I'm not actually sure this is an issue. The power steering motor makes a whine only at idle.

I understand that power steering control module will adjust the speed of the DC motor for the hydraulic pump based on A) the speed of the car, and B) the speed at which the wheel is being turned. So it makes sense to me that the noise is different at idle when not turning the wheel. I'm just wondering if the whine is something I should complain to Volvo about

It's an '05 Volvo S40 T5 but it only has 5200 miles on it and it's under warranty.

 

I complained about mine and they said it is normal. The strange thing is that it seems to have quieted down now that I have over 80K miles.

Wow, 5200 miles on a '05!

Stan

 

I have an '05 S40 T5 as well and mine make the same whining noise and I too was told it's normal. I haven't noticed any issues with my steering. Mine has 86k miles (wish it had low miles like yours!)