The 2020 Polestar 2 is Volvo's first dedicated EV on the CMA platform, sharing XC40 Recharge bones. Early software glitches and drivetrain mount issues dominate the complaint log, though catastrophic battery failures remain rare.
Drivetrain / Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: clunking or banging on acceleration or braking, vibration felt through floor under load, harsh engagement when shifting from D to R
Fix: The rear electric drive unit mount (often called 'transmission mount') deteriorates prematurely. Replacement takes 2-3 hours including subframe drop. OE part is required; aftermarket hasn't caught up yet.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
12V Battery Drain / TCAM Module Fault
Common · medium severitySymptoms: vehicle won't wake from sleep, dead 12V battery after sitting 3-5 days, infotainment won't boot or freezes on Polestar logo, cellular connectivity drops randomly
Fix: Telematics Control Module (TCAM) stays awake draining the small 12V battery. Early VINs need TCAM software flash or full module replacement (1.5 hours). Some cases require new 12V AGM battery as well if deeply discharged multiple times.
Estimated cost: $300-900
Inverter Coolant Leaks
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: low coolant warning on dash, pink/orange fluid pooling under vehicle near front or rear axle, reduced propulsion power message, drive unit overheating warning
Fix: O-rings or hose connections at the inverter coolant circuit fail, leaking glycol onto pavement. Diagnosis 1 hour, inverter R&R for seal replacement 4-6 hours depending on AWD/FWD. Dual motor cars have two inverters. Requires specific EV-safe coolant and vacuum fill procedure.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,800
High Voltage Battery Contactor Faults
Occasional · high severitySymptoms: propulsion power reduced or unavailable, check EV system warning, vehicle won't charge or charges very slowly, clicking sound from under rear seat area when powering on
Fix: Main battery contactors (relays that connect HV pack to drivetrain) stick or burn contacts, usually from micro-arcing over time. Requires pack R&R for internal contactor assembly replacement: 6-8 hours labor. Pack weighs 470 kg, needs lift table and two techs. Dealer-only repair in most markets due to HV certification requirements.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
AC Evaporator Core Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: AC blows warm air, oily residue on passenger footwell carpet, refrigerant smell in cabin, low refrigerant codes
Fix: Evaporator core in HVAC box corrodes or develops pinhole leaks. Dash removal required: 8-10 hours labor. This is a known weak point on CMA platform (XC40, C40 share same part). Requires evacuation, evap replacement, dryer replacement, vacuum, recharge, and leak test.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,500
Infotainment / Android Automotive OS Freezes
Common · low severitySymptoms: touchscreen unresponsive or black, Google services crash or won't sign in, backup camera doesn't display, climate controls locked out
Fix: Software immaturity plagues early MY2020 units. Most issues resolved via OTA updates, but some need dealer USB reflash (1 hour labor). Hard reboot: hold defrost button + hazard button for 10 seconds. If persistent, infotainment computer may need replacement (rare, 2 hours).
Estimated cost: $150-1,200
Solid bones with teething problems — buy a 2021+ or CPO with remaining warranty; avoid early-build 2020s unless deeply discounted and you can wrench your own 12V gremlins.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.