Are you familiar with Polestar 2 problems? The Polestar 2 is a plug-in electric luxury car manufactured by the Swedish automaker Volvo cars. It’s stylish, quick, and packed with Google-based tech—but like most software-heavy EVs, it has a few recurring pain points that owners and used buyers should know about before committing.
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 issue)
One of the most serious Polestar 2 problems in recent years has been the rear-view camera image not displaying, sometimes showing “temporarily unavailable” or simply going blank.
Why it matters
If the rear camera doesn’t display while reversing, rear visibility is reduced and crash risk increases.
What the recalls show (US/Canada examples)
- June 2024 recall (RP1016): targeted certain 2021–2024 Polestar 2 vehicles and involved an infotainment head unit software issue affecting camera visualization during a backing event; Polestar described an OTA software remedy.
- May/Sept 2025 recall actions (e.g., 25V280 / 25V615): expanded to 2021–2025 Polestar 2 vehicles; remedy again centers on software updates.
- July 2025: NHTSA opened a recall query after complaints that camera issues persisted even after the earlier remedy, and Polestar acknowledged the software update didn’t adequately correct the original issue (per Reuters).
Buyer takeaway: Always run the VIN for open campaigns and confirm the latest camera fix has been applied.
2) Loss of propulsion / high-voltage disconnect (BECM recall on early cars)
Another high-priority item: Polestar issued a recall where a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor 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: unintentional disconnection of the high-voltage system while driving (steering/brakes remain, but propulsion can drop).
- Remedy: software update performed by service points.
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 the same root cause)
Even outside recalls, some owners report random propulsion warnings that may be linked to software, sensors, or charging-related faults. The important part is: don’t ignore propulsion faults, especially if they affect charging or drivability.
Polestar’s manuals show that drive system faults trigger warnings/messages in the driver display and advise contacting support.
Best practice
- If the message appears: record the exact wording, take a photo, and get a diagnostic scan.
- Check whether your car is affected by the BECM-related recall (above).
4) Infotainment freezes, black screen, or “stuck starting”
This is one of the most common “daily annoyance” Polestar 2 problems. The center display can occasionally freeze, lag, or misbehave after updates.
The official fix that often helps
Polestar’s manual describes a center display restart:
- Hold the center display Home button for ~20 seconds and keep holding when a message appears; release when the screen turns black, then it restarts.
Symptoms
- Touchscreen becomes unresponsive
- Navigation/audio glitches
- Settings menus not loading correctly
Buyer test-drive tip
Make sure to test: Bluetooth, navigation, reverse camera, and changing key settings in the UI.
5) TCAM connectivity failure (no internet, no GPS, Polestar app not connecting)
The TCAM (communications module) is the “connected car” heart—when it glitches, you may lose:
- Mobile data/internet services
- GPS accuracy
- App pairing / remote functions
Polestar explicitly recommends restarting TCAM for internet/app connection problems and provides a procedure (holding the front defroster button until SOS flashes, then waiting).
What it looks like
- App won’t connect reliably
- No LTE icon / “no internet”
- GPS location wrong or missing
6) Charging problems (AC not starting, DC fast charging failing, slower-than-expected speeds)
Charging complaints vary, but they usually fall into two categories:
A) “It won’t fast charge” or stops immediately
This can happen due to charger handshake issues, software state, or temperature-related limits. Owners report scenarios where DC sessions fail repeatedly until the car is “reset” or allowed to sleep. (Owner reports vary by region and charger network.)
B) “It charges slowly”
Sometimes it’s normal behavior. Polestar’s manual explains that DC fast charging power is typically highest at 0–30% state of charge, then tapers.
Cold weather can reduce charging speed unless the battery is warmed/preconditioned; Polestar’s manual notes that preconditioning can be done by setting a fast charger as the navigation destination.
What to check before buying
- Test both AC and DC charging at least once (even a short session)
- Confirm the car can start/stop charging normally and doesn’t throw charging-related warnings
7) 12V battery faults or unexpected discharge
Like many EVs, the Polestar 2 still depends heavily on a traditional 12V battery. If it’s weak or a charging circuit issue appears, you can get odd behavior—or in some cases, the car can become difficult to wake up.
Polestar’s manual includes a driver display message example for “Fault in the 12V battery” and advises contacting support.
The manual also describes jump starting if the 12V battery is discharged (and notes potential causes such as long periods of non-use or a blown fuse).
Red flags
- Random warning storms
- Car slow to wake or unlock
- “12V battery” warnings in the car or app
8) Heating / climate issues (no heat, heater faults)
Some owners have reported heating failures (especially noticeable in winter), sometimes tied to fuses or heater component replacement. (This is more “ownership reports” than a universal defect.)
Buying test
- Run heat on a cold start: does it get properly warm within a reasonable time?
- Test A/C as well (consistent cold air)
9) Suspension clunks/knocks (especially reported on some setups)
A number of owners discuss front suspension knocking/clunking. The causes can vary (bushings, mounts, or setup specifics), and there are community references to service/TSB-related discussions.
What to listen for
- Clunk over speed bumps or shallow potholes
- Noise at low speed on uneven surfaces
Buyer tip
Drive over rougher surfaces at low speed with the radio off.
10) Door handle / keyless entry quirks
Some drivers report door-handle behavior issues (e.g., “snapping” sounds or intermittent operation) and recommend having it addressed at service.
Separately, Polestar’s own app/connectivity troubleshooting advises physical key lock/unlock steps and TCAM restart when connection behavior is inconsistent.
11) Water ingress (leaks into door pocket / trim areas)
Not the most common issue, but worth checking: owners have reported water ingress symptoms (e.g., door pocket wetness).
Buyer check
- Inspect door cards/pockets, footwells, and under mats for dampness or water staining.
12) Brake noise or “sticky” friction brakes (EV driving pattern effect)
Because EVs use regen a lot, friction brakes can see lighter use, and owners sometimes report squeaks or noises. Community discussions and tagging highlight this as a recurring topic.
Simple habit that helps
- Every so often, do a few firm (safe) friction-brake applications to keep discs/pads clean—especially after rain.
What to check before buying a used Polestar 2
1) Confirm recalls/campaigns are complete
- Rear camera recall(s) (2024–2025)
- Early BECM/high-voltage disconnect recall (where applicable)
2) Do a “tech stress test”
- Infotainment: maps, audio, Bluetooth, settings
- Reverse camera repeatedly (5–10 times)
- Confirm app pairing + data connection (LTE/GPS)
3) Do a “charging sanity test”
- AC charge session starts and runs normally
- If possible: a DC fast charge session starts and holds
4) Cold-weather buyers: test heat properly
- Heat output and cabin warm-up matters more than you think
FAQ
Are Polestar 2 problems “serious”?
Some are minor software annoyances (infotainment hiccups). Others are safety-critical (rear camera recall, loss-of-propulsion recall).
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.
How do I safely reset the infotainment or connectivity?
Polestar provides official procedures to restart the center display and the TCAM module in its manuals.
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/