In 2025–2026, J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study (IQS) shows a notable gap between the two brands. While Tesla has managed to improve its "Problems Per 100 Vehicles" (PP100) score to approximately 266, Polestar remains at the bottom of the list with a score of 316.
Here are 5 labels explaining why Polestar shows higher problem numbers than Tesla in 2026:
The Google/Android "TCAM" Paradox,
Cause: Polestar’s infotainment and connectivity are powered by Android Automotive. The Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM) is a frequent fail point, causing total loss of GPS, LTE, and digital keys in the first 90 days.
Impact: Tesla’s proprietary software is more tightly integrated into its hardware. While Tesla owners report "bugs," Polestar owners report "total system blackouts," which carry more weight in quality surveys.
Legacy Hardware in New-Age EVs,
Cause: Polestar uses many components shared with Volvo’s internal combustion engine (ICE) lineup, such as HVAC damper motors and door latches. These parts weren't always designed for the high-voltage, high-vibration environment of a performance EV.
Impact: Mechanical "clicks" and "clunks"—specifically in the axles and HVAC system—account for a significant portion of Polestar’s 316 PP100 score, whereas Tesla has moved toward bespoke, simplified hardware.
Manufacturing Concentration vs. Dispersion,
Cause: Tesla has localized its manufacturing (Texas, Berlin, Shanghai, Fremont) to refine specific regional build issues. In 2026, Polestar is still managing the complex global launch of the Polestar 3 and 4 across multiple Chinese and American factories.
Impact: "New Model Launch" syndrome is a major factor.
1 J.D. Power 2025 data shows that brand-new launches average 203+ PP100.2 With Polestar launching three models simultaneously in 2025–2026, their score is disproportionately affected by early-production "niggles."
Fragmented Service Network Support,
Cause: Polestar relies on Volvo dealership "Service Points." If a technician is more familiar with a Volvo XC60 than a Polestar 4, minor software glitches can take multiple visits to fix, each counting as a "problem" in the survey.
Impact: Tesla’s vertically integrated Mobile Service resolves 80% of issues at the owner's home. A one-visit software patch feels like less of a "problem" to a survey respondent than a three-day dealership stay for a Polestar sensor.
Design-Driven Friction (The "Invisible" Rear Window),
Cause: The Polestar 4 removed the rear window entirely in favor of a digital camera feed. In the first 90 days, owners frequently report this as a "defect" or "usability problem" because they are not used to the technology.
Impact: Tesla’s move to "stalkless" steering (removing turn signal levers) caused a similar spike in 2024, but Polestar’s radical design choices in 2025–2026 (like the no-window rear) are currently driving higher "Features/Controls" complaints.
Labels List Only
The Google/Android "TCAM" Paradox,
Legacy Hardware in New-Age EVs,
Manufacturing Concentration vs. Dispersion,
Fragmented Service Network Support,
Design-Driven Friction (The "Invisible" Rear Window),
Would you like me to find a list of the 2026 software versions that specifically address the Polestar 4's rearview camera lag?