Steering
NHTSA campaign 20E090000 · 2020 · reported 12/10/2020
If the steering locks, it can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
2008 Ford F-250 SD Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 4.2× the fleet median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
141Complaints
2Recalls
6Crashes
3Fires
3Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (26.2% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 4.2× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 37 · 26.2% | Recalled | Recall 20E090000 |
| Tires | 11 · 7.8% | not available | — |
| Engine | 9 · 6.4% | not available | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:engine | 8 · 5.7% | not available | — |
| Electrical System | 8 · 5.7% | not available | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 · 5.7% | not available | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 141 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls — 2 campaigns
Equipment
NHTSA campaign 08E026000 · 2008 · reported 03/27/2008
THIS COULD ALLOW POSSIBLE SHIFTING AND DAMAGE TO THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT AND AXLE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“POWER STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE TOWING A EXPENSIVE CLASSIC CAR. I AM READING THAT IT IS THE STEERING GEAR BOX. FORD WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT…”NHTSA complaint 10749218 — filed 08/17/2015 · STEERING
“STEERING ON VEHICLE BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT. THE POWER STEERING PUMP LOST HALF OF THE FLUID. REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP. SIXTY DAYS LATER THE STEERING…”NHTSA complaint 10653504 — filed 11/07/2014 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STEERING FAILED AS A LOUD ABNORMAL POP SOUND EMITTED FROM THE…”NHTSA complaint 10650840 — filed 10/28/2014 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Ford F-250 SD?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 37 of 141 NHTSA complaints (26.2%), followed by tires (11), engine (9), engine and engine cooling:engine (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2008 Ford F-250 SD have?
141 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 3 involved a fire, and 3 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2008 Ford F-250 SD have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20E090000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2008 Ford F-250 SD's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
