My second hand 2011 XC70 has heavy steering

Lady Volvo · Post by **Lady Volvo** » 20 Jan 2015, 12:17

Hi guys, 2 weeks ago I bough a 2011 XC70 from a Volvo dealership with 20,000 miles on the clock. I am very happy with it apart from the way it steers. I have owned Volvos for years and I have never come across this problem before. Basically, when I drive the car it is almost as if it was fighting me when I try to steer. I am exaggerating a bit but I want to get my point across. I am concerned than any drive longer than 1 hour will make me very tired indeed. I have taken the car back to the Volvo dealership and they balanced the tires. This has not made any difference. Before I go back to the dealership, I would like to get some advice. Please note I am a woman with little knowledge of car parts other than the basics. Any advice or tips will be greatly appreciated.

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Jan 2015, 15:11

a 2011 or a 2001? a 2001 with 20K would be WAY unusual.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 20 Jan 2015, 15:14

I went ahead and moved your post to the 2008+ forum so that you can get information that is specific for your car. I am also going to edit the post to say 2011 rather than 2001 which is what I think you mean.

...Lee

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Jan 2015, 15:22

Your 2011 may have the feature that allows steering feel to be adjusted in the car setting menu. If so, then that is the first thing to check.

Lady Volvo · Post by **Lady Volvo** » 20 Jan 2015, 16:22

Hi, Thank you for your quick response. Definitely a 2011 model, only just over 3 years old. I am also surprised that a fairly new car would have this problem. All my Volvos up to know have been really soft in the steering just so easy to drive. I was wondering if the Volvo dealership has had it standing for a while and this could be the reason. When I steer at low speed it seems to be OK, it tends to be more of an issue at 50 mph+.

Post by **jimmy57** » 20 Jan 2015, 16:46

Did you go to menu on the screen in center of dash to see if the steering effort setting can be changed?
There is an option on well equipped XC70's and other Volvos that allows steering feel to be changed. This feature will decrease steering assist as speed increases. Many people (like me) like the high effort at travel speed. My V70R and my BMW both have this feature but neither is new enough to have the ability for the effort to be adjusted.

Lady Volvo · Post by **Lady Volvo** » 26 Jan 2015, 07:26

Hi Jimmy57. I will look and see if the steering effort setting option is available on my XC70. Thank you for your post.

Post by **xHeart** » 26 Jan 2015, 08:46

I believe, this "second hand car" is still under warranty. Any equipment issue would be covered.

If this helps... we acquired 2001 V70XC in June 2001. It took a while for my wife to find comfort with new ergonomics, cabin equipment, and moving it around. We were use to years of comfort with our 740 and 850.

We still have 850, that she drives with great joy, but prefers 2001 V70XC feel on road-trips.
It took many-more seat adjustments to get her elbow and shoulder to rest - it is programmed for her comfort.

Replacing these cars sparks discussion in our household.