By Gustavoblalmiras • Last updated: March 2026
Are you familiar with Polestar 2 problems? The Polestar 2 is a battery-electric fastback/sedan from Polestar (a Swedish EV brand with roots in Volvo performance and links to Volvo Cars/Geely). It’s stylish, quick, and packed with Google-based infotainment—but like most software-heavy EVs, it has a few recurring pain points that owners and used buyers should know about before committing.
This is only for educational purposes. Always follow your owner’s manual and manufacturer safety guidance. Recalls and campaigns can vary by country—always check by VIN using official recall tools or your local Polestar service point.
This guide covers the most important Polestar 2 problem areas, focusing on the ones that can affect safety, charging reliability, and day-to-day usability—plus what to check before buying.
1) Rear-view camera failure (major recall topic)
One widely reported Polestar 2 issue has been the rear-view camera image not displaying, sometimes showing “temporarily unavailable” or going blank when reverse is selected.
Why it matters
If the rear camera doesn’t display while reversing, rear visibility is reduced and crash risk increases—so treat it as a safety priority.
What the recall documents show (US/Canada examples)
- June 2024 recall (RP1016 / 24V477): described visualization issues during a backing event tied to infotainment head unit behavior; remedy described as a software update (including OTA in many cases).
- September 2025 recall report (RP1069 / 25V615): expanded population (model years 2021–2025) and again described rear-view camera visualization issues during a backing event, with remedy centered on software updates.
- July 2025: NHTSA opened a recall query after complaints that camera issues persisted even after prior remedies; reporting noted Polestar acknowledged a previous update did not adequately correct the issue.
Buyer takeaway: Run the VIN for open campaigns and confirm the latest camera-related software remedy has been applied.
2) Loss of propulsion / high-voltage disconnect (BECM recall on early cars)
Polestar has also issued a recall affecting some early vehicles where a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) reset could cause high-voltage contactors to open while driving, potentially disconnecting the high-voltage system and leading to loss of propulsion.
Key points from recall documentation
- Risk described: the high-voltage system may disconnect while driving; steering and braking remain available, but propulsion can drop.
- Remedy described: a software update performed via service.
What to watch for
- “Propulsion system service required” / drivetrain fault messages
- Sudden reduction in power or limp-mode-like behavior (even if it clears)
3) “Propulsion system service required” warnings (not always one cause)
Even outside recalls, some owners report propulsion warnings that may be linked to software state, sensors, or charging-related faults. The key is simple: don’t ignore propulsion faults, especially if they repeat or affect drivability/charging.
Best practice
- Record the exact wording, take a photo, and have the car scanned for stored codes.
- Check whether your car is affected by any BECM/high-voltage recall actions.
4) Infotainment freezes, black screen, or “stuck starting”
This is one of the most common day-to-day complaints on software-centric EVs: the center display can occasionally freeze, lag, or behave oddly (sometimes after updates).
What to do (safe approach)
Polestar provides official restart procedures in its manuals for the center display and connectivity modules. Use the manufacturer’s instructions (not guesswork), and if issues persist after updates, book service.
Buyer test-drive tip: Test Bluetooth, navigation, reverse camera, and changing key settings in the UI (don’t assume it’s “fine” because the home screen loads).
5) TCAM/connectivity glitches (no internet, weak GPS, app not connecting)
The TCAM (communications module) affects connected services. When it glitches, you may lose mobile data, GPS accuracy, or app pairing/remote functions. Polestar documents troubleshooting and restart guidance in its manuals—follow those steps if you experience consistent dropouts.
6) Charging problems (AC not starting, DC fast charging failing, slow speeds)
Charging complaints usually fall into two buckets:
A) DC fast charging won’t start or stops immediately
This can involve charger handshake issues, software state, or temperature limits. Reports vary a lot by region and charging network—so it’s important to test the car on the chargers you’ll actually use.
B) “It charges slowly” (sometimes normal taper/temperature behavior)
Polestar documentation explains that DC charge power is typically highest at low state of charge and tapers as the battery fills. Cold weather can also reduce speed unless the battery is warmed/preconditioned (often by navigating to a fast charger).
What to check before buying
- Test both AC and DC charging at least once (even a short session)
- Confirm the car starts/stops charging normally and doesn’t throw charging-related warnings
7) 12V battery faults or unexpected discharge
Like most EVs, the Polestar 2 still relies on a traditional 12V battery. If it’s weak—or the car experiences charging/circuit issues—you can get strange warning cascades or trouble waking/unlocking.
Red flags
- Random “warning storms” across multiple systems
- Car slow to wake, unlock, or power up
- Repeated 12V-related messages
If a 12V issue occurs, follow Polestar’s official guidance (manual/roadside assistance). Avoid improvising around high-voltage systems.
8) Heating / climate issues (no heat, heater faults)
Some owners report heating failures (most noticeable in winter). This is not universal, but it’s worth testing properly before purchase.
- Run heat on a cold start: does it warm the cabin normally?
- Test A/C as well (consistent cold air)
9) Suspension clunks/knocks (owner-reported)
Some owners discuss front-end knocking/clunking (often on rough surfaces at low speed). Causes vary (mounts, bushings, or setup specifics), so don’t diagnose from noise alone—just verify with inspection.
Buyer tip: Drive over broken tarmac/speed bumps slowly with the radio off and listen for repeatable knocks.
10) Door handle / keyless entry quirks (owner-reported)
Some drivers report intermittent door handle/keyless behavior. If it shows up on a test drive, it’s worth documenting and asking for service history or a pre-purchase inspection note.
11) Water ingress (check seals and door/footwell areas)
Not the most common complaint, but easy to check: inspect door pockets, footwells, and under mats for dampness or water staining.
12) Brake noise or “sticky” friction brakes (normal EV usage pattern)
Because regen does a lot of braking, friction brakes may be used less and can develop squeaks—especially after rain or long periods of gentle driving. Persistent grinding/vibration is not “normal,” and should be inspected.
FAQ
Are Polestar 2 problems “serious”?
Some are minor software annoyances. Others are safety-critical (notably recall topics like rear camera visualization and certain early high-voltage/propulsion-related actions). Always verify open recalls by VIN.
Why is my Polestar 2 charging slower than expected?
It can be normal taper behavior (highest power often at low SOC) and cold-weather limits unless preconditioning is used. If sessions repeatedly fail to start, treat it as a fault worth diagnosing.
How do I safely reset infotainment or connectivity?
Polestar provides official procedures in its manuals for restarting the center display and connectivity modules. Follow those instructions; if issues persist, book service.
Source links (for your References section)
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCMN-24V477-0085.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2024/RCAK-24V477-2236.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCAK-25V615-7299.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2025/RCLRPT-25V615-0768.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCMN-21V110-5894.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2021/RCRIT-21V110-0016.pdf
https://www.polestar.com/uk/manual/polestar-2/2025/article/da263fe506b716cec0a8015119c03510/
https://www.polestar.com/uk/manual/polestar-2/2025/article/c089c933b26de867c0a8015100bb7e1b/
https://www.polestar.com/uk/manual/polestar-2/2025/article/fa2777b5ae69a1bec0a801513e5f8733/
https://www.polestar.com/uk/manual/polestar-2/2025/article/3370a859e4e797ecc0a8015122dd0a07/
https://www.polestar.com/uk/manual/polestar-2/2024/article/88c8206d7df00acac0a801512bfd5131/
https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/nhtsa-opens-recall-query-into-more-than-27000-polestar-2-vehicles-2025-07-11/
https://www.polestar-forum.com/threads/no-heat.12860/
https://www.polestar-forum.com/threads/front-suspension-knock-clunk-clonk-sounds-tsb.13858/
https://www.polestar-forum.com/threads/water-ingress.13314/
https://www.polestar-forum.com/threads/door-handle.16534/