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2004 Volvo XC90 steering problems

20 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
20
of this car's complaints
4%
typical mileage
65,000
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Linkages: tie rod assembly
    3
  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    1
  • Column
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volvo XC90 steering problems in other years

2003200520102023

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Volvo XC90 steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Power steering loss 12

Related recalls

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported May 5, 2006 · 126,743 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The driver may notice that the vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 06V155000 · Recall details

What 2004 Volvo XC90 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 19, 2021 · Seat belts, Steering · CA

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. Consequences of defect: the driver may notice that hte vehicle is difficult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash. Wheels: on certain SUV's the front wheel speed sensors may be defective. Causing an erroneous whill speed signal. Consequences of the defect: this can adversely affect a number of vehicle functions, including brake, engine, transmission, and torque distribution control which rely on this signal for proper operation. Visibilty: windshield wiper/washer on certain vehicles, if the wiper arm is activated in extreme winter weather conditions and without lifting the wiper arms and cleaning the windshield prior to moving, the wiper arm might slip on its drivershaft, resulting in an inability to move the wiper from the park posiiot from the park position. Consequences of defect: inoperative wipers under inclement weather conditions could cause a crash due to impaired visibility. Seats belts: rear on certain SUV's, the seat belt attachment for the second and third row seats may not have been fitted properly. Consequences of defect: in the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Corrective action: dealers will inspect and repair the defects free of charged. In my case, the manufacturer has declined to repair the defects even when the dealer has diagnosed my SUV with the power steering problem, plus the defects already mentioned. Therefore,the dealer will not repair free of charge. Number of vehicles affected: 122431 dates manufactured: feb 2003 to jun 2004

Filed May 9, 2021 · Seat belts, Steering · CA

On certain passenger vehicles, the outer tie rod ball joint can deform at high loads causing a loss of clamping and the nut may loosen, which may eventually lead to a fracture of the outer rod ball joint. The driver may notice the vehicle is diffcult to maneuver increasing the risk of a crash. Wheels: on certain SUV's, the front wheel speed sensors may be defective, causing an erroneous speed signal this can adversely affect a number of vehicle functions, including brake, engine, transmission, and torque distribution control which rely on this signal for proper operation. Seat belts: rear on certain SUV's, the seat belt attachment for the second and third row may not have been fitted properly. In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of injury. Corrective actions: dealer will inspect and repair free of charge. In my case, the manufacturer has refused to repair free of charge, therefore, the volvo dealer will not repair defects on my SUV.

Filed Apr 14, 2020 · Steering, Transmission · 195,000 miles · IN

I am concerned these 2 issues may pose a safety risk. I recently purchased this car from a friend and have had it about a month. I notice the steering is very stiff and difficult to maneuver. I was trying to find out if there were any recalls on this but having no luck. Also, when the car is in gear "drive", when stopped on an incline (even the slightest hill) I notice that when I take my foot off the brake pedal the car rolls backwards! It shouldn't do that. The transmission notice on the dash is saying it needs service but my friend I bought it from said she had it checked twice and was told there is no transmission issue. Is there a recall on power-train/trans parts? The car should not roll backwards when in gear "drive", even if I am stopped on a hill. Even a slight incline and the car rolls back. Not normal. Thank you for any and all help you can offer. This isn't an "incident" but I do not know who else to contact for help.

Filed Jul 22, 2018 · Airbags, Steering · FL

Srs -airbag service urgent oil light on sometimes

Filed Apr 26, 2016 · Fuel system, Steering · NJ

There has been problems with steering the driver shafts the fuel pump airbags and wheels making a clicking noise while driving on highway. The gas smell is always inside the car and mechanic has said it's from the fuel pump defect during manufacturer. Along with the other fore-mention defects .volvo does not want to address issues because age of car. There is a defective sunroof that allows water to leak inside the car during rain fall . There has been a top class action placed against volvo for this . They wanted to charge me $700 to $800 for this defect and $1200 to $1500 for fuel pump .

Filed Jan 15, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 170,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc90. While driving various speeds, the power steering failed and several warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle stalled. The contact stated that a new alternator was placed in the vehicle two days prior to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Sep 29, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 65,000 miles · CA

While driving our volvo xc-90, the entire electrical system shuts down (dashboard display, lighting, AC, power windows, power door locks, everything electrical etc.). Additionally, for a split second the engine/transmission jerks and/or stalls before resuming. The first time this happened was in 2010 and never occurred again for several years. Then suddenly on a recent trip in august 2014 this happened repeatedly and the electrical system never returned to operation during that trip. In that august 2014 occurrence we were traveling down narrow state highway 1 in big sur, california. Had we lost control of the vehicle during the jerking episodes we could have gone off the narrow road and down the steep cliff side to our deaths. This put our family in a very perilous situation. Additionally, since the above incident in late august 2014 the vehicle has experienced numerous other flashes/jerking incidents while at highway speeds. This occurrence seems to be increasing. This is a very dangerous situation and needs to be addressed with a national re-call.

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 155,000 miles · WA · crash

3 hours into a 3-1/2 hour weekend road trip there was a clunk in the engine compartment. Thinking I hit a pothole, I continued on cautiously. While continuing on these unfamiliar 2 lane windy roads going 43mph (the speed limit was 55) about 2 miles from where the clunk happened my entire dash cluster stopped working. All my dome lights and leg lights came on. The car clunked harder this time. I lost power to the engine, steering was like trying to turn a tank, and the brakes were very spongy. Still traveling on windy roads with large semi trucks behind me and cars passing by in the opposite lane I veered to the right to avoid being rear ended by a semi. Not being able to steer or stop as efficiently as before I coasted into a residents 2-3 man rock landscape traveling at about 5mph. I dented my front license plate and scratched the bumper. With my heart pounding, I turned the car off and got out to see the damage. I went to the residents home and told them my story. They were thankful my fianc and I were okay. Since I hit rock there was no damage done to their landscape. After 20 minutes I started the car. It was hesitant to start. The brake failure light was on for a few seconds then the SRS service warning light came on and stayed on. For the remainder of the weekend trip the car would lurch like the tranny was slipping. Especially after taking off from a stop light. It still clunks once in awhile but we only drive it around town. It's currently at a certified volvo specialist being serviced. This morning all lights stopped working and I couldn't get it out of the garage. The key stuck in the ignition. In conclusion, this mishap could have resulted in a serious injury or fatality. If every car of this make and model is doing this, they need to be recalled and repaired!

Filed Jul 11, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 160,000 miles · TX

Driving vehicle at 45mph and key switched out of the "run" position while being driven. Vehicle's engine completely shut off, rendering power brakes, power steering and airbags as not operational.

Filed Oct 1, 2010 · Steering · 77,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volvo xc90. While traveling 35-45 MPH the contact noticed that the front driver side tire had suddenly turned outward rubbing against the wheel which caused the vehicle to come to stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 77000.

Questions about the 2004 Volvo XC90 steering

Does the 2004 Volvo XC90 have steering problems?

Owners have filed 20 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Volvo XC90, 4% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Volvo XC90 steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Volvo XC90 steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 06V155000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Is there a class action lawsuit over the Volvo XC90?

Yes. New class action says Volvo's Google-based infotainment screens freeze and take climate and rearview camera with them (November 9, 2026).

Other 2004 Volvo XC90 problems

Electrical 158Transmission 145Fuel system 77Engine 52Lights 33Airbags 31Suspension 23Brakes 19Acceleration 17Body 14Driver assistance 12Wheels 10Seat belts 6Tires 6Visibility 6Locks 4Seats 2

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