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.
What are the most common problems with a used Polestar 2 hatchback?
There are no reported problems with the Polestar 2 so far, but it has been the subject of two recalls so far. Check that both recalls have been attended to with your Polestar dealer.
The tin plating on the bulk capacitor terminals may create a short circuit.
Also, the high-voltage contactors may open during driving resulting in a risk that the system may be unintentionally disconnected causing a loss of propulsion.
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 didn't feature, but parent company Volvo came 13th out of 34 manufacturers featured in the same survey with a score of 92.8%, making it a more reliable brand than BMW and Porsche, but less reliable than Mini and Lexus.
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.
