Used Polestar 2 2020-present reliability
Category: Electric car
The Polestar 2 has a smart interior and scores highly for safety, but its driving dynamics disappoint. Later models have an impressive range.
What should I look for in a used Polestar 2 hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
A Polestar will likely have been used on motorways as well as on school runs, so check the bodywork for stone chips and parking scuffs, as well as for any damage to the alloy wheels. Make sure all the electrics are working as they should be, too.
What are the most common problems with a used Polestar 2 hatchback?
The Polestar 2 has been the subject of five recalls so far. To check that both recalls have been attended to, you can contact Polestar customer support. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
An internal reset in the Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) causes the control unit to open the high voltage connectors during driving.
How the manufacturer will repair: Download upgraded software.
Number of affected vehicles: 929
Date of recall: 01/10/2020
Reason for recall
The headlamps are adjusted too high.
How the manufacturer will repair: Adjust the headlamps to the correct level.
Number of affected vehicles: 336
Date of recall: 01/10/2020
Reason for recall
Tin plating on the bulk capacitor terminals may create a short circuit.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the affected inverters as appropriate
Number of affected vehicles: 686
Date of recall: 30/10/2020
Reason for recall
High voltage contactors may open during driving resulting in a risk that the high voltage system may be unintentionally disconnected causing a loss of propulsion.
How the manufacturer will repair: Software upgrade to be carried out.
Number of affected vehicles: 2381
Date of recall: 24/02/2021
Reason for recall
Affected vehicles may experience a temporary loss of braking functionality after coasting downhill when using One Pedal Drive. This could potentially lead to a collision.
How the manufacturer will repair: Install modified software via an over-the-air (OTA) update.
Number of affected vehicles: 293
Date of recall: 23/06/2025
Click here for more information. Contact your local Polestar dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Polestar 2 hatchback reliable?
The Polestar 2 is a generally reliable car. The model ranked 10th out of 20 cars in the electric car class of our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, with a reliability rating of 89.3%. That put it above the Kia EV6 and Porsche Taycan, but below the Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3.
The 2 had a high percentage of faults – 42% of owners reported issues with their cars - but most were fixed swiftly and at no cost to owners. The sat-nav/infotainment system created the biggest headache, followed by the 12-volt battery and non-motor electrical systems. All cars were fixed for free, though, and two-thirds of repairs were completed in a day or less.
As a car brand, Polestar came 23rd out of 31 manufacturers featured in the same survey, with a score of 89.3%. That's disappointing, making it less reliable than Hyundai, Kia and Tesla. It did, however, beat Audi and MG.
Used Polestar 2 reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers reported varied reliability experiences with the Polestar 2 from 2020 onwards. Many praised the Polestar 2 for its innovative electric technology, but some noted recurring reliability issues. Problems with the car’s infotainment system were common, with screens freezing or becoming unresponsive, which required dealer intervention. A number of owners also mentioned occasional faults with the electrical system and, in some cases, battery performance inconsistencies.
Feedback on dealer service was mixed. Several owners appreciated the courteous approach of Polestar’s staff, though some felt the overall repair process was slower than expected. Certain issues, especially software-related ones, required multiple visits to fully resolve, and parts availability occasionally led to longer-than-anticipated wait times.
In conclusion, while many owners enjoy their Polestar 2, reliability concerns with electronics and inconsistent dealer support left some questioning its long-term dependability.
