Power steering Volvo: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Volvo models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S80 IIWater ingress into the Volvo S80's electro-hydraulic power steering pumpIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/053 in the UK) a batch of V70 and S80 cars because water could get into the electro-hydraulic power steering pump and affect its operation: warnings may appear and, in extreme cases, the engine could stall or the assistance fail. The remedy is to replace the pump.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S80 IIVolvo S80 upper power steering return hose: it can come loose and leak fluidIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/094 in the UK) a batch of S80, V70, V60 and S60 cars because the upper power steering return hose could come loose and leak fluid onto the road and into the engine bay, with heavier steering. The remedy is to replace the hose.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIIWater ingress into the Volvo V70's electro-hydraulic power steering pumpIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/053 in the UK) a batch of V70 and S80 cars because water could get into the electro-hydraulic power steering pump and affect its operation: warnings may appear and, in extreme cases, the engine could stall or the assistance fail. The remedy is to replace the pump.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIIVolvo V70 upper power steering return hose: it can come loose and leak fluidIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/094 in the UK) a batch of S80, V70, V60 and S60 cars because the upper power steering return hose could come loose and leak fluid onto the road and into the engine bay, with heavier steering. The remedy is to replace the hose.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC90 IPower steering hose badly secured or touching the fan: oil leak and loss of assistanceThe XC90 I had several recalls over the power steering hose. A 2015 European alert (A12/0885/15) covers cars built between September 2008 and October 2009, because of rubbing against the fan. A German guide adds the five-cylinder diesels from 2009-2010 and those from 2010-2011.

By Volvo model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the power steering do Volvo cars have?

In 3 models from Volvo there are 5 documented faults with the power steering. The most important: water ingress into the Volvo S80's electro-hydraulic power steering pump, volvo S80 upper power steering return hose: it can come loose and leak fluid and water ingress into the Volvo V70's electro-hydraulic power steering pump. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Volvo models have the most problems with the power steering?

Volvo S80 II (2 faults), Volvo V70 III (2 faults) and Volvo XC90 I (1 fault).