In 2026, the Polestar 2 continues to occupy a polarizing space in reliability rankings. While many European surveys (like the UK’s Driver Power) rank the brand highly for build quality, Consumer Reports and other North American data sources often assign a low predicted reliability score ($2/5$).
This low score is rarely due to the car "breaking down" mechanically; instead, it reflects a high frequency of persistent electronic and ergonomic frustrations.
5 Labels for Polestar 2’s "Evolving" Reliability:
The TCAM Connectivity "Lotto",
Issue: The Telematics and Connectivity Antenna Module (TCAM) remains the most cited reason for low reliability scores. When it fails, the car loses GPS, LTE internet, and digital key functionality simultaneously.
Status 2026: While Polestar released a hardware revision in late 2024 to address moisture and battery drain in the module, early model years (2021–2023) still frequently require physical dealer resets or module replacements.
Android Automotive "Cold Start" Lag,
Issue: Because the car is "always on," the Google-based infotainment can become sluggish or freeze if too many apps (Spotify, Google Maps, Vivaldi) are running in the background.
Status 2026: The 2026 "Juniper-era" updates have improved memory management, but older units with original processors are starting to show their age, leading to owner reports of "sluggish" or "frozen" screens that drag down survey scores.
Axle "Lash" and Clicking,
Issue: A common mechanical complaint is a clicking or "thumping" sound from the front or rear axles when moving from a stop or during low-speed braking. This is often caused by play in the driveshaft splines.
Status 2026: This is a known "nuisance" fault rather than a safety failure. Dealers typically resolve this by lubricating the splines or replacing half-shafts under warranty, but it remains a frequent "problem reported" in initial quality surveys.
Ohlins Damper "Seize" (Performance Pack),
Issue: The high-end, gold-colored Ohlins dampers are manual. If they aren't adjusted for long periods, road salt and grime can seize the adjustment knobs, making it impossible to change the ride stiffness.
Status 2026: Owners in "Salt Belt" regions (like Canada or the NE United States) report this as a "defect," though it is technically a maintenance requirement. Replacing a seized damper out of warranty is exceptionally expensive (approx. $3,000+).
"Phantom" Propulsion Errors,
Issue: Sudden "Propulsion System Service Required" warnings can appear, sometimes putting the car into a reduced-power "Limp Mode." These are often software-logic errors rather than physical motor failures.
Status 2026: These errors are highly disruptive and are the primary reason for "2/5" ratings. While an OTA update or a 12V battery "hard sleep" usually clears them, the lack of a widespread physical fix for the logic sensors makes predicted reliability stay low.
Comparison of Predicted Reliability (2026)
| Metric | Polestar 2 | Tesla Model 3 |
| Score (CR/Survey) | 2/5 (Low) | 3/5 (Average) |
| Primary Failure | Software/Connectivity | Suspension/Build Quality |
| Fix Method | Dealer Visit (Volvo) | Mobile Service (Driveway) |
| Owner Satisfaction | High (Drive/Style) | High (Tech/Charging) |
Would you like me to find the instructions for the "12V Battery Disconnect" procedure, which is the community-standard fix for a frozen TCAM module?
