Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor
2020-presentLast updated: March 2026
2020-present · 78 kWh battery
Polestar's debut standalone model, built on Volvo's CMA platform with a 78 kWh battery and dual motors delivering AWD. Positioned as a premium Tesla Model 3 alternative, it offers Scandinavian design, Google-built infotainment (Android Automotive), and solid crash safety ratings. A significant 2024 facelift brought a rear-biased drivetrain, more power, and improved software stability.
Strong 8-year HV battery warranty
Good long-term battery health
TCAM connectivity problems
Rear driveshaft clicking on early cars
Buy if: You want a premium electric AWD fastback with solid battery longevity and can verify all recalls have been completed.
Avoid if: You rely heavily on app connectivity and remote features, or the car has no service history to confirm recall completion.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Known Issues most common first
Telematics module loses GPS, cellular, Bluetooth, and key fob connectivity · more· less
The Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM), located in the roof-mounted shark fin antenna, controls all wireless functions including GPS, LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and digital key authentication. Failures can prevent remote locking/unlocking via the app, disable GPS navigation, and in rare cases lock owners out of the vehicle entirely. Early 2020-2021 cars are most affected. A TCAM reset (hold the front demister button for 30 seconds) is a temporary fix. Software updates (especially OTA version 2.4 and later) resolved many issues. If the module itself needs replacement, the part costs approximately €400-800. Most cases are resolved by software updates alone at no cost.
CV joint wear causes audible clicking during low-speed deceleration · more· less
A well-documented issue on Dual Motor models where one or both rear driveshafts develop a rhythmic ticking sound, most noticeable during low-speed braking and deceleration. The root cause is CV joint wear, possibly accelerated by the high torque of the electric motors. Polestar released a Technical Service Bulletin and redesigned replacement shafts that are reported to solve the problem permanently. Replacement cost is approximately €800-900 per side including parts and labor. Both sides are typically replaced together for €1,500-1,800 total. Under warranty this is covered at no cost. Common between 30,000-60,000 km.
Android Automotive screen goes black, freezes, or reboots spontaneously while driving · more· less
The Google-built Android Automotive infotainment system can freeze, display a black screen, or reboot mid-drive. This affects navigation, climate controls, and the reversing camera. A quick fix is holding the Home button for 20 seconds to force a reboot. The issue was most prevalent on 2020-2022 cars running older software versions. Over-the-air updates have substantially improved stability, and 2024+ facelift models with the updated processor chip are significantly more reliable. Hardware replacement of the head unit costs €200-350 but is rarely needed as software updates resolve most cases.
12V battery drains within 7-14 days if car sits unused, preventing startup · more· less
Similar to many EVs, the Polestar 2 can drain its 12V auxiliary battery if left standing for 1-2 weeks, especially with older software versions where modules do not enter sleep mode properly. Symptoms include a completely unresponsive car that will not unlock or start. Software updates have improved power management, but the issue persists on some units. Replacement of the 12V battery costs €150-300. Some owners install a trickle charger as a preventive measure. Locking the car properly (rather than just walking away) helps the system enter sleep mode and reduces drain.
Electric cabin heater fails, causing loss of heating in cold weather · more· less
The HVCH maintains cabin heating and helps regulate battery temperature. Early 2020 production cars were subject to a recall for HVCH failures that could affect battery thermal management. On cars outside the recall scope, failures typically present as a loss of cabin heating in cold weather or a coolant system service warning. Replacement involves €600-900 for the part and €400-600 in labor due to difficult access under the floor. The HVCH is generally covered under the 8-year high-voltage component warranty, so most owners will not pay out of pocket unless the car is outside that coverage.
Creaking or clunking from front suspension, especially during low-speed turning · more· less
A known issue where the upper strut mount bearings develop a creaking or clunking noise, most audible during low-speed maneuvers, parking, and tight turns. The issue is more common on Performance Pack cars with the Ohlins dampers but also occurs on standard suspension. Polestar acknowledged the problem and developed updated strut mount bearings, though early replacements with the original part often saw the noise return. A single strut mount replacement costs approximately €200-400 per side including labor, but some owners report needing the complete strut assembly replaced at up to €900 per side. The updated part appears to resolve the issue more permanently.
Charging cable becomes stuck in the port due to lock solenoid malfunction · more· less
The charging port lock mechanism can occasionally jam, trapping the charging cable. This is usually a solenoid motor failure. An emergency release pin is accessible above the charging socket. Permanent repair involves replacing the lock actuator motor, costing approximately €200-500 including parts and labor. The issue is relatively uncommon but tends to occur after 2-3 years of regular DC fast charging use.
Software-heavy car where most issues are fixable via updates
The Polestar 2 is a generally reliable EV with excellent long-term battery health (92% SoH at 160,000 km is typical). Most reported problems are software or connectivity related and have been addressed through over-the-air updates. The main mechanical concerns are rear driveshaft clicking and front strut mount noise, both of which have been addressed with redesigned parts. The 8-year high-voltage warranty covers the most expensive potential failures. Smaller Polestar dealer network compared to established brands means longer wait times for parts and service appointments.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
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Service history
Complete Polestar or Volvo dealer records. Verify all recall campaigns completed via VIN check.
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Tires
Check tread depth and age. The Polestar 2's weight (2,100+ kg) wears tires faster than average. Look for POL1 marked tires.
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Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes including low-speed parking maneuvers and highway speeds.
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12V battery
Check the 12V battery voltage with a multimeter. Should read 12.4V+ with the car off. Ask how long the car has been sitting.
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Listen for rear driveshaft clicking at low speed
During the test drive, decelerate slowly from 30 km/h and listen for rhythmic ticking from the rear. Most obvious with windows down.
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Check for front suspension creaking
Turn the steering wheel fully lock-to-lock while rolling slowly. Listen for creaking or clunking from the front strut area.
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Test TCAM connectivity thoroughly
Connect the Polestar app, verify GPS shows correct position, check Bluetooth audio streaming, and test the SOS button LED in the ceiling console.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
High voltage coolant heater (HVCH) failure (early 2020 production, ~3,150 vehicles)
Verify completed
Inverter bulk capacitor short circuit risk (2020 production, ~4,586 vehicles globally)
Verify completed
Rearview camera display intermittent failure (2021-2025 models, ~27,800 vehicles)
Verify completed - software update
Front left lower ball joint incorrect installation (select 2023 models)
Verify completed
One pedal drive brake function loss (select 2021 and 2024 models)
Verify completed - software update
The Polestar 2 has had several significant recalls. Contact Polestar directly with the VIN to verify all applicable recalls have been completed. The HVCH and inverter recalls from 2020 are particularly important to confirm on early production cars.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on 2020-2023 models
High-voltage battery, motors, inverters
8 years / 160,000 km with 70% SoH guarantee
Corrosion perforation warranty
12 years from delivery
Complimentary maintenance
3 years / 100,000 km (included from new)
Polestar offers a standard 2-year vehicle warranty and an 8-year / 160,000 km high-voltage component warranty covering the battery, motors, and inverters. The 12-year corrosion perforation warranty is among the longest in the industry. Check with the Polestar dealer whether any remaining warranty transfers to subsequent owners.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.