Volvo XC90 power steering loss problems

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · IL · 2 injuries

2017 Volvo XC90 manufacturing defect where panoramic sunroof drainage network fails under normal rain, pooling water directly in the floorboard channels over safety module networks and wire harnesses.Water infiltration caused a catastrophic short-circuit of the floorboard-mounted amplifier while driving. This forced the audio system to emit an un-modulated, maximum-volume electronic blast through the cabin, causing severe driver distraction and documented temporary acute acoustic trauma/ear injuries to myself and my young child.Progressive electronic oxidation from ongoing water intrusion has since caused systemic failures of critical safety electronics. This includes spontaneous, unprompted activations of the automated emergency SOS calling network and dangerous operational delays in the backup camera engaging.Dealership service personnel inspected the vehicle and explicitly warned that the water-logged electrical networks are heavily compromised and at imminent risk of a complete blackout while in motion, posing a severe threat of sudden loss of power steering, braking, and propulsion on the highway. Rain is currently actively dripping from the interior ceiling onto passenger cabin components. This platform-wide engineering flaw creates an active fire, electrical, and crash hazard.

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · TX · crash

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving a 2018 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV. On [XXX], at approximately [XXX] CT, the vehicle experienced a sudden multi-system safety and actual brake failure while in a parking-lot/low-speed setting near [XXX} in Austin, Texas. The vehicle displayed multiple urgent warning messages and indicators, including power steering failure / stop safely, brake/ABS warning, SRS airbag service urgent warning, stability/traction warning, battery/electrical warning, check-engine warning, and tire-pressure warning. The vehicle ended in an irregular/distressed parking position after trying to locate a concrete block to force stop the car due to ABSOLUTE BRAKE FAILURE, E BRAKE SEEMED TO NOT WORK EITHER. The concern is not simply that a warning light appeared. The event involved steering, braking, airbag/SRS, stability, and electrical warnings at the same time, making the vehicle unsafe to operate AND SOMEHOW THE BRAKES WEREN’T OPERATING DUE TO THE LACK OF FUNCITONING. Photos were taken of the warning messages and vehicle position. Prior related history:
This vehicle has prior safety-system history involving SRS Airbag Service Urgent warnings and braking/vehicle malfunction and movement concerns. Earlier review and discussion involved Volvo engineering, VDDM replacement, CAN/network concerns, calibration requirements, voltage/12V battery considerations, software/module updates, and post-repair validation. The VDDM is understood to participate in vehicle dynamics, stability control, brake coordination, and PHEV regenerative/hydraulic brake interaction. Prior documentation also raised concern that intermittent brake, SRS, VDDM, CAN, and calibration issues may not reproduce during a short dealer test drive. Safety risk:
The safety risk is that the vehicle may experience sudden or intermittent loss, degradation, or warning of systems involved in steering, braking, stability control, and airbag readiness. A simultaneous power steeri INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

Filed Aug 3, 2022 · Driver assistance · 90,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2016 Volvo XC90. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with his four children sitting in the rear of the vehicle, the parking brake engaged independently and the vehicle stopped abruptly. The contact stated that the seat belts engaged to the point of choking himself and the passengers. Additionally, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle resumed normal driving independently and he was able to drive to his residence. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would stall while driving. The message "Loss of Power" was displayed. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts; however, the vehicle would occasionally start only when jumpstarted. The contact stated that the vehicle would often times be restarted within an hour. The dealer was notified and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

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 Dec 21, 2017 · Airbags, Electrical · 78,000 miles · NY

Tl-contact owns a 2004 volvo xc90 ---- contact called volvo dealer in white plains ny... Contact stated airbag light came on while driving and was on for a month.... Vehicle stalled going 50mph ... Power steering went out on main highway vehicle lost power and shut off.... Vehicle restarts and then shuts off again after going a couple miles...spoke with mechanic at dealership who stated that airbags are recalled....mechanic by the name of anthony.... Told contact that airbag light being on was not a big deal....that airbag was faulty so it would not deploy in accident........ 0 recalls associated with this VIN.. Cb

Filed Mar 6, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 98,000 miles · OK

Recently we lost the serpentine belt without knowing it. No warning lights or computer message called our attention to the fact that we were running on battery. The only indication of a problem was the loss of power steering. We drove a short distance to a volvo repair facility and learned we lost the serpentine belt, thus the alternator, water pump,power steering and air conditioner were inoperative. We were informed that the computer controls everything and would not issue a warning until the engine overheated and/or the battery was close to failing. This is a recipe for disaster for a driver or family who might drive into a dangerous situation or at the very least harm the engine through overheating. The loss of the alternator should send a warning to the driver that there is a serious engine malfunction and to stop at the earliest safe place and seek assistance.

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 Aug 12, 2015 · Electrical · 137,600 miles · CA

I was heading towards a supermarket on a expressway on a an afternoon where there was a clicking sound near the dashboard on drivers side. And then suddenly the dashboard lights started flickering and a jerk was felt in the transmission. Soon the dashboard gauges and the indicators went dead while driving and that too without any warning. There was several error messages that were popping up like brake failure, airbag failure, ABS failure, engine failure and then the check engine light came on. The power was totally cut off and the steering was very hard. It appeared as if the vehicle is in a low gear. Ibhad to take the next exit to come to a safe stop as no indicators were working. I tried to turn off the ignition and then tried to restart. The vehicle started but all the gauges on the dash were down. Had to push the gas pedal hard since the vehicle was behaving as if it was in low gear. Power windows, power steering, indicators, lights, gear shift indicator, audio was totally cut off. I called a local technician and to check the problem, but he could not find the fault. However he cleared the errors and check engine message. The vehicle was restored after almost 1 hour. Then I tried to return back to home. The next day, the same problem occurred, and it kept occurring several times. I heard several reviews from several customers about the same issue with 2004 xc90. And every issue is related to cem. The module costs $1200+ which is a very high cost. This situation is so dangerous while you are on freeways and may cause accidents. Volvo should recall all the 2004 xc90s and replace these modules and also compensate all the owners who have replaced their cems.

Filed Oct 24, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 170,000 miles · VA

While driving vehicle at 55-60 MPH all dashboard lights came on and car lost power. This caused a frightening and extremely dangerous situation. Without headlights or tail lights I could not be seen by other drivers. I tried to cross 2 lanes and get onto the shoulder with no power steering or engine power. While I was very fortunate I was not in or did not cause a serious accident I had an extremely close calls. I changed lanes and almost collided with another vehicle traveling at 55. Once in the lane another driver who was unable to see my vehicle (no lights) came up behind me at a high rate of speed. Only a last minute swerve avoided a rear end collision that no doubt would have caused a terrible accident with very serious if not tragic results. Additionally other drivers had to swerve to avoid the vehicle-causing a very dangerous, chaotic situation. The loss of power and loss of lights came close to causing a major multi-vehicle accident. Many are aware of this problem. Please do not wait until people are killed to reopen the investigation and re-consider a safety recall.

Filed Apr 19, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 58,640 miles · TX

During switching off ignition a warning light was visible, on turning on ignition again multiple faults registered on the instrument cluster.no issues prior to this fault occurred. List of faults noticed: 1: SRS warning light (instrument cluster notification) 2: ABS failure (instrument cluster notification) 3: passenger airbag off (instrument cluster notification) 4: passenger airbag fault-service required (instrument cluster notification) 5: passenger electrical assist seat not working 5: hazard lights only work when ignition is on 6: vehicle cannot lock or unlock 7: rear tail lights stay on continuously even after removal of ignition key. 8: no brake lights 9: no turn right signals (back or front) 10: headlight fault (instrument cluster notification) 11: rev counter not aligned correctly, sits at 6:00 while vehicle is off. 12: rev counter rests at 7000rpm on engine idle and continues clockwise. 13: engine will not pass 4000rpm 14: engine stopped enroute to volvo dealership traveling at 65mph with loss of power steering and brake assist. Vehicle was able to re start after coming to complete stop. 15: trip computer does not register miles traveled. 16: miles left till empty shows 9999.