Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 7% | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% | 40,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 4% | 16,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 11% | 100,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 17% | 140,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% | 91,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 11% | 134,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% | 130,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% | 16,000 miles |
| 2004 | 20 | 4% | 75,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% | 57,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On May 18, 2023, the vehicle was not driveable and it was not able to be taken out of the park mode. The vehicle had no power so the engine would not start regardless of what the tow truck driver tried. The car had to be pulled onto the tow truck so the tires did not move. On June 10, 2023, Due to a backlog. The Volvo dealership was finally able to look at the vehicle. They stated "error codes in the computer indicate an internal defect in the high-voltage battery. Even after consultation with Volvo technical support, we cannot avoid removing and opening the battery to replace a part inside the battery." Due to a backlog and waiting for parts, they stated it would be 6 weeks before they could repair. …
My name is [redacted] . My wife [redacted] has been corresponding with Volvo Car Financial, as well as Volvo, regarding our Volvo XC90 lease. This Volvo has been the biggest disappointment of any car we've ever leased or purchased out of the new cars and trucks we have purchased every 2-3 years for the past 40 years. We have contacted Volvo several times about the issues we are having and taken it in three times to have the problem resolved. I live in a rural area with backroads, and they say the mapping system called City View does not work well on backroads, so they are not able to replicate the problem when it is taken in for them to look at. I have been in constant communications with our saleslady Sara, she is WONDERFUL and has been most helpful. She also has documentation of everything, and a few videos. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2017 Volvo XC90. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off and caused the steering wheel to seize and the electronic gauges to shut off. The driver lost control of the steering and crashed into a pond. The front end was severely damaged and the vehicle was deemed destroyed, but the air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer (weaver brothers Volvo, 4409 capital blvd, raleigh, nc) were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Front end, wheels begin to bounce and vibrate unexpectedly at various speeds above 45 MPH. The bounce/vibration/wobble affects steering and can be felt in the accelerator pedal and steering wheel. Steering wheel vibrates side to side affecting handling. When braking during this event the steering becomes worse and steering wheel jerks left/right with harder force making handling and stopping difficult. Problems temporarily resolved when vehicle stops but can return within minutes. Problem not persistent but frequent especially at high speeds 60+ MPH and the problem is unexpected. Problem occurs at about 1.5 hours of driving, but can occur at longer intervals. Once the issue starts it generally continues until the vehicle has been parked for several hours
Hi, I had a 2016 XC90 which has serious safety problems. The sunroof has a factory defect, leaking water into the car and causing failures in electronic systems and airbags. Many other owners have sued Volvo and won their cases. Additionally, the issue has been certified by the court, and there are technical bulletins published by Volvo addressing the problem. Yes. The water leak can damage entire electronic systems, such as airbags, the start-stop system, braking system, and lidar system. Once water enters any of these systems, it can lead to accidents and fires due to short circuits, posing a deadly risk. This issue can cause accidents or fires. No, but Volvo has published a bulletin, and there have been many court cases filed against Volvo since 2016. No, the vehicle has not been inspected. It's causing numerous random errors on the dashboard. …
When driving slowly to enter a parking garage, the steering wheel on the car started to feel stiff, and as I completed the turn, there was a loud snapping sound. The dashboard showed an urgent fault saying "SRS Airbag Urgent - Drive To Workshop". I drove it to the Volvo dealer. The steering wheel was having problems turning left. When the dealer attempted to move the car, it was then unable to turn left at all. So, the steering wheel completely failed.
Vehicle was parked, went to start, and the ignition switch will not operate. Ignition switch is locked up, leaving unable to turn key, past accessory, to start engine. Vehicle is unable to be changed out of park, into neutral or other gear, to move vehicle. Steering wheel is locked in position.
On multiple occasions the ABS warning light will come on and state needs service. The air conditioner works intermittantly and the TCS (traction control system) sometimes fails to come on. Like everything else, only some of the time. Purchased vehicle with 180.000 miles
Related recalls (3)
Steering
Volvo Car USA, LLC (Volvo Car) is recalling certain 2019-2022 V60CC, XC60, and XC90 vehicles. During steering gear assembly, double screws may have been assembled on top of each other, which can cause a screw to fall into the gearbox housing.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Volvo Car's customer service at 1-800-458-1552.
Steering
Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 xc90 vehicles manufactured from January 29, 2010, through August 16, 2010. The power steering fluid May leak from the oil pipe connection at the steering gear valve housing.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the oil pipes on the power steering rack free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin during June 2011. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
On certain passenger vehicles,the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of the clamping force and the nut May loosen, which May eventually lead to a fatigue fracture of the outer tie rod ball joint.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the outer ball joint tie rods with improved outer ball joint tie rods free of charge. The recall began on June 23, 2006. Owners May contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo XC90 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (20), 2005 (8) and 2016 (7) model years. Steering complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Volvo XC90 steering problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 23V-001 (steering, Jan 5, 2023); 11V-286 (steering, May 18, 2011); 06V-155 (tie rod assembly, May 5, 2006). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Volvo XC90 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the linkages › tie rod assembly (6 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (2).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.