2023 Polestar Polestar 2 Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Polestar Polestar 2 carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering lower ball joint and software. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Backup camera failure displaying unavailable message.” Polestar keeps EV maintenance sparse and time-based: a factory service every 2 years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first, covering the cabin filter, wipers, inspections, and software. Two fine-print items matter. Services must happen within a month or 750 miles of the due point to keep warranty standing, and Polestar does not publish its full item-by-item chart publicly; the per-car Status and Warranty booklet and the dealer system govern, so figures beyond the master interval are dealer-level detail. The Polestar 1 is the exception in the lineup, a plug-in hybrid with a Volvo twin-charged engine that wants a conventional annual oil service.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Campaign #23V476000 · Dec 7, 2023

Issue: Polestar Automotive USA, Inc. (Polestar) is recalling certain 2023 Polestar 2 vehicles. The front left lower ball joint may have been incorrectly installed, allowing the control arm to disconnect from the steering knuckle.

Risk: The control arm disconnecting from the steering knuckle can cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the ball joint fastening bolt as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 10, 2023. Owners may contact Polestar customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recall is R10245.

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V477000 · Jun 26, 2024

Issue: 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 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Polestar has released an over-the-air IHU software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 9, 2024. Owners may contact Polestar customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recall is RP1016.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V280000 · Apr 25, 2025

Issue: 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 Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2025. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recall is RP1056. Vehicles in this recall that were previously repaired under 24V-477 will need to have the new remedy completed.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V615000 · Sep 15, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 4, 2026. Owners may contact Polestar's customer service at 1-800-806-2504. Polestar's number for this recall is RP1069. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 20, 2026. This recall replaces previous NHTSA recalls 24V477 and 25V280. Vehicles previously repaired under those recalls will need to have the new remedy performed.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Polestar Polestar 2.

Reported to NHTSA

Backup camera failure displaying unavailable message

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

87 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10 → 2026-07

Rear‑view camera intermittently fails to provide a usable image when shifting into reverse. Symptoms include delayed activation, black screen, frozen frame, or extremely choppy video. This results in intermittent loss of rear visibility and does not comply with FMVSS 111. The…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724728
Reverse Backup Camera is failing. Rear Backup camera is worse with the latest recall (ID: 11669313) fix announced June 25 2025. My car has been updated with the software that was suppose to fix the issue (version 3.6.4) but the recall issue happens more frequently now. The…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670079
Every time I back up within ~30-60 seconds of getting in the car, the backup camera turns off and switches to a screen that says "Camera unavailable". This is a major safety issue and has led to some close calls while backing up. Someone could have been hit
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646206
The contact owns a 2023 Polestar Polestar2. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was shifted in reverse(R) the back over prevention camera screen was black. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determine that an unknown software…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11558510

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Recall software updates not resolving backup camera defect

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

47 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06 → 2026-03

The reverse camera fails when backing up very frequently with the words "camera is temporarily unavailable". This is the same issue as NHTSA Recall No. 25v-280 but the recall work has already been done on my vehicle (I am already on software 3.6.4). I have had the updated…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669893
When reversing, the backup camera often displays "Camera is temporarily unavailable". This prevents me from safely backing up because there is poor visibility directly through the back window. This can easily be reproduced and replicated on any Polestar 2, and happens most…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677916
Rear view camera failed to initialize. Since the 3.6.4 software update (rear-view camera recall) I have had multiple instances where the rear-view camera has either entirely failed to start, given me the "Camera Unavailable" message, or started in a stuttering/flickering…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671862
The backup camera consistently fails and displays a "Backup Camera is Temporarily Unavailable" message. Polestar is only issuing a software fix for this on model year 2026 Polestar 2s and a solution has not been offered for over 8 months now
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728097

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Infotainment system crash and unresponsive screen

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2025-07 → 2026-03

Infotainment system continues to be intermittently unresponsive. Today, the system was totally frozen which made it so heat/air conditioning could not be controlled, no sound for turn signals were present, and backup camera was not functioning
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692572
Polestar 2 software version 4.2.13. While reversing out of a parking spot the rear camera briefly turned on, but after a second, the infotainment system crashed, with the screen shutting off. The infotainment system automatically rebooted after ~1min of driving. This system…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728323
Infotainment system crashing post most recent software update causing main dashboard to stop showing information and make critical information difficult to see because of washed out background. Malfunctioning Components: Infotainment system. Available for inspection. Safety…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673238
The vehicle stopped playing interior sounds, including indicator “clicks”; alerts like collision avoidance, parking collision warning, etc; as well as radio. A hard reset of the infotainment system was required to restore functionality. The issue continued through multiple times…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673237

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Recall repair access and prerequisite update dispute

BACK OVER PREVENTION

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-12 → 2026-07

The contact owns a 2023 Polestar Polestar 2. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V615000 (Back Over Prevention). The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall remedy could not be…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749104
A recall was issued April 25 because the rear camera fails. It is supposed to be addressed by OTA software update. I have NOT received an update, and I've been unable to get an appt to have it installed by Service. It's been 4 months, and I'm told there are no appts for several…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681966

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Liftgate failure to fully close and latch

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

1 NHTSA complaint · 2026-05 → 2026-05

Over the last 1.5 months, the liftgate system on the vehicle has failed to fully close and latch. The vehicle shows the liftgate as unsecured and the liftgate has play despite being partially latched. Investigation of the vehicle shows that the tailgate damper drive unit wiring…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736507

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Pilot Assist lane-keeping discrepancy and silent disengagement

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 NHTSA complaint · 2025-07 → 2025-07

ACC is fine, but Pilot Assist's lane cornering cannot be trusted to stay within the lines. Oftentimes, it believes it's got everything under control (the Pilot Assist icon stays yellow) but the Lane Keeping Aid icon lights up. It's like there are two separate systems that don't…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671430

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False rear collision detection triggering seatbelt tensioners

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, SEATS, SEAT BELTS

1 NHTSA complaint · 2024-01 → 2024-01

The vehicle improperly sensed an impending rear collision when there was no vehicle present. The vehicle entered a mode where the electronic seatbelt tensioners aggressively pulled the occupants and did not release until the seatbelt latches were depressed. This happened in…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11568932

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Chassis and steering wheel vibration under acceleration

STEERING, SUSPENSION

1 NHTSA complaint · 2023-11 → 2023-11

Vehicle chassis vibrates noticeably at speeds around 30 mph and 65 mph, which is translated to the steering wheel. The vibration is of a high frequency, almost akin to a sander, and is most prominent under acceleration or deceleration. It's been present since I took delivery of…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555788

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Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Factory Service

Every 20,000 mi

Every 2 years or 20,000 miles: inspections, cabin filter, wiper blades, and a software update. Land it within 1 month or 750 miles of the due point; the warranty language is specific about that.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

EV torque and weight wear tires fast; rotate around 7,500 miles where fitment allows. Performance-pack cars with staggered setups get wear checks instead.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Polestar publishes no public interval; it lives in the per-car schedule. Every 2 to 3 years is sound EV practice, since regen braking leaves fluid aging unused.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Brake Inspection

Every 20,000 mi

Checked at each factory service. The risk on a regen-heavy car is corrosion and sticking, not wear; occasional firm stops keep the discs clean.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Oil Service (Polestar 1 only)

Every 10,000 mi

The Polestar 1 PHEV carries a Volvo 2.0 twin-charged engine; an annual oil service around 10,000 miles follows Volvo practice for the shared powertrain, though Polestar publishes no standalone figure. Polestar 2, 3, and 4 have no engine.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replaced at every 2-year factory service.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Battery & Drive Coolant

Every 100,000 mi

Checked and adjusted at services; no public replacement interval. Coolant work on the battery loop is dealer territory.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

12V Battery

Every 20,000 mi

Inspection-based, tested at services. The car cannot wake without it.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Polestar Polestar 2 reflects Polestar's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.