2003 Volvo XC90 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,814miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Volvo XC90, 4% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,814 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“My 2003 Volvo XC90 has been to the dealer several times including over 3 times for same problem when I purchased the vehicle in 2006. All recalls have been fixed, front axle, wipers etc. I have purchased 4 sets of tires, tires boston Volvo installed and my 17 year old son received a complete blow out because wrong size tires. I continue taking to same dealer and since owning the car have had the same noises in front of car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326221, filed 2010-04, 104,000 miles“While backing put of a parking lot power steering failed, vehicle smoked then caught on fire. Driver suffered from smoke inhalation. Prior to the vehicle catching on fire the consumer was involved in an accident the year before (july 12, 2003). The consumer was pressing on the horn when the crash occurred. The consumers hand was on the when the air bag deployed. The driver sustained several broken ones in her right hand which required 2 surgeries, extensive physical therapy and many other medical procedures.”
NHTSA complaint #10075750, filed 2004-07, 31,000 miles“The contact's customer owns a 2003 Volvo XC90. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially brought into his shop due to a leak in the power steering pump. The contact replaced the power steering pump purchased from a dealer. The customer retrieved the vehicle and, approximately 3 weeks later, it shut off without warning while driving. The dealer has been notified. The speed was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 56,627.”
NHTSA complaint #10217704, filed 2008-02, 56,627 milesRelated recalls
- 06V155000May 5, 2006On 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…Covers: Volvo XC90 2003–2006
Related service bulletins
- 10128164Oct 25, 2017Title BLIS fault tracing . Status Released Status 2012 - Ref No US25788.1.1 en - US Date 04 - 16 Issue 2012 - Issuer - Date 01 - 19 Vida Partner 3 US 7510 Volvo Cars North…
- 10167722Mar 18, 2017VOLVO CARS SERVICE AND PARTS BUSINESS Technical Journal TITLE : Vehicle type and platform identification REF NO : ISSUING DEPARTMENT : CAR MARKET : United States and Canada TJ…
- 10026550Sep 19, 2008Volvo: angle gear leakage and resealing for 5 cylinder awd only vehicles. Oil leaking/moisture fromthe angle gear halves can be resolved by resealing the houseing and replacing…
- 10022614Aug 24, 2007Power steering fluid leak at reservoir.
- 10020113May 3, 2006Steering noise, yoke adjustment. Knocking, thumping, or clicking noise may be heard from the steering.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 7% |
| 2021 | 2 | 5% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 3 | 4% |
| 2016 | 7 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 11% |
| 2010 | 2 | 17% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 11% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 20 | 4% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Volvo XC90
49 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEquipment
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Volvo XC90
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