Polestar 2 Standard Range Mk1

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 2021-2022 cars running older software versions. Over-the-air updates have substantially improved stability, and 2024+ facelift models with the updated processor are significantly more reliable. Hardware replacement of the head unit (IHU) costs approximately €200-350 but is rarely needed since software updates resolve most cases. What Car's reliability survey found infotainment was the single biggest source of complaints among Polestar 2 owners.

The Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM), located in the roof-mounted shark fin antenna, controls all wireless functions including GPS, LTE, Bluetooth, and digital key authentication. Failures can prevent remote locking via the app, disable GPS navigation, and in rare cases lock owners out entirely. Early 2021-2022 cars are most affected; pressure washing the shark fin has been linked to inducing failures. A TCAM reset (hold front demister button for 30 seconds) provides temporary relief. Software updates from version 2.4 onward resolved many cases. If the module itself fails, replacement costs approximately €400-800 including labor. Most cases are resolved by software updates alone at no cost.

The Polestar 2 can drain its 12V auxiliary battery if left standing for one to two weeks, particularly on cars with older software where modules do not enter deep sleep properly. Symptoms include a completely unresponsive car that will not unlock or start. Software updates have improved power management, but the underlying sensitivity persists on some units. The 12V battery itself is a standard AGM unit costing approximately €80-120, with dealer replacement at €150-300. Some dealers have incorrectly installed flooded batteries rather than AGM, worsening the problem. Owners who park for extended periods often install a trickle charger. Properly locking the car (not just walking away) helps the system enter sleep mode.

A known issue where the upper strut mount bearings develop a creaking or clunking noise, most audible during low-speed maneuvers and tight turns. The original plastic bearings are prone to premature wear, allowing ball bearings to shift and create noise. Polestar released Technical Journal TJ 36527 and updated the bearing design in 2024. 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. Early replacements using the original part design often saw the noise return within months. The redesigned part appears to resolve the issue more permanently.

The HVCH maintains cabin heating and helps regulate battery temperature. Early 2020-2021 production cars were subject to a recall for HVCH failures. 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 approximately €600-900 for the part and €400-600 in labor due to difficult accessibility. The HVCH is generally covered under the 8-year high-voltage component warranty. This issue primarily affects early production vehicles and is uncommon on 2022+ cars.

Some owners report a 'Propulsion System Service Required' warning caused by a failing coolant control valve or pump in the thermal management circuit. This prevents proper cooling of the battery and motor and can result in reduced power or complete loss of drive. The car should be towed when this warning appears to prevent damage. The valve block assembly costs approximately €500-1,200, with labor adding €300-500. This is uncommon and typically covered under the 8-year HV component warranty, but out-of-warranty repairs can be expensive. The issue has been most reported on 2021-2022 models.