POLESTAR POLESTAR 2 · model year

2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2

178 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 5 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021POLESTARPOLESTAR 2 carries 178 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 POLESTAR 2 is back over prevention: sensing system: camera with 100 filings, followed by unknown or other (13) and visibility/wiper (13). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 5 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 1 investigation file overlapping the 2021 POLESTAR 2, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

178
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

178 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA100
UNKNOWN OR OTHER13
VISIBILITY/WIPER13
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS5
SUSPENSION4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING4
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS3
SEAT BELTS2
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM2
STEERING2
AIR BAGS1

Recalls (5)

24V47700026/06/2024

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Polestar 2 vehicles. The Infotainment Head Unit (IHU) software may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number

25V28000025/04/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Polestar 2 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visi

21V11000024/02/2021

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE

Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Polestar 2 vehicles. The Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) microprocessor may reset and cause the high voltage system to disconnect.

25V61500015/09/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Polestar 2 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse.

25V40900002/07/2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2021 and 2024 Polestar 2 vehicles. In certain driving scenarios while coasting down a hill and using "One Pedal Drive," the vehicle may lose brake function.

Recent Complaints

20260218BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The rear view camera fails repeatedly and the rear window is not large enough to safely reverse.

20260211CrashBACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Cameras stopped working when backing out and collision with pole when reversing out

20260211CrashLANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Cameras stopped working when backing out and collision with pole when reversing out

20260211CrashVISIBILITY/WIPER

Cameras stopped working when backing out and collision with pole when reversing out

20260121BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

I am reaching out to bring to your attention an urgent issue regarding the backup camera in the 2021 Polestar 2. The backup camera frequently fails to work when the car is put into reverse or, even more concerning, it intermittently cuts out while backing up. Given the limited visibility when relying solely on the rearview and side mirrors, this malfunction poses a significant safety risk. The inability to see small children or obstacles behind the vehicle without the aid of the backup camera is a major concern that needs to be addressed promptly. Polestar has attempted several fixes over several years, none to date have resolved the issue. Neither Polestar or NHTSA have taken this issue seriously.

20260121BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

I am reaching out to bring to your attention an urgent issue regarding the backup camera in the 2021 Polestar 2. The backup camera frequently fails to work when the car is put into reverse or, even more concerning, it intermittently cuts out while backing up. Given the limited visibility when relying solely on the rearview and side mirrors, this malfunction poses a significant safety risk. The inability to see small children or obstacles behind the vehicle without the aid of the backup camera is a major concern that needs to be addressed promptly. Polestar has attempted several fixes over several years, none to date have resolved the issue. Neither Polestar or NHTSA have taken this issue seriously.

20260121BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

I am reaching out to bring to your attention an urgent issue regarding the backup camera in the 2021 Polestar 2. The backup camera frequently fails to work when the car is put into reverse or, even more concerning, it intermittently cuts out while backing up. Given the limited visibility when relying solely on the rearview and side mirrors, this malfunction poses a significant safety risk. The inability to see small children or obstacles behind the vehicle without the aid of the backup camera is a major concern that needs to be addressed promptly. Polestar has attempted several fixes over several years, none to date have resolved the issue. Neither Polestar or NHTSA have taken this issue seriously.

20251219VISIBILITY/WIPER

The backup camera fails to activate, freezes up, or turns off while backing up. The rear window of this vehicle and the height of the trunk block visual sight lines making the camera essential. I am a software engineer, it is clear to me that the combination information screen has an underpowered processor and memory. Polestar have attempted software updates which have been ineffective. Other aspects of the system also struggle to load and be responsive as well such as switching modes from bluetooth audio to radio or loading the navigation system. I see that there is a second recall but it appears this is a software based update as well. I doubt that software can fix what is very likely a hardware performance issue.

20251211BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Intermittently, when shifting into reverse, the rear camera does not work, with error stating that the camera is unavailable. Dealer states there is no fix.

20251209BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

When the car is put into reverse the rear camera activates and then goes dead. There is no image from the camera and an error appears on the screen saying camera is temporarily unavailable. There have been multiple recalls on this issue and the updates have not resolved the issue. My car is on software 3.6.4

20251208SERVICE BRAKES

Under regen braking the car has very loud ticking in the rear and feels as if the axles are sheering themselves. Looking into the issues with other owners the culprit is the ERAD motor turns to recoup the energy. It looks like this component is used in a wide variety of Volvo based vehicles like this one and other models report the same issue. The worry comes with failure, as this is a braking component, failure while braking would be highly dangerous.

20251208ENGINE

Under regen braking the car has very loud ticking in the rear and feels as if the axles are sheering themselves. Looking into the issues with other owners the culprit is the ERAD motor turns to recoup the energy. It looks like this component is used in a wide variety of Volvo based vehicles like this one and other models report the same issue. The worry comes with failure, as this is a braking component, failure while braking would be highly dangerous.

20251208FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Under regen braking the car has very loud ticking in the rear and feels as if the axles are sheering themselves. Looking into the issues with other owners the culprit is the ERAD motor turns to recoup the energy. It looks like this component is used in a wide variety of Volvo based vehicles like this one and other models report the same issue. The worry comes with failure, as this is a braking component, failure while braking would be highly dangerous.

20251207BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Back up camera not available. Again.

20251205BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The back up camera constantly fails to turn on. It appears to be a known defect of the car. Service centers seem to have no fix for the issue.

20251205BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The backup camera on my 2021 Polestar 2 has never functioned reliably. It frequently fails to activate when the vehicle is placed in reverse and instead displays an error message. This is a manufacturer defect. Although the vehicle was recalled for this defect and I had the recall repair performed, the issue persists. The repair did not fully resolve the problem, and the backup camera continues to malfunction intermittently. Reduced Rear Visibility: Without a functioning backup camera, drivers lose critical visibility directly behind the vehicle, especially in blind spots not covered by mirrors. Risk to Pedestrians and Children: Backup cameras are designed to prevent accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, or children who may be behind the vehicle. A malfunctioning system increases the risk of striking someone. Parking and Maneuvering Hazards: In tight spaces, garages, or crowded parking lots, the lack of a reliable rear camera increases the likelihood of collisions with other vehic

20251204BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

ever since I bought the vehicle, I would often get an alert when putting into reverse that the rear reverse camera "Camera is Temporarily Unavailable". I did have the recall linked to this issue executed on the car. While the issue occurs less, it still does occur.

20251204BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Rear camera constantly “unavailable”

20251120SUSPENSION

When making a sharp left turn at full steering lock the car makes clicking noises. Service center states it is CV joint related and several cars with this performance suspension have this problem. It may be a safety hazard should the CV joint fail and it is a known issue.

20251120STEERING

When making a sharp left turn at full steering lock the car makes clicking noises. Service center states it is CV joint related and several cars with this performance suspension have this problem. It may be a safety hazard should the CV joint fail and it is a known issue.

Compare 2021POLESTARPOLESTAR 2 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2 have?
The 2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2 has 178 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2?
Yes, the 2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2 has 5 recall(s). The most common affected component is EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2?
The most-complained component for the 2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2 is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA with 100 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and VISIBILITY/WIPER.
Is the 2021 POLESTAR POLESTAR 2 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.