Just got a brand new XC90 2.5T AWD. I have an issue with steering wheel vibration at idle. When waiting at a traffic light, I can feel the vibration of the engine in the steering wheel. It’s not horrible, but in my opinion it’s more than average for a brand new car. I can also feel the vibration coming through the seat and the body of the car. Before I bought this one, I’ve test driven a few of used XC90’s, and I think only one of them had a similar vibration (but it had around 32K miles), the other 2.5T’s were quieter at idle (and one T6 I drove was extremely quiet). Turning the A/C off makes it a little better, but you can still feel a lot of it. Anyway, I am not sure if this is something abnormal for this car, but it’s starting to irritate me. I had less vibration in my old 120K Accord, and definitely expected better from for a new luxury car. Also, steering at low speeds is strenuous, and turning wheels when the car is not moving (e.g. when parallel parking doing a lot of turning while stopped) takes quite an effort, again, much more than in my old Accord. It seems like the power steering is noticeably underpowered. Also, the steering does not seem to be precise at low to moderate speeds. The wheel often feels “disconnected” from what the front wheels are doing and somewhat loose, as if turning the steering wheel a little in both direction does not make any effect. It feels much more “connected” at higher speeds. I don’t know if there is anything abnormal, or this is the way the car is built.

Airsole,

Would be interested in knowing if you ever got any resolution on the vibration. I am getting the same thing at idle and it continues through all speeds. I actually am getting very annoyed at it and a bit motion sick when I am not the driver. You can feel the vibration throughout. Took it to the dealer and they did not notice any vib. I will take it back this weekend to have a tech ride with me.

I have the exact same problem with my 2007 XC 90. It has been to the dealership now for the same problem and the rep told me there was nothing that could be done.
The vibration only does it when the car is idling and the A/C is on. The vibrations can be felt through the steering wheel and the driver's seat. It has affected my fuel efficiency (which wasn't great in the first place).
Is there anything Volvo will do to correct the problem?

It has been to the dealership THREE times for the same vibration problem and it still hasn't been corrected.

i think the issue is with the engine mountings... it tends to get loose over the years and for most xc90's there wld be slight jarring or vibrations felt during heavy throttle but i guess in your case the mounting must be pretty worned out..so my 2 cents is that the vibrations are due to the loose engine mountings and prob in some instances its worse during idle cause it could have been the resonance at that engine speed sending those vibrations into the cabin...
i dont think the new mountings (i think there are 3 or 4) shld cost too much to replace...