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Ford F-150

EPA MPG: 16 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2008 F-150 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2008 Ford F-150 has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2008 Ford F-150 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"The paint on the top of the truck is peeling front to back and rusting has started.. Also the after market fiberglass bed cover is also peeling off the top."

Anonymous, NM (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

""Paint on aluminium hood blistering and peeling, poor adhesion. Problem started when vehicle was 4 years old at approximately 56,000 miles. Dealer said not covered by warranty. Now I see Ford has owned up to the problem of poor paint adhesion on later models.""

Anonymous A., MI (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)
Rust

""Rust around wheel wells, started 12 months ago.""

Anonymous A., MI (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

"Just a large amount of rust under the truck and around the rear wheels on the sides of the truck"

Anonymous A., MA (2008 Ford F-150 Unsure Unsure)

"rust on edges of rear wheel wells"

Anonymous, IA (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 4.2-L V6)

""Rust and corrosion front fenders and rear wheel wells. Rust through. The paint started to bubble when the truck was only 6 years old. One fender was replaced around 2018. Other fender replaced and wheel wells were repaired in 2024. As much as you pay for these things, there should be not rust through after 8 years.""

Anonymous A., PA (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 4.5-L V8)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"Left converter failed and blocked exhaust causingng engine stalling"

Anonymous, (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)
Other/unsure

"Leaking valve cover gaskets, cracking plug wires"

Anonymous, VA (2008 Ford F-150 XL 4.2-L V6)

"Clear cover coating on the lens peeled off"

Anonymous A., SD (2008 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"the truck is in the shop now. It's an old truck, everything original and starting to break down. Now do we spend the money to fix it, or is it time for a new car?"

Anonymous, TX (2008 Ford F-150 Unsure 4.2-L V6)

"Valve stem sensor"

Anonymous, OK (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

"truck would not shift out of park. was repaired by a local mechanic"

Anonymous, WA (2008 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)
Slipping transmission

"Transmission slips after the truck runs awhile"

Anonymous A., CA (2008 Ford F-150 XL 5.4-L V8)
Transmission sensor or solenoid

"Convertor lock in scyelenoid is iratic"

Anonymous, (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

"the light over the bed started to leak into theca when raining in the last 2 months . I put flex seal tape on it for now."

Anonymous, FL (2008 Ford F-150 XL 4.2-L V6)
Squeaks or rattles

"Some light rattling deep in the dashboard at times roughly in the middle. Also occasionally the door speakers rattle/must be coming loose from regular use of the stereo"

Anonymous, IN (2008 Ford F-150 FX4 4.5-L V8)

"The hard bed topper can rattle while driving in high winds...not terribly loud but enough you notice it"

Anonymous, IN (2008 Ford F-150 FX4 4.5-L V8)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Computer processor that controls the ABS failed, leaving the vehicle without ABS."

Anonymous, (2008 Ford F-150 Lariat 5.4-L V8)

"Anti-Locking dash light on may be a sensor"

Anonymous A., TN (2008 Ford F-150 XL 4.2-L V6)
Parking brake

"Doesn't hold well due to slop in cable"

Anonymous A., TN (2008 Ford F-150 XL 4.2-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

""I went to a local medium-sized garage. They put five compressors on it under warranty. I finally gave up and went to a guy down the road and it was worked great ever since. Two times that the compressor went out, it threw debris all through the system, requiring a complete replacement of the system.""

Anonymous A., OK (2008 Ford F-150 FX2 5.4-L V8)
Other climate system problem

"Condensation leaks on to the carpet and no one can repair is as of yet. Still trying."

Anonymous A., PA (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 4.5-L V8)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"It keeps going dead and the mechanics cannot find out why.i have had the battery replaced twice now in a year"

Anonymous, IL (2008 Ford F-150 Unsure 5.4-L V8)
Interior lights

""Started after a rainstorm when I left the driver side window open. Front curtiousy light, electric windows, and electric locks don't work.""

Anonymous, NM (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 5.4-L V8)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Coil

"Packs tend to not last long."

Anonymous A., IA (2008 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)
Other engine starting/ignition problem

"Right now the Ford will not start without a Boost. Once Boosted it runs great all sytems behave as normal; but once turned off it pretends the Battery is DEAD, I suspect the PCM is the problem. It may be time to get rid of this Money Pit Ford."

Anonymous A., SK (2008 Ford F-150 XL 5.4-L V8)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Tire wear is uneven

"Vehicle had uneven wear on the driver's front tire. New suspension parts and an alignment resolved the problem."

Anonymous A., GA (2008 Ford F-150 XL 4.5-L V8)
Wheel bearings

"Right front wheel bearing needed replacement."

Anonymous, AR (2008 Ford F-150 XLT 4.5-L V8)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

CD player

"The CD Player was The $2500 Module that kept draining the Battery."

Anonymous A., SK (2008 Ford F-150 XL 5.4-L V8)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

"After warming up, you could here it knock."

Anonymous A., IA (2008 Ford F-150 FX4 5.4-L V8)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Windows

"Drivers side window doesnt always go back up. Have to play with buttons."

Anonymous A., MA (2008 Ford F-150 Unsure Unsure)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

"Just started"

Anonymous A., CA (2008 Ford F-150 XL 5.4-L V8)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2008 Pickup Trucks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 08, 2008
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 08V523000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 213
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