Six problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2008 Ford F-450. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
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!.
Motor replaced and/or rebuilt by dealer twice since purchased.
Our Ford f450 pickup has been in the dealership for repair for shutting down while driving over five times. Three of the episodes occurred while driving on the freeway and with no warning the vehicle shut-down causing loss of power brakes and steering. The last incident occurred on 11/5/09.
Fuel tank delamination leading to blown engine x2 and fuel pump replacement x2. I use no additives and buy only commercial fuel almost exclusively in northeast georgia.
Truck with about 18,000 miles by original owner failed on 22 June 2008; new motor required after lengthy contacts between dealer and Ford motor company; as of July 28, 2008, truck is still in shop and fmc not cooperative.