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SteeringPart report

1997 Volvo 850 Steering Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
6%of 107 total for the year
Median mileage
39,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Volvo 850, 6% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Windshield wipers quit working while in use. The arm fell off. Windshield wiper motor was replaced. Also, the power steering rack needed to be replaced because steering fluid was leaking.”

NHTSA complaint #10055547, filed 2004-01, 39,000 miles

“When driving through puddles all of the dashboard lights come on and power steering deactivates,steering is possible but difficult. Dealer installed some type of splash guard to correct problem, but this has not resolved situation. Volve insists nothing is wron gwith vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #533799, filed 1998-01

“While driving in hard rain consumer saw dash lights light up and the steering control failed and car cut off.after about thrity seconds the car restarted.”

NHTSA complaint #848379, filed 1999-09

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
199766%
199663%
199544%
199445%
199357%

Other parts of the 1997 Volvo 850

Brakes
33 complaints
Electrical system
13 complaints
Seats
10 complaints
Tires
9 complaints
Seat belts
7 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaints
Engine cooling
6 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Equipment
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Volvo 850

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology