complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 2, 2022
Brought the truck in to ford and they told me that paint lining from the tank may of gone into the fuel lines and system so they suggested that we replace the tank and they also replaced 2 injectors and the wiring harness for the injectors and reset the check engine light drove fine till the check engine light come on then its in limp mode and only drives at 40 miles per hour it is unsafe to drive on the highway and I do like this truck
Engine · at 110,000 miles · reported Feb 29, 2016
The contact owns a 2008 ford f-550 sd. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and a "stop safety now" message displayed. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust fuel temperature sensor would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer issued a recall for the 2011-2012 model year vehicles associated with NHTSA campaign number: 13v535000 (Engine). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage…
Engine · at 150,000 miles · reported Apr 27, 2015
The contact owns a 2008 ford f-550. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the vehicle started to lose power and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. ...updated 06-12-15 the consumer stated the dealership bought the truck back. The issue was resolved. Updated 06/30/15
Engine · at 31,871 miles · reported Jan 19, 2015
The truck has not run properly since it was purchased, and the motor was replaced back in 2013 with mileage of 31,00 due to oil being splattered all over and no power. We had spend over 10,000.00 to fix the defective issues. Now almost 2 years to the day the engine has again failed. Ford offers no help or explanations as to why this continues to happen..
Unknown or Other · at 74,000 miles · reported Feb 27, 2014
At forty five mile an hour the transmission literally fell apart internally. My f-550 has only pulled a trailer five times and it has a complete tow package. I was not towing anything nor did I have any other weight on the truck when the transmission made a low clunk and stopped functioning. The f-550 has less than 75000 miles on the odometer, and has been used very seldom to haul anything. I have spoken to several dealerships concerning this issue and find that many of these same transmissions have likewise failed.

Other Ford F-550 SD years

Compare all Ford F-550 SD years · All Ford models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Ford F-550 SD have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Ford F-550 SD: 09V-456 (equipment), 08V-096 (seats), 07V-140 (electrical system), 07V-139 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Ford F-550 SD?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (9 reports), followed by engine (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 33,000 miles.

Are Ford recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Ford dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.