Polestar 2 Recalled Stateside Over Defective Software, Could Be Fixed With An OTA Update

Polestar, in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is conducting a recall campaign for the ‘2’ electric saloon in the United States.

The issue is apparently the same one that struck certain examples last year in Europe and China, namely a glitch with the battery-energy control module (BECM) microprocessor which could reset, disconnecting the high voltage system.

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In a worst-case scenario, the vehicle could experience a loss of propulsion while driving. The braking and steering capabilities will not be affected, but even so, it would increase the risk of a crash and injury. Volvo Cars, which is Polestar’s parent company, is unaware of injuries or accidents related to the problem that is blamed on the supplier, Lear Automatic Electronics of China.

The company didn’t disclose the number of affected Polestar 2 vehicles, only that they were built between December 9, 2019, and February 4, 2021. Dealers have been informed to check all of them and update the software, which will get rid of the glitch. The NHTSA notes that the fix could be performed by technicians or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge.

The safety agency expects the recall to begin on May 18, when owners will be notified. Polestar’s official number for this recall is R10079, which owners can use should they want to reach out to the automaker’s customer service at 1-800-806-2504. The NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline phone number is 1-888-327-4236.