Two problems related to steering column have been reported for the 2007 Volvo S40. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was driving and the engine shut off causing me to lose control of my vehicle as the power steering shut down. I was able to steer my vehicle with difficulty to the side of the road where it stopped. About one week later this happened again. This time I was coming out of a parking lot and had to aim my vehicle in a way to avoid hitting other vehicles. Both time, after a few minutes the car started right up and I was able to drive again. Last Friday, may 3, I pulled my vehicle over and when I stopped the vehicle shut down. This time it did not restart. The error message displayed on the dash was that the "steering was locked, try again. " after several attempts including jump starting the vehicle, which was unnecessary, the vehicle would not start. I had my vehicle towed to the nearest Volvo dealership and was told that the "steering column lock" had failed. The part needed to be replaced at a cost of over $830.
My car would not start because there was a message indicating the steering wheel was locked, but, it was not locked. I had to tow the car to the shop. They reported a defective steering column lock module. I found this is a common problem for this cars which is totally unsafe and unacceptable.