2020 Polestar Polestar 1

The 2020 Polestar 1 is a limited-production plug-in hybrid grand touring coupé. It combines a 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 619 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through an Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally praise the Polestar 1 for its striking design, high-quality interior, and impressive performance. Criticisms often revolve around its high price, limited rear passenger space, and firm ride.

Electric Motor

Combined Electric Motor

• High Voltage Coolant Heater Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported failure of the high voltage coolant heater, which is responsible for heating the cabin when the vehicle is running on electric power. Symptoms include a lack of heat in the cabin, particularly during cold weather and/or error codes being displayed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high voltage coolant heater.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Management System (BMS) Software Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Occasional software glitches within the Battery Management System (BMS) have been reported. These can manifest as inaccurate battery range estimations, charging errors, or error messages related to the hybrid system.
  • Solution: Software update or reprogramming of the BMS module by a certified Polestar technician.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Covered under warranty if applicable; otherwise, $200 - $500+ depending on the diagnostic and labor time.
  • Recalls: None Found

Engine

2.0L Supercharged and Turbocharged Inline-4 Cylinder

• Auxiliary Coolant Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The 2.0L engine uses an auxiliary coolant pump to assist in cooling the turbocharger and other components. Some owners have reported failures, resulting in overheating or warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the auxiliary coolant pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Aisin 8-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing harsh or jerky shifting between gears, particularly at lower speeds.
  • Solution: A software reflash of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, a fluid flush is recommended. If the problem persists, transmission valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software reflash: $100 - $300. Fluid flush: $200 - $400. Valve body replacement: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Öhlins Damper Adjustments
  • Description/Symptoms: The Polestar 1 features manually adjustable Öhlins dampers. Some owners find the adjustment process cumbersome or difficult to understand, leading to suboptimal suspension settings.
  • Solution: Professional suspension tuning or seeking guidance from experienced Polestar owners or technicians.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Professional tuning: $200 - $500.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The Android Automotive-based infotainment system can be prone to occasional freezing, crashing, or slow response times.
  • Solution: Software updates usually resolve these issues. A hard reset may also be necessary in some cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically covered under warranty.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent malfunctions with parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, or other driver-assistance systems have been reported.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per sensor, depending on location and type.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Carbon Fiber Body Panel Alignment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Due to the extensive use of carbon fiber in the body panels, some owners have noticed slight misalignments or imperfections in the panel fit.
  • Solution: Adjustment of the body panels by a skilled technician. This may require specialized tools and techniques.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the severity and the need for specialized labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Rattles and Squeaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported rattles and squeaks emanating from the interior trim, particularly in the dashboard or door panels.
  • Solution: Identifying and securing the loose trim pieces or applying sound-deadening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+, depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Polestar 1, while a stunning and high-performing vehicle, has a few common issues. Electrical problems, particularly with the infotainment system and sensors, appear most frequently. The powertrain, while potent, also shows some issues with the coolant system and transmission. Suspension issues mainly revolve around proper damper setup. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to more significant repairs. The cost to address these issues can vary widely, with some potentially being covered under warranty and others requiring out-of-pocket expenses ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.