NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
68 reports68,000 miles · Jun 30, 2015
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS GAUGE STARTED TO FLUCTUATE ABNORMALLY AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM STARTED TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS GAUGE STARTED TO FLUCTUATE ABNORMALLY AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM STARTED TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE COOLER, COOLANT, THERMOSTAT, AS WELL AS THE OIL AND OIL FILTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 09/02/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO BOOST BRAKE SYSTEM WAS SLOWLY LEAKING. UPDATED 12/7/2015*JS
NHTSA ODI #10731225
8,200 miles · Jun 26, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS.TRUCK ONLY USED TO HAUL DRINKING WATER. THAT IS WHY THE MILEAGE IS LOW. IN MARCH WE SMELLED GASOLINE IN DRIVE BUT WE HAVE SEVERAL CARS AND COULDN'T PINPOINT PROBLEM OR SEE GAS ON GROUND. WE HAD FILLED UP THE TRUCK AND THOUGHT MAYBE SOME GAS HAD SPILLED. AFTER THAT WE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENCES OF DRIVING DOWN …
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WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS.TRUCK ONLY USED TO HAUL DRINKING WATER. THAT IS WHY THE MILEAGE IS LOW. IN MARCH WE SMELLED GASOLINE IN DRIVE BUT WE HAVE SEVERAL CARS AND COULDN'T PINPOINT PROBLEM OR SEE GAS ON GROUND. WE HAD FILLED UP THE TRUCK AND THOUGHT MAYBE SOME GAS HAD SPILLED. AFTER THAT WE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENCES OF DRIVING DOWN ROAD 40-60 MPH AND TRUCK SLOWED TO 20MPH. IT STALLED AND CAME TOA COMPLETE STOP ON A FEW OCCASIONS. WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART IT. LOCAL SHOP RAN DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AND NOTHING WAS EVIDENT. TOOK IT TO FORD DEALER TODAY AND MECHANIC SAYS THE GAS TANK HAS IMPLODED DUE TO CRACK AND DIRT GOT IN AND FUEL PUMP IS CLOGGED. WE HAVE NEVER HAD ANY INCIDENCE OF DAMAGE TO OUR VEHICLE AND NO INCIDENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THE FUEL TANK TO SPLIT. WE FOUND ON THE INTERNET A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN 2012 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND MODEL OF VEHICLE WE HAVE.WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF A RECALL OR POTENTIAL PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO STEER TO THE BERM.
NHTSA ODI #10730696
124,000 miles · Jun 26, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFYER STOPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND LOSS POWER. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TURBO PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED. I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT A MANAFOLD BOLT HAD BROKEN WHICH CAUSED A BAD EXHUAST LEAK. REPAIR COST WAS $3500. I DROVE THE TRUCK LESS THAN 50 MILES OVE…
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I WAS MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN AFYER STOPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND LOSS POWER. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TURBO PRESSURE GAUGE DROPPED. I TOOK THE TRUCK INTO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT A MANAFOLD BOLT HAD BROKEN WHICH CAUSED A BAD EXHUAST LEAK. REPAIR COST WAS $3500. I DROVE THE TRUCK LESS THAN 50 MILES OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN WITH LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD EXPLODED AND SENT METAL DEBRIS THROUGH OUT THE FUEL SYSTEM. I WAS THEN TOLD THE REPAIR COST WERE GOING TO $7500 ($6000 FOR PARTS AND $1500 FOR LABOR). THIS IS A BAD FORD ENGINEERING DESIGN PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY FORD AS WELL AS A RECALL ON ALL MODELS USING THE SAME HPFP ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA ODI #10730584
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2015
Engine And Engine Cooling
2008 FORD F450 CREW CAB. CONSUMER STATES CAR HAD TWO MAJOR MECHANICAL BREAKDOWNS. *TA THE CONSUMER STATED THE TURBO AND ENGINE BLEW OUT FIVE DAYS APART. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10661752
170,000 miles · Dec 3, 2014
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BOLT IN THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME DETACHED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE AND AFTER ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING C…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BOLT IN THE STEERING COLUMN BECAME DETACHED. THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME INOPERABLE AND AFTER ENGAGING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN BOLT WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA ODI #10662004
85,600 miles · Nov 27, 2014
Power Train
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WHEN SUDDENLY FELT TRUCK VIBRATION. AS I PULLED OFF TO EXIT - HEARD AND FELT WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION FROM UNDERNEATH. WHEN GOT OUT TO LOOK UNDERNEATH, NOTED THAT HALF OF THE TRANSFER CASE WAS GONE; THERE WAS OIL SPILLED ALL OVER THE GROUND AND GEARS LAYING ON TOP OF THE CROSS MEMBER. HAD TRUCK TOW…
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DRIVING ON INTERSTATE WHEN SUDDENLY FELT TRUCK VIBRATION. AS I PULLED OFF TO EXIT - HEARD AND FELT WHAT SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION FROM UNDERNEATH. WHEN GOT OUT TO LOOK UNDERNEATH, NOTED THAT HALF OF THE TRANSFER CASE WAS GONE; THERE WAS OIL SPILLED ALL OVER THE GROUND AND GEARS LAYING ON TOP OF THE CROSS MEMBER. HAD TRUCK TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED. TECHNICIAN SAID THE DRIVE SHAFT AND TRANSFER CASE NEEDED REPLACING. UNABLE TO SAY WHY IT OCCURRED. CHARGES OVER $3,000.00. HAD JUST RECENTLY HAD IN SHOP BECAUSE OF NOISE FROM WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE DRIVE SHAFT, BUT TECHNICIAN COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG AT THAT TIME. BOUGHT THIS USED TRUCK JUST 9 MONTHS EARLIER 2014. PLAN TO SPEAK TO OWNER OF DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF WE CAN NEGOTIATE THIS HUMONGOUS CHARGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10661141
Mileage unknown · Sep 17, 2014
Engine And Engine Cooling
2008 FORD F-450 BASED TYPE I AMBULANCE. CONTACT ALLEGES THAT IMPROPER MANUFACTURING OF 6.4L POWERSTROKE DIESEL ENGINE CYLINDER NUMBER 8 RESULTED IN REDUCED COMPRESSION AND EXCESSIVE BLOW BY OF COMBUSTION GASES AND PARTICULATE MATTER. REPORTED CONSEQUENCE INCLUDES ENGINE STALL, REDUCED POWER, NO START CONDITION, EXHAUST GAS TEMPE…
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2008 FORD F-450 BASED TYPE I AMBULANCE. CONTACT ALLEGES THAT IMPROPER MANUFACTURING OF 6.4L POWERSTROKE DIESEL ENGINE CYLINDER NUMBER 8 RESULTED IN REDUCED COMPRESSION AND EXCESSIVE BLOW BY OF COMBUSTION GASES AND PARTICULATE MATTER. REPORTED CONSEQUENCE INCLUDES ENGINE STALL, REDUCED POWER, NO START CONDITION, EXHAUST GAS TEMPERATURE SENSOR CONTAMINATION AND CATASTROPHIC TURBOCHARGER DAMAGE. ENGINE PROBLEMS HAD NEGATIVE IMPACT ON DELIVERY OF AMBULANCE SERVICES.
NHTSA ODI #10637890
66,462 miles · Sep 16, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-450 SD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,462.
NHTSA ODI #10633544
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2014
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I TRAVEL FOR WORK AND DRIVE MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF RENTAL CARS. I HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING OCCUR IN MORE MODELS THAN I CAN REMEMBER. VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. ROOT CAUSE: THE ELEVATION / SPACING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR. OPERATOR ERROR CONTRIBUTES TO THE PROBLEM ALSO. …
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I TRAVEL FOR WORK AND DRIVE MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF RENTAL CARS. I HAVE HAD THE FOLLOWING OCCUR IN MORE MODELS THAN I CAN REMEMBER. VEHICLE ACCELERATES WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES. ROOT CAUSE: THE ELEVATION / SPACING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ACCELERATOR. OPERATOR ERROR CONTRIBUTES TO THE PROBLEM ALSO. PEOPLE HAVE A TENDENCY TO ROLL THEIR FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDAL TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. DEPENDING ON THE ANGLE OF THEIR FOOT, THE EDGE OF THEIR SHOE WILL HANG OVER THE GAS PEDAL. WHEN THEY APPLY THE BRAKE THEY ALSO APPLY THE GAS. THE ENGINE TORQUE OVER COMES THE BRAKE FRICTION AND THE CAR ACCELERATES. MOST OF THE TIME WHEN THIS HAPPENS I CAN REMOVE MY FOOT, RELOCATE IT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SAFELY STOP. SEVERAL TIMES MY SITUATION REQUIRED ME TO HOLD THE BRAKE / GAS PEDALS IN POSITION AND QUICKLY USE MY LEFT FOOT TO APPLY THE BRAKE TO PREVENT AN ACCIDENT. WEARING MY HEAVY BOOTS WITH A LARGE SOLE INCREASES THE FREQUENCIES OF THESE INCIDENTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10617681
64,075 miles · Apr 3, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine
VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT CRUISING SPEED. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNINGS, THE ENGINE JUST QUIT, DISABLING THE VEHICLE IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. THE DEALER REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE WIRING HARNESS FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP DUE TO WIRES SHORTING THE ENGINE AFTER THE INSULATION WAS CHAFED BY INTERNA…
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VEHICLE LOST COMPLETE POWER WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT CRUISING SPEED. THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNINGS, THE ENGINE JUST QUIT, DISABLING THE VEHICLE IN HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. THE DEALER REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE WIRING HARNESS FOR HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP DUE TO WIRES SHORTING THE ENGINE AFTER THE INSULATION WAS CHAFED BY INTERNAL CONTACT WITH OTHER ENGINE PARTS, WHICH WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE FOR BUILDS PRIOR TO AUGUST 20, 2007, ACCORDING TO A FORD TSB: 07-26-2. THIS PART IS COMPLETELY INTERNAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO INSPECTION UNTIL FAILURE. MY FAMILY AND I WERE EXTREMELY FORTUNATE THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET SAFELY TO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE WITH MANY SEMI'S AND CARS AROUND US WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. ALSO, SINCE ENGINE WOULDN'T START AT ALL, WE WERE SUBJECTED TO EXTREME COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS WHILE WAITING FOR TOW VEHICLE, OVER 2 HOURS. THIS IS A POTENTIAL LIFE-THREATENING DEFECT!! LOSING ALL POWER IN SECONDS WITHOUT WARNING IN HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC IS UNACCEPTABLE, FORD! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10577271
Official recalls
3Feb 28, 2008
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT SIDE PIVOT BRACKET MAY CRACK OR BREAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: 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.
Mar 26, 2007
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-800-392-3673.
Mar 26, 2007
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗