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Polestar Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Polestar? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Polestar reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 89.9% (+25.9 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 3 Polestar models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 0.79% and the average retest rate is 7.4%. Polestar sits well above the UK average on first-time MOT performance. For a buyer focused on long-term reliability, it's a solid badge — though individual mileage and service history still matter more than brand.

Polestar first-time MOT pass rate

89.9%

Implied failure rate: 10.1% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+25.9 pp

Dangerous defects

0.79%

Retest rate

7.4%

How Polestar compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Polestar’s pass rate of 89.9% is 25.9 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Polestar models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Polestar pass rate89.9%
UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Polestar models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Most problematic Polestar models

The Polestar models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Run a free MOT check on a specific Polestar

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

UK

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Polestar

Aggregated across 3 Polestar models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

10.4%
2

Tyres

8.7%
3

Suspension

8.1%
4

Brakes

7.4%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

2%

Polestar reliability — FAQ

Is Polestar a reliable car brand in the UK?
Polestar's first-time MOT pass rate of 89.9% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the stronger half of brands for MOT reliability. We track 3 Polestar models in our dataset.
What is the most reliable Polestar model for MOT?
Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Polestar models in our dataset are: Polestar 2 (89.8%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.
Which Polestar models fail their MOT most often?
In our dataset, the Polestar models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Polestar 2 (89.8%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Polestar?
Aggregated across Polestar models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (10.4%), tyres (8.7%), suspension (8.1%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Polestar’s MOT history

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UK

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Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 3 Polestar models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.