In 2026, the data from J.D. Power and independent reliability trackers highlights a significant "Early Ownership Gap" between Tesla and Polestar. While both brands struggle compared to legacy manufacturers, their high "Problems Per 100" (PP100) scores stem from very different root causes.
Here are 5 labels explaining why Polestar (~316 PP100) shows more frequent issues early in ownership than Tesla (~266 PP100):
The "TCAM" Connectivity Blackout,
Cause: Polestar’s Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM) is a frequent fail point in the first 90 days. It often results in a total loss of GPS, LTE, and digital key functionality.
Impact: While Tesla’s software is proprietary and vertically integrated, Polestar’s Google-based system can suffer from "handshake" errors between the car and the cloud, leading to immediate "Initial Quality" complaints that require a physical reset at a service point.
New Platform "Launch Fever" (Polestar 3 & 4),
Cause: In 2025–2026, Polestar launched several new models simultaneously. Industry data shows that brand-new model launches average 203+ PP100 due to "unvetted" parts and software bugs.
Impact: Tesla’s Model 3 and Y are now "mature" platforms with years of manufacturing refinement. Polestar’s score is currently inflated by early-production "niggles" in their newest, most complex SUVs.
Propulsion & Inverter Errors (Limp Mode),
Cause: Early Polestar owners report a higher frequency of "Propulsion System Service Required" warnings. These are often caused by faulty inverter capacitor terminals or software-logic errors in the battery control module.
Impact: These errors often put the car into "Limp Mode" shortly after delivery. While usually fixed with a quick update, the psychological impact on a new owner results in a high "problem" rating in surveys.
Suspension "Clunking" (Mechanical Refinement),
Cause: Polestar 2 and 3 owners frequently report "knocking" sounds from the front struts or axle clicking during low-speed maneuvers within the first 5,000 miles.
Impact: Tesla has largely solved its early "control arm" issues in newer builds. Polestar’s use of high-performance components (like manual-adjustable Ohlins dampers) provides better handling but introduces more mechanical complexity that can lead to early noise-related complaints.
Service Accessibility Friction,
Cause: Tesla’s Mobile Service handles 80% of repairs at the owner's home, often before the owner even fills out a quality survey. Polestar owners must often drive long distances to a Volvo-affiliated "Service Point."
Impact: A problem that requires a 2-hour drive and a 3-day dealer stay is 10x more likely to be reported as a "major issue" in a J.D. Power survey than a problem fixed by a Tesla technician in the owner's driveway.
Labels List Only
The "TCAM" Connectivity Blackout,
New Platform "Launch Fever" (Polestar 3 & 4),
Propulsion & Inverter Errors (Limp Mode),
Suspension "Clunking" (Mechanical Refinement),
Service Accessibility Friction,
Would you like me to find the nearest Polestar Service Point to your location to see if they offer the 2026 "Valet" pickup service for repairs?
