Polestar's lineup has 26 recorded NHTSA recalls across 4 models (2019–2026) and averages 4.4/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Polestar's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Polestar — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Polestar is a Swedish performance brand, born from Volvo’s advanced research and development, creating distinctive and technologically focused vehicles. They appeal to drivers who value dynamic handling, minimalist design, and cutting-edge electric powertrains, often attracting a younger, design-conscious audience. ForCar.org allows you to decode any Polestar VIN to instantly access full vehicle specifications, including recall history and a comprehensive overview of its detailed features.
Buying or selling? See current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Polestar models 4
Every Polestar model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Polestar SUVs & crossovers 1
Polestar Cars & sedans 1
Polestar More models 2
Polestar recalls
Across the Polestar lineup, ForCar tracks 26 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Polestar recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Most-recalled system across Polestar: Back Over Prevention:software. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Polestar reliable?
Across rated models, Polestar averages a 4.4/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 4 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Polestar competes in the luxury EV segment against Tesla, Mercedes-Benz EQ, BMW i, Audi e-tron, Lucid and Genesis Electrified. The brand's positioning combines Volvo-derived safety credentials, Scandinavian design and performance tuning. Polestar shares production facilities, platforms and components with Volvo Cars while maintaining a separate retail experience through Polestar Spaces (showrooms without traditional sales pressure).
Polestar models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Polestar model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Polestar 2 | 4.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Polestar 3 | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Polestar models
The most fuel-efficient Polestar models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Polestar 2 | Car | |
| 02 | Polestar 3 | Car | |
| 03 | Polestar 4 | Car | |
| 04 | Polestar 1 | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Polestar models
NHTSA safety rankings for Polestar are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
How much is Polestar insurance?
Across 1 Polestar model with real loss data, a typical driver pays about $1,235 a year on full coverage. The 2 is cheapest to insure (≈ $1,235/yr) and the 2 priciest (≈ $1,235/yr) — from real HLDI insurance-loss indices.
Polestar insurance cost by model & state →
Estimate = US-average premium × each model's HLDI loss index (100 = average car). Your rate varies with state, age, record & coverage.
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Polestar hybrids & electric models
Polestar's electrified lineup — 2 hybrids and 4 electric / plug-in. Click any model for its full powertrain, MPG and range by year.
Polestar hybrids 2
Polestar electric & plug-in 4
Electrified variants from EPA fueleconomy.gov powertrain data. A model may offer gas, hybrid and electric versions across years.
Get a Polestar window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Polestar's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Polestar window stickers →How to read a Polestar VIN
Every Polestar built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Polestar and the country it was built in (real Polestar codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- SwedenYSM · YSR
- USA7SY
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. For the full year-code table, country codes and where the VIN is stamped, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
About Polestar
Polestar began in 1996 as Flash/Polestar Racing, a Volvo-affiliated touring-car race team. In 2009 Volvo started using Polestar tuning for performance variants of its road cars. In 2017 Volvo and Geely jointly spun off Polestar as an independent EV brand, with the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid coupe as the inaugural product. The Polestar 2 launched in 2020 as the brand's first all-electric vehicle and first volume product. Brand identity emphasizes Scandinavian minimalism and performance.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Parent company | Geely Holding Group |
| Slogan | "Pure progressive performance" |
| Models tracked | 4 (2019–2026) |
Polestar — frequently asked
How do I decode a Polestar VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Polestar models are there?
ForCar tracks 4 Polestar models spanning 2019–2026. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Polestar made?
Polestar is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, founded in 2017. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Polestar recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Polestar model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Polestar is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Polestar warranty?
New Polestar vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Polestar dealer.