NHTSA — Steering Problems

3.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
38,040 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Volvo S60 steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Volvo S60 Owner Comments

problem #9

Oct 152017

S60

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In stop and go traffic, my foot was on the brake to slow down. I took my foot off the brake and stepped on the accelerator as traffic moved again, there was no response to my foot on the gas pedal. The fuel tank, which I had just filled 10 miles before, showed as empty on the fuel gage. I was very, very slowly rolling forward with residual momentum and my steering wasn't working. There was just enough play in the wheel and forward momentum to aim and arrive at the shoulder of the highway. This was on rte 156 in monterey county, California, where very dangerous accidents happen all the time. Car had to be towed and the dealership has been unable to replicate failure. It was outrageously dangerous and I was alone with my 11-year-old child. So frightening!!!

- San Mateo, CA, USA

problem #8

Jul 122017

S60

  • miles
I just recently went to a dealer for a gas fuel leak. They noticed a crack in the holder. The mechanic also asked me to check for a recall before fixing due to this being a common problem with some Volvo. I am also noticing there is a powersteering leakage somewhere because im constantly putting in powersteering. Please take my complaint in consideration due to it being life threating and I have children who I have to carry around in that vehicle. If its a defective equitment on Volvo im asking for immediate replacement. For safety

- Parkville, MD, USA

problem #7

Mar 102013

S60 5-cyl

  • miles
I am writing about what may be design flaw with the Volvo S60R that has me very concerned. My front tires rub on the body in the wheel well when I turn sharply into a parking space. I don't think it should do that but I've been told it's "normal" and the car "settles" as it gets older. Several other Volvo S60 owners have this same problem where the tires rub on the body. Please look into this. I believe it will cause serious consequences in an emergency situation and it's wearing down the edge of the tires prematurely, which may also be dangerous.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #6

Jan 202015

S60 5-cyl

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. repairpal.com/replaced-map-senor-and-maf-airflow-engine-light-back-on-hesitate-still-cut-off-321 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).

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #5

Jul 242012

S60

  • 135,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Volvo S60R. The contact was traveling 12 mph when the front passenger lower control arm detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN failed to qualify for repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:04V029000 (steering:linkages). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 135,000.

- Mimot, ND, USA

problem #4

Apr 052011

S60 5-cyl

  • 100 miles
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. 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.

- Lorton, VA, USA

problem #3

Jan 222008

S60 5-cyl

  • 107,231 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1/22/08 inserted key and it would only move into the first position activating the radio, lights, etc. Unable to continue to turn key and turn on automobile. Steering column lock assembly failed, although it is expected to last the life of the car, leaving me stranded and without a car for over a week since part comes from germany. 4/17/12 same symptoms and once again I am stranded unexpectedly. Volvo dealer reports this happens often and new double priced part might last longer. This is a danger due to its sudden completely unpredictable onset, inability to be driven, and length of time that the car is unable to be in use.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #2

Jan 052007

S60

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Ltr re 2004 Volvo S60 2.5 T steering defect; seeking steering of my vehicle be corrected, re-engineered to that of any current Volvo sedan; please contact her by mail or phone within 14 days of this letter. The consumer stated the tires were rubbing against the steering well when making turns. The dealer performed a temporary fix by installing a steering rack limiter to prevent the tire rubbing. The consumer called the dealer back once the problem returned and was then informed that there was a steering engineering defect with the vehicle and the manufacturer was offering a steering replacement kit that could be installed at no cost. Once the replacement kit was installed, the consumer soon discovered the steering radius was incredibly diminished and that she could no longer make U-turns at an intersection. The dealer told the consumer the steering kit was the only solution that Volvo offered. The consumer stated the coolant light was on. The dealer stated the radiator was leaking.

- San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA

problem #1

Jan 302006

S60 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30 miles
: the contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning left or right the tires touches the frame of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection on four occasions. The first time the dealer placed steering blocks on the vehicle. The second, third and fourth times the dealer adjusted the control arms. However none of these efforts remedied the problem. The problem continues and the vehicle has not been returned to the dealer for further diagnostic testing. Updated 2/24/2006 - power steering reservoir leaked fluid from the bottom hose near the clamp. The consumer heard a metal on metal sound while turning the wheel. The dealer modified the steering stops. Al four taillight and both low beam bulb went out.

- Houston, TX, USA

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