2008 Ford F-350 SD problems
Owners have filed 146 complaints about the 2008 Ford F-350 SD with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 17.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 15.8%.
Complaints146
Crashes11
Fires4
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 17.8% · 26
Engine and engine cooling 15.8% · 23
Suspension 8.9% · 13
Power train 8.2% · 12
Tires 7.5% · 11
Engine 6.8% · 10
Service brakes, hydraulic 6.2% · 9
Vehicle speed control 5.5% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 4 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 17 model years of the Ford F-350 SD in this data, 2008 draws comparatively few complaints; 2017 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 5 in the last three years against 17 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 39,750 miles.
In owners' own words
I have a 2008 Ford f-350 dually that when hitting a dip/bump in the road at speeds above about 35, the entire front end shakes/shimmys so bad that you can't even control it! I received a letter in the mail from Ford in april 2009 basically saying when it happens slow down. The dealer refuses to do anything. Someone is going to get killed if this is not fixed. Steering · reported at 18,000 miles
Steering gearbox failed. Steering felt very loose, pulled into parking lot. Steering would turn right but would not turn to the left.Could hear a crunching or popping noise when attempting top turn left. Had vehicle towed to local repair shop that found the steering gearbox failed internally. Steering · reported at 52,500 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-350 SD. The contact stated that while traveling at various speeds, the vehicle erroneously veered to the right. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 92,354. Steering · reported at 92,354 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Ford F-350 SD years
2001 188 complaints · 21.8% engine and engine cooling 2002 145 complaints · 28.3% engine and engine cooling 2003 164 complaints · 31.7% engine and engine cooling 2004 159 complaints · 27.0% engine and engine cooling 2005 269 complaints · 19.3% engine and engine cooling 2006 192 complaints · 25.0% steering