XC90 Heavy Steering Vibration

I'm experiencing odd issues with my 2005 Volvo XC90 diesel, which has 185434 km on the clock. Recently, the steering has become heavier, almost like the power steering is failing intermittently. Also, there's a distinct vibration in the steering wheel at certain speeds. I suspect it might be related to the steering angle sensor. Has anyone else encountered similar problems? I've checked the power steering fluid level, and that seems fine. I am thinking it could be alignment problems and the sensor is just picking it up.

4 comment(s)

I had a similar issue with my XC90. Increased steering effort and vibrations sound familiar. In my case, it turned out to be a faulty steering angle sensor. I'm wondering, does your traction control system seem to be acting up at all? Any warning lights on the dash?

Yes, the stability control light has flickered a couple of times. Was the coding of your steering angle sensor faulty too? How did you eventually fix it, and how much did it cost you?

That sounds like exactly what happened to mine. The stability control light is a big clue. It's highly likely the steering angle sensor. I'd recommend taking it to a workshop that specializes in Volvos. They'll be able to diagnose it properly and recode or replace the sensor as needed. Don't keep driving it like that because it might cause other problems.

I took the XC90 to a local mechanic, and they confirmed it was indeed a faulty steering angle sensor. They recoded the sensor, performed a wheel alignment, and that seems to have resolved the issue. The total cost was 195€.

Join the discussion now: