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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
92,929 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Ford F-150 engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #52

Jun 102024

F-150

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I experienced a loss in power while driving and not driving, as well as locking my keys in the vehicle once It would not unlock. The gear shifting knob stopped due to what seemed like resistance an the damaged caused by sales man to the top plunger cap just after i paid. Recently the battery and the alternator are not working and when power is ran through the vehicle, an obvious sound of a live cable buzzing in the rear cab exterior light and seemed to be spliced in a n unsafe way.

- Spring Hill, FL, USA

problem #51

Apr 172024

F-150

  • miles
Vehicle caught on fire from the engine compartment while driving. Total loss, Fire Department responded to the scene. Two persons on board of the vehicle had to escape the fire, pulled over and jumped out.

- Laredo, TX, USA

problem #50

Sep 222023

F-150

  • miles
My F150 will run great until it warms up and then it will run rough, shows low oil pressure, and stalls at stops and while driving at low speeds. I have taken it to two mechanics and have spent thousands of dollars without fixing this problem. This has been an ongoing issue and started in Sept. 2022

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

problem #49

Oct 232018

F-150 8-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My truck timing belts have bin replaced 4 times in the las 3 yrs. It starts by making the engine jump the RPM go below 300 and it shuts off as I approach a stop sign or a light. The check engine light never comes on it just shuts off and it wont drive.

- Baytown, TX, USA

problem #48

Apr 142020

F-150

  • 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. On some occasions, the vehicle hesitated to start. The contact believed the failure was due to roush transition to propane on the Ford F-150. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware and offered no assistance. The contact referenced the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 08V523000 (engine and engine cooling) however VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 200,000.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #47

Dec 252019

F-150

  • 127,940 miles
My motor had started ticking a bit back in September 2018 I added some oil and it went away. Then, in January 2019 I had engine codes. Plugged my scan tool in and said I needed both camshaft sensors, misfire on cylinders 1, 3, & 7. replaced all 8 plugs and coils, motor had 123xxx miles. Drove another 4000 miles and the same problems persisted and got worse. I took it to a mechanic for a diagnosis on the misfires and engine tick, come to find out it is a 'lifter tap', shavings of aluminum in my oil and plugging up the lifters. Mechanic said to get a new motor, don't both trying to fix it. I bought it used with 119xxx and truck ran fine in August of 2018.

- Sheffield, VT, USA

problem #46

Jun 142017

F-150

  • 202,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Plastic timing guides are ripped from mounting location by timing chains and drop into the oil system, usually causing loss of oil pressure, contaminated oil, trash-filled motor, and accelerated wear of the timing chains, resulting in engine damage. Usually the guides break off at or before 100,000 miles and the chains need replacing between 120,000 and 200,000 miles, depending on how the truck is driven. Metal replacement guides are available at most shops and online parts stores.prices range between $10 and $40. Occurs in 4.6L and 5.4L V8 engines.

- Saluda, SC, USA

problem #45

Sep 012017

F-150

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. While operating the vehicle, the odor of exhaust fumes was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. Also, while idling, the vehicle shook and rattled. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who discovered a crack in the exhaust manifold. The cause of the crack was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. Joe machens Ford (807 southwest blvd, jefferson city, mo) was informed of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

problem #44

Jun 062018

F-150 8-cyl

  • miles
2008 Ford F-150. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure. The consumer stated the vehicle engine would misfire and lacked power. The engine assembly was replaced.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #43

Jan 062015

F-150

  • 45,000 miles
The engine 5.4 Triton makes a sound that resembles a diesel and sounds like the piston is about ready to come through the block. I first experienced this approx. 3 years ago while at a drive through fast food restaurant. I immediately turned off the engine. I then restarted and the noise had stopped. The motor now still has the same issue, and after reading many forums stating the same conditions, decided to call Ford directly. The response from Ford was they know about the issue on these types of motors, but are not issuing a recall for the fix. The issue is apparently related to a know cam, timing chain issue that has to have the gears and timing chain replaced. At the owners expense of approx. 800-1200M dollars per side on this type of V8 motor. I recommend that Ford needs to do a recall on these, and fix the known issue, thus creating further purchases from consumers for future purchases of their product. If you are in doubt of this issue, just type in your search engine, 2008 Ford F150 loud knocking noise while idling, and sit back and read until you are tired of reading. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you.

- Eagle Rock, MO, USA

problem #42

May 012016

F-150

  • 200,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle hesitated. Also, the check engine and ABS warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 200,000.

- Hutto, TX, USA

problem #41

Dec 182017

F-150

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. While driving 50 mph, the engine failed and the check engine indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (auto nation of panama city, 1730 w 15th St, panama city, fl 32401) and was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Freeport, FL, USA

problem #40

Aug 232017

F-150

  • 60,693 miles
When the brake is depressed the engine accelerates (never know when this is going to happen). I have had three instances over the total 8 years (first owner). All three times the brakes are ineffective in stopping the vehicle. Two times backing out of my driveway (afraid that the truck would cross over my road and hit neighbor's vehicles or home. Once it occurred at a all stop intersection. In most cases I had to take the truck out of drive to stop it. I'm afraid it is going to cause serious issue with life and property. There are nine other reported cases of this happening on 2008 F-150 vehicles see website for the nine reported cases ( M.carcomplaints.com/Ford/F-150/2008/engine/unintended_acceleration.shtml). I think there is an issue with the throttle body sticking but have no idea. I checked Ford and there is no known recall for this issue. So far no injuries or destruction of property has occurred with me but some of the nine other cases has occurred. Would greatly appreciate your help so there are no fatalities regarding this issue.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #39

Aug 162017

F-150

  • 62,000 miles
Engine stumbles and loses of power on slight incline.

- Carriere, MS, USA

problem #38

May 192017

F-150 8-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. While driving 60 mph, the vehicle shook without warning. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the sparks plugs were fractured at the bottom tip and went through the engine. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls and advised the contact to call NHTSA. The failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 08/29/17

- Parkersburg, WV, USA

problem #37

Nov 012016

F-150

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. The contact heard a loud noise coming from the motor and the spark plug suddenly blew out. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that the failure occurred due to the aluminum heads and the threads were worn and fractured, which caused them to detach. The contact had the vehicle's heating coils threaded in the head cover; however, the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic again who stated that the heating coil blew out and damaged the head cover. The mechanic stated that the head cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened case number: 12284440. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

problem #36

Feb 232017

F-150

  • 131,000 miles
Bought my truck without knowing that it has a common is with the exhaust manifold leak. It is real bad where the fumes get in the cab of truck when it first starts up this issue has lead to other health issues for

- Bondurant, IA, USA

problem #35

Apr 092017

F-150

  • 78,000 miles
When the truck is under 1000rpm and at normal operating temperature, it begins to knock like a diesel and shake violently. This is only remedied by turning the truck off or reving the engine over 2000 RPM. The check engin light never comes on and at all other times the truck drives normally. This had begun to happen more frequently, including at red lights, my truck has only 78,000 miles

- Moore, OK, USA

problem #34

Mar 022016

F-150

  • 185,000 miles
When the truck is under 1000rpm and at normal operating temperature, it begins to knock like a diesel and shake violently. This is only remedied by turning the truck off or reving the engine over 2000 RPM. The check engin light never comes on and at all other times the truck drives normally. This had begun to happen more frequently, including at red lights, posing a danger to anyone driving the truck. Diagnosis has taken three mechanics including a Ford dealership who is still not 100% certain the issue since there is no check engin light or other issues.

- Washington Crossing, PA, USA

problem #33

Jul 272016

F-150

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Ford F-150. While coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the camshaft phaser failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

- Longwood, FL, USA

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