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Volvo S60 power steering loss problems

16 of the 1,274 owner complaints about the Volvo S60 describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2004 model year.

owner complaints
16
worst model year
2004
typical mileage
76,678
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2015
    2
  • 2012
    1
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    6
  • 2003
    2
  • 2001
    3
  • 2000
    1

What owners say

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2015 Volvo S60. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering became extremely difficult to turn and several warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the "City Safety" light was illuminated and drove over a manhole cover on the road and the vehicle stopped. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the two EV batteries needed to be replaced because the battery could not be charged and tested out at 9 percent. The contact was advised that the battery failure caused the failure of several vehicle systems. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2018 · Electrical · 37,404 miles · AR

While driving, all power (all power) is lost, without warning. Driving normally in traffic, the car simply shuts down. Engine stops, no lights (interior or exterior), no dashboard data, safety systems disabled, no turn signals, no power steering, safety flashers do not function, etc. Essentially like the car was tuned off. Try to restart - nothing. After 'resting' for 5 minutes, starts and runs normally. Has reoccurred 3 times. Visits to the dealership have resulted in new battery, and alternator. No definitive diagnosis, just 'hope' that the problem has been fixed. But neither of those repairs have fixed the problem, it reoccured again (3rd time). The car is extremely dangerous to drive in this condition, to me and my family but also to other drivers on the road. It has been towed to the dealership. No diagnosis yet.

Filed Jan 21, 2015 · Brakes, Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

The 2.4l 2004 volvo s60 experiences erratic behavior and engine failure when operating multiple concurrent electrical systems. When these systems (operated within specified guidelines) are used concurrently they cause the following conditions: engine failure, loss of power steering, loss of brakes. The following is a list of electrical channels that have been used to trigger the engine failure: brakes, indicator lights (right or left) heated seats (x2) front windshield defrost multiple s60 model owners have reported having experienced this same engine failure which cannot be detected by the manufactures diagnostics test. When tested the battery, alternator and computer all present positive read-outs. Http://repairpal.com/replaced-map-senor-and-maf-airflow-engine-light-back-on-hesitate-still-cut-off-321 http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2290017/volvo-s60-engine-cuts-off-while-turning https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110502120739aa0tjsr this is a serious condition that could result in a collision or even death. A recall on this model is being immediately requested. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 11, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 18,991 miles · MA · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 volvo s60. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, there was a loss of steering control and the rear end spun uncontrollably. The dynamic traction control failed to activate and the vehicle crashed into the curbside, causing damage to the front driver and passenger's side wheel rims. In addition, the rear driver's side rim and front bumper was damaged. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. A trouble code was detected for the SRS module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 18,991.

Filed Jun 29, 2012 · Electrical · 118,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo s60. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing several electrical failures. The rear door indicator was illuminated, the vehicle was exhibiting hesitation, the steering was hard to turn and the interior light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the brake, spark plugs and air filter was replaced however, the failure was not corrected. The vehicle continued to experience the electrical failures. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000 and the current mileage was 120,000.

Filed May 22, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 100 miles · VA

When turning a corner. I noticed the check engine light was on. The this happened a second time a week later, and then several additional times. I took the car to independent mechanic and he checked it out but couldn't diagnose the problem. He only speculated that it could be the pvc box, but that they were not sure it would fix the problem. The car had approximately 100k after this happened about eight times in the next 3 months, I took the car to volvo dealer. They checked it out, and told me it may be the pvc box, but they were not sure this would fix the problem. I took it to another mechanic and who said it was the catalytyic converter. This problem has been ongoing for a year. I took the car to another mechanic and he changed the spark plugs and cabin filter. He told me to take the car to the volvo dealership/service to have the computer reset. He said, because the car looses pressure and stalls when you make a quick turn. I called volvo they said this would fix the problem. I took the car to volvo to get an oil change. They told me the car stalled out on the mechanic 3 times and the check engiine light was on. They checked the car on the computer and told me the engine coils needed replacing. That was the problem. I paid for the engine coils to be replaced and some other work which totaled $1350.00. I picked the car up on friday, on monday, while turning a corner the car stalled out, no power, no steering, just onboard lights. It happened again on tuesday morning. I experienced this problem when the car was under recall. The dealership fixed it, but it seems as though this problem is occuring again. This is dangerous and volvo should be responsible and fix these cars. There are some serious mechanical/engine problems with this vehicle.

Filed Sep 25, 2010 · Engine · 135,000 miles · CT

I had a similar issue about two years ago and replaced the catalytic converter. Just today (9/25/10), my 2003 volvo s60 began to irregularly stall while driving. While I'm slowing down, it downshifts by it self, and just dies, and while I'm slowing down, the warning indicators on the dash are not lit, as if nothing is wrong, but when come to a complete stop all the lights on the dash are lit. The check engine light then comes on, it wasn't on before this happened. This can be very dangerous when you are slowing down to turn at an intersection. The car stall, you have no power steering and you are dead in the middle of traffic. This happened no less than 10 time while I was driving today.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Engine · 77,455 miles · FL

I have a 2004 volvo s-60 with approximately 75,000 miles on it. In the past 6 weeks, the car engine has completely died three separate times - without warning. *tr the emergency hazard light still worked, the fan still blows (no A/C, just the fan), but otherwise there is no power, no brakes, no steering, no warning lights whatsoever. Each time this has happened, it has been when I am driving between 40-55mph. When the car coasts to a stop and I am able to re-start it, it starts without a problem. My volvo dealership says they see no evidence of problem on the car's computer system, and the car did not die when they test drove it, therefore they say they cannot diagnose the problem - and that without a diagnosis, they cannot repair it. They also claim that volvo's database has no related vehicle or parts recall on my particular VIN/vehicle. However, with absolutely no warning of when the engine failure will occur, and with no control over steering or braking, this is a very dangerous situation that volvo so far cannot address unless the engine failure happens right in front of them. With no way of controlling when the car will die, this is obviously not a satisfactory resolution for the safety of myself or for other drivers.

Filed Feb 15, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 76,678 miles · WA

Certified previously owned vehicle stalled due to butterfly valve within throttle body not opening fast enough when going around a corner and too much load on the engine. Example: exited freeway and was turning left while braking due to upcoming red light. The engine stalled in the middle of an intersection while the vehicle was in motion at approximately 10 MPH. Lost steering and braking power. The problem was first noticed when making right turns and having to suddenly brake for a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other traffic hazard and the engine stalling or fluttering at much lower speeds. As it worsened over the course of a week it was ultimately the worst with the mid-intersection stall. At this point we were afraid to drive the vehicle for fear of crashing. Vehicle was purchased from a dealer as certified pre-owned 68,735 miles on 05/02/2008 and was taken to dealer for stalling at 76,678 miles on 08/15/2009. Dealer reported this as a maintenance issue not covered under warranty. Repairs for cleaning the throttle body, resetting valve, and installing new gaskets was $402.93. Vehicle originally purchased in southern california. Vehicle moved to washington in february of 2009.

Filed Jun 12, 2009 · Steering · 83,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 volvo s60. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. Suddenly, there was a loss of power steering, which required greater effort to turn the steering wheel. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the engine. The engine was restarted after waiting a few moments and the vehicle resumed normal operation. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The failures occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and authorized dealer for inspection. The technicians stated that the failures were contributed to the power steering module and recommended that it be replaced at the cost of $200. The vehicle has not been repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 83,000 and current mileage was 84,000.

Related recalls

Steering: linkagesReported January 16, 2004 · 29,986 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the front control arms may not have been manufactured correctly and, as a result, the stud and nut that secure the arm to the spindle may lose their initial axial tension. Under certain driving conditions, the steering may become less responsive and the driver may experience steering wheel play.
Risk
This driving condition could eventually lead to separation between the front control arm and the spindle, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new type of nut. Owner notification began on february 16, 2004. Owners should contact volvo cars at 1‑800‑458‑1552.

Recall number 04V029000 · Recall details

Questions about the Volvo S60 power steering loss

Which Volvo S60 years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2004 (6 complaints), 2001 (3 complaints) and 2003 (2 complaints).

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