The vehicle dossier US · 2008

2008 Ford
F-350 SDProblems & recalls

101 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Engine appears in 31 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 101 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Engine31 reports
Other components27 reports
Steering25 reports
Fuel system14 reports
Suspension13 reports
Transmission & drivetrain11 reports
Brakes10 reports
Electrical system5 reports
Body & structure3 reports
Air bags2 reports
See original component labels
STEERING24
SUSPENSION11
TIRES10
ENGINE10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL8
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM7
POWER TRAIN6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
WHEELS6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION4
AIR BAGS2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION:FRONT2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
STRUCTURE1
SEAT BELTS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)1
SERVICE BRAKES1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 14 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Apr 5, 2021
Mileage, where supplied

39,750 miles is the median among 94 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 19,000–75,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

Dec 9, 2020 Safety recallEQUIPMENTCampaign 20E090000

Reported concern

Icon Vehicle Dynamics, LLC (Icon) is recalling all 05-UP FSD 2.5 Centerline Stabilizer Kits with part number 65050. The kits were sold as an accessory for certain 2005-2021 Ford F-250 4X4 and F-350 4X4 pickup trucks. The foam ring inside the stabilizer "through shaft" may block the piston ports, possibly causing the steering to lock up.

Manufacturer’s stated response

Icon will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shock assembly with a revised foam ring and steel support disc, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Icon customer service at 1-951-689-4266.

Read campaign 20E090000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

94 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Feb 24, 2026 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 54601Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypa…NHTSA ID 11029052

Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · STRUCTURE:BODY · UNKNOWN OR OTHER. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11029052 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 52476All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles own…NHTSA ID 10254138

All accessory stick-on keyless entry keypads come with a wallet card containing the master code. If the accessory keypad was factory installed, this card will be placed in the glove box and should be handed to the vehicles owner during initial delivery. Unlike the integrated (wired) factory keypad, the accessory keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is lost, follow these steps to recover the code. Dealer Key Code access is granted through the Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES); dealership management can authorize users. The authorized user must go to FMCDealer.com > Parts and Service > Parts Product Line Information > Keys/Entry Devices > Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Follow the instructions on the screen to obtain the master code for the accessory keypad.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10254138 at NHTSA
Sep 7, 2023 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 51909When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptabl…NHTSA ID 10243490

When performing any transmission fluid changes or topoffs involving MERCON SP, MERCON LV has replaced all versions of MERCON SP and can be used going forward. Mixing MERCON LV and MERCON SP in the same transmission is acceptable. After 30-Jun-2023, MERCON SP ATF will no longer be manufactured and will only be available until inventory depletes.

Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10243490 at NHTSA
Jan 27, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 49495Some 2005-2021 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shiel…NHTSA ID 10186678

Some 2005-2021 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10186678 at NHTSA
Jan 29, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 48494Some 2005-2020 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shiel…NHTSA ID 10170992

Some 2005-2020 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

Components: SUSPENSION. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10170992 at NHTSA
Sep 2, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 48157Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or au…NHTSA ID 10165713

Some 2002-2008 F-Super Duty, F-150 and Mark LT vehicles may exhibit concern during or after programing the VSM. The programming may fail or vehicle symptoms such as inoperative door locks, dome lamps, door ajar indicators or auto lamps may occur after successful programing. To ensure the VSM is configured correctly, use the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) scan tool and select the blue ball and socket icon in the upper left corner. Select the utility knife in the bottom left corner. Select Update/Special Function and enter 53061 in the blue box then press the tick mark. The screen will go back to the system utilities page. Navigate to the toolbox tab and run the Programmable Module Installation (PMI) on the VSM. The procedure will prompt you to manually enter the as-built into the VSM. Obtain the as-built data from PTS > OASIS > As-Built.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10165713 at NHTSA
May 14, 2019 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47979Some 2005-2019 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shiel…NHTSA ID 10160885

Some 2005-2019 F-Super Duty 4x4 vehicles operated in extreme dust, mud or tar sand conditions may exhibit accelerated 4x4 vacuum hub seal and or wheel bearing wear as a result of harsh operating conditions. A knuckle seal shield kit is now available for customer purchase. The kit is designed for severe duty and is non warrantable. The knuckle seal shield kit GC3Z-54024A38-A includes an installation instruction sheet

Components: SUSPENSION · SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10160885 at NHTSA
Oct 2, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDOR-B8H4Z-11This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint…NHTSA ID 10148818

This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball joint assembly. Excessive friction in the ball joint assembly may cause a perceptible increase in steering effort.

Components: STEERING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10148818 at NHTSA
Jan 10, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 47009The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDea…NHTSA ID 10138524

The Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can only be used with vehicles that are factory built with Remote Keyless Entry (RKE). The master code for the Accessory (Wireless) Keyless Entry Keypad can be retrieved from FMCDealer - Parts and Service - Parts Product Line Information - Keys/Entry Devices - Aftermarket Keyless Entry Keypad Code Access. Access to this site is granted through Dealer Program Enrollment System (DPES) and Dealer Principal, General Manager or Parts and Service Director can authorize users. Once authorized the retrieval process for master code can be obtained. The master code for the Accessory Keyless Entry Keypad cannot be retrieved from the body control module(BCM) with a diagnostic tool.

Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10138524 at NHTSA
Jan 27, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSSM 46345SOME 2005-2017 F-SUPER DUTY 4X4 VEHICLES OPERATED IN EXTREME DUST, MUD OR TAR SAND CONDITIONS MAY EXHIBIT ACCELERATED 4X4 VACUUM HUB SEAL AND OR WHEEL BEARING WEAR AS A RESULT OF HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS. A KNUCKLE SEAL SHIEL…NHTSA ID 10095225

SOME 2005-2017 F-SUPER DUTY 4X4 VEHICLES OPERATED IN EXTREME DUST, MUD OR TAR SAND CONDITIONS MAY EXHIBIT ACCELERATED 4X4 VACUUM HUB SEAL AND OR WHEEL BEARING WEAR AS A RESULT OF HARSH OPERATING CONDITIONS. A KNUCKLE SEAL SHIELD KIT IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR CUSTOMER PURCHASE. THE KIT IS DESIGNED FOR SEVERE DUTY AND IS NON WARRANTABLE. THE KNUCKLE SEAL SHIELD KIT GC3Z-54024A38-A INCLUDES AN INSTRUCTION SHEET.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10095225 at NHTSA
Oct 30, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB150164Exterior Mirror - Tubular stainless steel west cpast style mirror - Loose mounting bracketNHTSA ID 10204983

Exterior Mirror - Tubular stainless steel west cpast style mirror - Loose mounting bracket

Components: VISIBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10204983 at NHTSA
Jul 1, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsASI-45219FORD: DIESEL ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, ENGINE KNOCKING, HARD START, CRANK BUT NO START DUE TO HEIGHT OF IMPROPER PEDESTAL THAT CAUSES EXHAUST OR INTAKE VALVES BE HUNG OPEN. MODEL 2008-10 F SUPER DUTY. *PENHTSA ID 10060326

FORD: DIESEL ENGINE RUNS ROUGH, ENGINE KNOCKING, HARD START, CRANK BUT NO START DUE TO HEIGHT OF IMPROPER PEDESTAL THAT CAUSES EXHAUST OR INTAKE VALVES BE HUNG OPEN. MODEL 2008-10 F SUPER DUTY. *PE

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10060326 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened May 7, 2013 ClosedAlleged Loss of SteeringPE13014

The Office of DefectsInvestigation (ODI) opened PE13-014 after identifying five complaints alleging steering gear failure in model year (MY) 2008 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty pick-up trucks and to evaluate the relationship between the design history of the steering gear assembly and the alleged defect.As background, ODI investigated steering gear sector shaft fractures in approximately 1.3 million MY 1999 - 2001 Ford Super Duty pick-up trucks and MY 2000 - 2001 Ford Excursion sport utility vehicles in Engineering Analysis EA01-009.The investigation determined that the sector shaft failures were the result of extraordinary, possibly multiple, impacts and not the result of fatigue.No defect in design, manufacturing or materials was identified in the sector shaft.EA01-009 was closed August 19, 2003 with 169 complaints, resulting in a rate of 12.9 incidents per 100,000 vehicles after approximately one year of service.Ford increased the diameter of the sector shaft from 1.375 inches to 1.625 inches at the start of MY 2005 production, increasing the resistance of the steering gear assembly to torsional overload by approximately 48% and changing the failure mode from sector shaft fracture to cracked or broken sector shaft gear teeth.The redesigned steering gear assembly was used in approximately 1.1 million MY 2005 through 2009 Ford Super Duty pick-up trucks, including the subject vehicles.Figure 1 shows the basic steering system design used in Ford Super Duty trucks investigated in EA01-009 and PE13-014. Figure 2 shows the locations of failures resulting from impact related torsional overloading of the sector shaft for the subject vehicles and the prior generation Ford Super Duty trucks investigated in EA01-009.Figure 3 shows an example of a failed sector shaft investigated in EA01-009 and comparisons of fracture surfaces of sector shafts failing from fatigue loading and from torsional overload.Ford provided field return part analysis of failed steering gears from MY 2005 through 2009 Super Duty trucks found evidence of broken sector shaft gear teeth and piston damage consistent with incidents of single event overload (Figure 4).Laboratory analysis found no evidence of fatigue or material property defects in any of the fractures.Analysis of complaint rates by vehicle build month showed no patterns indicating potential manufacturing quality issues and no difference before and after Ford introduced design changes to the input shaft and sector shaft seals in July 2007 to address potential leak concerns (Figure 5).Analysis of failures by time in service indicates a random failure pattern/distribution, consistent with incidents of impact induced overload (Figure 6). The complaint rate for the subject vehicles after approximately 5 to 6 years, 7.1 incidents per 100,000 vehicles, is lower than the rate observed in EA01-009. Furthermore, similar to the condition investigated in EA01-009, a number of incident records include evidence of impact loads (e.g., curb strikes) and several alleged crashes include incidents in which information suggests that the steering gear failure was most likely a result of crash forces, rather than the cause of the crash.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at ww

Recorded closure: Jan 31, 2014

Find investigation PE13014

Your next step

Take good questions
to the inspection.

Use these prompts with a qualified inspector. This page is research, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a hands-on inspection.