Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2021 Polestar Polestar 2
The 2021 Polestar 2 has notable issues with software affecting the rearview camera and brakes, raising safety concerns. Although generally well-regarded, potential buyers should be aware of these recalls and conduct thorough inspections.
Known issues to inspect
Rearview camera may not display
How to check: Shift to reverse and verify camera display instantly.
Loss of brake function
How to check: Test One Pedal Drive on a slope; verify braking.
Traction battery disconnects
How to check: Check for warning lights or errors during drive.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for warning lights or error messages.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for unusual noises from engine area.
Red flag: Loud humming or buzzing
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Test rearview camera functionality in reverse.
Red flag: Camera fails to display
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Monitor for smooth acceleration without hesitation.
Red flag: Jerks or power loss
- 05
Braking test
What to check: Test brakes while coasting downhill with One Pedal.
Red flag: Brakes not responsive
- 06
Lane change
What to check: Verify electronic systems like lane departure work.
Red flag: Lane systems fail to activate
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the rearview camera issue been fixed?
- Any recent service for brake issues?
- Were there any updates on battery software?
- How often has the car been serviced?
- Have all recalls been addressed?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair verification
- Service records
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on 8/19/2026. Grounded in the NHTSA recall corpus and owner-complaint patterns for the 2021 Polestar Polestar 2.