This page covers 6 recalls, 113 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2023 Polestar Polestar 2.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant pattern in 2023 Polestar 2 complaints centers heavily on the rear backup camera system. Owners across a large share of the complaint set report the camera failing to activate when shifting into reverse, displaying a black screen, freezing on a static frame, or producing choppy, unusable video. Some describe a brief flicker of the camera feed before the infotainment system crashes entirely, temporarily taking down rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors along with it. The system typically reboots on its own after a minute or so of driving, but the camera failure recurs. A smaller cluster of owners report a liftgate that fails to fully close and latch, with the vehicle flagging the hatch as unsecured. Visibility and general electrical complaints round out the remainder but at much lower volume compared to the backup camera issue.
113
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Polestar 2 has 6 recalls, the most serious being a front left lower ball joint that can separate from the steering knuckle, causing a complete loss of steering control.
A separate braking recall covers a software issue with "One Pedal Drive" mode: when coasting downhill in certain conditions, the vehicle can lose brake function entirely. Three recalls address the same underlying problem with the rearview camera, which can fail to display an image when the vehicle is in reverse, reducing the driver's view of what is behind them. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this camera issue, which is why multiple filings exist.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera may fail to display an image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a software update at no cost to restore rearview camera display function.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
While coasting downhill with One Pedal Drive engaged, the vehicle may lose braking ability in certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
A free over-the-air software update fixes the issue. Do not use One Pedal Drive until the update is installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rearview camera image may not appear on the screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the vehicle software at no charge to restore rearview camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The infotainment system software may fail to display the rearview camera image, affecting rear visibility.
What the fix does
Polestar will update the infotainment software over-the-air at no cost to restore camera display.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left-front lower ball joint may not be properly installed in the steering knuckle. If it separates, you could lose control of the vehicle.
What the fix does
A dealership will inspect the fastening bolt on the left-front lower ball joint and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front left lower ball joint may have been installed incorrectly, which could allow the control arm to separate from the steering knuckle.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ball joint fastening bolt and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
