Known APK problem
Volvo V90 / S90 II: steering
On the Volvo V90 / S90 II the APK inspector finds steering problems 6.3× as often as on cars of the same age: at 9–10 years 2.3%, against about 0.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Play or leaks in the steering rack, tie rods or power steering.
How to check it at the viewing
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the steering rack or tie rod ends?
By age
Share of inspected Volvo V90 / S90 IIs with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | V90 / S90 II | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 6 years | B | 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.7× |
| 7 – 8 years | A | 1.1% | 0.2% | 4.7× |
| 7 – 8 years | B | 1.5% | 1.2% | 1.3× |
| 9 – 10 years | A | 2.3% | 0.4% | 6.3× |
| 9 – 10 years | B | 2.4% | 0.8% | 2.9× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 9–10 years
| Model | Steering | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo V90 / S90 II | 2.3% | 6.3× |
| Volvo V60 I Plug-in Hybrid | 0.3% | 0.8× |
Looking at a Volvo V90 / S90 II? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Volvo V90 / S90 IIs of the same age.
All weak spots of the Volvo V90 / S90 II · Steering: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Volvo V90 / S90 II often have steering problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 9–10 years the inspector found a steering defect on 2.3% of inspected Volvo V90 / S90 IIs, against about 0.4% of all cars of the same age (6.3×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the steering on a used Volvo V90 / S90 II?
Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know