Backup camera often displays message "Camera Temporarily Unavailable". This has been an ongoing problem, and I have the most updated software 3.6.4. I received a recall notice (25V-280) that outlines this problem, but it states that my car is ineligible because I have the latest software. In fact, the problem is WORSE with the latest software. This issue happens virtually every time I put the car into reverse. On prior software versions, the problem existed but was not as pronounced.
2022 Polestar Polestar 2 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2022 record →
When backing up the camera becomes unavailable. This is after a software update (v3.6.4) that was suppose to resolve the issue.
My car is on the latest update (3.6.4) and the rear back-up camera and related reversing safety systems still malfunction. The camera feed is choppy and stutters which is disorienting. Additionally, the camera will suddenly go from functional to a blank screen while relying on it to reverse. I believe this is due to Polestar's outdated processor included in the infotainment module. They've sent many software updates and none have worked. This puts pedestrians, other drivers and myself at risk when I am reversing. All components are said to be working properly by Polestar when they clearly don't. It's been this way since I purchased the vehicle in 2022.
This is related to safety recall 25V-280. My backup camera is still producing the “Camera temporarily unavailable” message with the latest software update 3.6.4. installed. Matter of fact it seems it has gotten worse since 3.6.4. to the point where it is reproduceable after each deep sleep. My vehicle is a 2022 Polestar 2 LRDM with no packages. The scenario that triggers the issue is: Car parked and locked overnight, unlock, get in, buckle up and put car in reverse. This process takes less than 4 seconds. The backup camera first flickers a few times then usually shows “Camera temporarily unavailable” message. I have started to capture this with my cell phone so I have evidence. It appears 3.6.4. is NOT a fix for the backup camera issues that triggered the recall 25V-280. I am not an expert but believe only a hardware upgrade with improved processing capabilities will fix this issue as all software fix attempts failed so far.
Backup camera does not work even after polestar released software and i installed it
There was a recent software update 3.6.4 that has made my reverse camera, reverse parking sensor and rear cross traffic warning totally disappear. When I put the car in reverse, the camera doesn’t work at all. It doesn’t even appear - totally unusable. This is a new issue with this update - the rear camera previously worked most of the time (occasionally, I would get “camera unavailable” message but I don’t even get that now - completely nonfunctional now)
All Polestar 2 cars including mine have a critical failure in the cpu which prevents the backup camera from working correctly. When the car is placed into reverse the backup camera appears but flickers and ultimately goes out with a message stating “backup camera unavailable.” This is extremely dangerous and has not been fixed by any of their software updates. My car is currently on 3.6.4 which arrived over the air just a week ago.
Parking assist camera often does not turn on when car is placed in reverse. The "camera temporarily unavailable" message appears. This car has been updated with the V3.6.4 software "fix" for this problem. It has gotten worse since the installation of this new version. Failure of this system puts me and others outside of the vehicle in danger of collision and/or injury. User interface tablet and TCAM system have both been reset since installation of the V3.6.4 software update.
When initially starting to drive the car, the backup camera fails to activate when the car is put into reverse. If I stop and turn the camera off and then back on, it will begin functioning. I think the backup camera should just be on when the vehicle is in reverse.
Backup camera still failing after software update fix of 3.6.4. The screen still shows the message 'Camera is temporarily unavailable.' In one day it failed to initialize three times. Even repressing the camera button to force the rear view camera to work will fail again within seconds. This is dangerous because of the blind spots and all parking collision and rear cross traffic alerts also fail.
Backup camera issue still not resolved with the latest update that was required to fix the issue. Car still opens on surround view, stutters really bad, or says disabled which is dangerous and has led to many accidents. The only solution seems to be to replace the head units in these vehicles. There is no reason a $70k vehicle doesn’t have a properly powered head unit for what it does. Has been a constant issue since the release of the vehicle.
After the most recent update, there are still common rear view camera failures where the screen turns black. This has been the second software update to “fix” the issue without it being resolved.
I have installed the latest software update version 3.6.4 which was supposed to resolve the fault backup camera problem that has been persistent since the day I bought the car in 2021. The backup camera continues to fail to engage a majority of the times that I enter the car. Neither of the previous two recalls have been effective and the camera continues to consistently malfunction.
After the update that should fix the car, it now has several issues. One Pedal Driving doesn't work. When using One Pedal Driving the car should stop when you release the gas. Now the car continues to roll. It is reporting "Brake Failure" and "Collision Detection Failure". Polestar is saying this is normal after the update and it should fix itself in time. Unacceptable, the car has has issues for a year without any updates. Then this is released and makes it work.
The backup camera frequently fails to come on. Screen displays "Camera is temporarily unavailable" on a black background. This can last for minutes. The car has SW version 3.2.8.
Backup camera is temporarily unavailable
Backup camera says camera temporarily unavailable when put in reverse. Took the car to Dyer and Dyer Volvo to get latest software update but the issue happened multiple times after getting it fixed from dealership.
Backup camera is unavailable during reverse . Car has tiny rear windows so a backup camera must work properly when reversing
The infotainment in my vehicle has been flaky since I purchased in in Q1 of 2025. I have experienced: * Infotainment randomly restarting while driving * No audio (Includes turn signal, music, navigation, etc.) * Reverse camera occasionally fails when going into reverse. Just says "Camera unavailable". * Can't access climate controls * Consistently slow. Examples: [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Backup camera frequently says "unavailable" despite being on most recent software and reset of the system
The back up camera fails to show intermittently even with the latest update
I am writing to formally complain about significant issues I am experiencing with my 2022 Polestar 2, vin: [XXX] . Specifically, I am experiencing the following problems: Front Knocking/Rattle Sound: A distinct knocking or rattling sound is emanating from the front tire area, particularly noticeable during low-speed maneuvers and over uneven surfaces. This noise is concerning and suggests a potential suspension or drivetrain issue. Rear Clicking Sound: When moving slowly, a consistent clicking sound can be heard originating from the rear of the vehicle. This clicking sound is also a cause for concern, indicating a potential problem with the rear axle, drivetrain, or associated components. Furthermore, I have become aware through online forums and discussions that other Polestar 2 owners are reporting similar issues with both the front knocking/rattle and the rear clicking sounds. This suggests that these problems are not isolated incidents and may indicate a broader manufacturing or design defect. I request that Polestar take the following actions: Thoroughly investigate these issues and identify the root cause of the knocking/rattle and clicking sounds. Provide a comprehensive solution to repair these problems, ensuring the safety and reliability of my vehicle. Acknowledge the widespread nature of these issues and address them proactively for all affected Polestar 2 owners. Provide me with a loaner vehicle while my car is being repaired. Please contact me at [XXX] or [XXX] t
The rear camera of my car frequently stops working, leaving me without a clear view behind. Though Polestar have attempted to improve this with OTA software updates, the problem has never truly gone away. The rear camera view is often "temporarily unavailable", it is also frequently lagging with frozen frames or video feed that misses frames. There are many reports of this available online as other owners post to ownership forums and subreddits.
When I reverse the car, the back up camera repeatedly goes black and says not available. In order to correct this I have to park the car in the midst of backing up and put in reverse again to reset the system. Very dangerous when backing up or out of spots when the camera goes black.
Back up camera cuts out randomly. Safety of others is decreased due to loss of visibility. Dealers have a software and hardware fix however it is not pushed out to the owners at large unless you come into a service for another reason. Unknown No.
The Polestar 2 has a vastly documented issue (e.g. online communities) where the backup camera fails to load, is choppy or flat out cuts to black in the middle of a maneuver. This is a massive safety issue for pedestrians and has not been fixed or even alleviated since NHTSA has first notified Polestar.
Rear backup camera failed to initialize upon reversing. The camera screen displays that camera is temporarily unavailable, requiring switching the camera off/on to reinitialize.
Backup camera fails regularly. The video will freeze/stutter or the camera will switch off and a ‘camera unavailable’ message is displayed. Pedestrians near the car are at risk of being hit if the camera fails while driving in reverse. The car has huge blind spots in the rear end. The dealership has told me they cannot fix the issue because all Polestar 2s have this defect and it must be fixed by a software update. There has been no update to fix this issue.
Rear camera does not work 100% of the time and becomes a black screen saying"camera access unavailable"
Back up camera does not function when putting car in reverse.
The backup camera frequently does not work.
My 2022 Polestar 2’s rear camera regularly fails to operate, which limits my ability to safely reverse my vehicle. This is a persistent issue that has not improved despite successive software updates to the infotainment system. In sum, this is an unsafe and persistent condition warranting a recall.
Performance Pack with Ohlins Suspension. Front strut bearing is loose and rattles when going over bumps at lower speed. The rattling is harder to hear at higher speeds. Issue was fixed by Polestar under warranty by replacing the strut bearing at 49,xxx miles. At 52,xxx, the rattling has come back indicating that the front strut bearing is loose again. I've contacted Polestar of America to report the issue 2 weeks ago because the car is now out of warranty. I have not heard back from them.
Rear camera malfunction
The car at the most random times has the rear camera just suddenly fail and it'll say "Camera is temporarily unavailable". This is pretty difficult to work with as the rear view window is already really small and I'm unable to see much. This seems to be a pretty common issue when browsing online forums.
Upon having just entered the vehicle and putting it into reverse, the reverse camera fails to function, with a Polestar-provided dialogue, “Camera is Temporarily Unavailable”, in the main display.
The backup camera rarely loads after getting in the car making it difficult to safely back the car up with the limited rear window visibility.
Randomly on reversing, back view camera goes out with a message camera not available while vehicle is reversing. Becomes safety issue with no visibility on the back to reverse the car, it is random and would say occurs 20% of times in different places/environments.
When at red light or stop sign intermittently the vehicle lunges forward on its own 1-3 feet. without the brake or go pedal pressed. Vehicle is driven in OPD creep mode off. Lunges almost like if you popped the clutch on a manual transmission car. I always leave space behind the car in front of me so have not had a crash. However I would be afraid of it doing it with someone walking close in a crosswalk. Vehicle was taken to Polestar service today after it happened to my wife this morning. I see other people in various groups having the same issue with this vehicle and no longer feel it is safe to drive. No warning lamps or messages.
My report is in regard to campaign number 24V477000, Rearview Camera May Not Display. Though the manufacturer purports to have corrected the problem through an Over-The-Air update, that has not been my experience. After I received the purported fix in mid-2024, the only noticeable difference has been that a message stating "Camera temporarily unavailable" replaces what was before a black display. I reported that I still experience this problem to the dealer, who in early 2025 manually updated my vehicle software to 3.3.16, but I still experiencing persistent daily issues with my rearview camera. The problem occurs most frequently immediately after startup. Based on the software changes from the recall that limits certain vehicle functionality during reversing (i.e., disabling map information in the gauge cluster) it is my firm belief that the vehicle lacks sufficient computing hardware to process the camera feed. I do not believe the vehicle is safe nor does it meet the requirements of FMVSS 1111. This problem has been present since I took delivery in January 2023. My understanding speaking with the dealer is that later-produced vehicles with upgraded computing hardware do not suffer from this issue. Therefore, I believe the manufacturer instituted the recall knowing that software alone would not be sufficient. In doing so, it is my opinion that the manufacturer has misled consumers about the safety and effectiveness of the recall.
When vehicle is shifted to reverse gear, the parking camera will not display and instead an screen showing "Camera is temporarily unavailable". Once in this screen the rear camera does not reset itself. Operator need to use one hand to toggle the camera view off and on again on the center screen display to re-gain visibility to the rear, which may pose a safety risk as it distract the operator during an reverse event and also limits rear visibility.
Backup camera would randomly stop working while the vehicle is backing up
Backup camera still not working despite recall last year with a software update solution. Currently on software 3.4.4 and still having "camera is temporarily available" or flickering almost every time I try to reverse.
The car suddenly showed a "BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE" and the brakes became minimally responsive, at best. Luckily I was near my house and not going 70 on the freeway or going even 30 downhill on a curvy road! The seat belt started contracting violently multiple times. The parking brake would not work. I could not turn off the vehicle. It would not go into "tow mode". I could not open the trunk. The car was SHAKING. The tow operator needed my help to load the vehicle because there was no braking available. He tied it while it was still on, as it would not turn off. Been at the shop for days already and they have no answers, but this could have been an extremely dangerous situation!
Reverse camera failed completely probably as a result of OTA software update 3.1.9
The backup camera has frequent delays in activating -- approximately 5 seconds and regularly shows an error message with a black screen stating that the "camera is temporarily unavailable." I'm providing documentation from a November 22nd incident, but it happens more frequently.
I was driving my Polestar 2 and approaching a stopped vehicle ahead of me on [XXX] [XXX]. The one-pedal driving function successfully brought me to a complete stop (12:41:33PM). However, 3 seconds after the complete stop, at 12:41:36PM the car suddenly started moving on its own and accelerated towards the car in front of me. Fortunately I was able to brake using the brake pedal to prevent a collision. Dash cam video: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I know there is a recall affecting the backup camera, and supposedly my car is not affected. But I have had this problem regularly since I have owned the car. Randomly, when I put the car in reverse, I get the message “Camera Temporarily Unavailable”, even though my VIN is not included in the recall. Please expand the recall and make Polestar come up with a fix. This is dangerous.
When putting the car in reverse, camera does not display video feed and shows the message "camera temporarily unavailable". This happened twice in a row when trying to parallel park. Later in the day the issue appeared to have resolved itself and has not reappeared.
Backup camera fails to activate instead a message on the screen appears saying 'Camera is temporary unavailable'. Without cameras it's difficult to see directly behind the car and around blind spots endangering pedestrians. This occurs at least once a week and I've started documenting the occurrences. According to dealer this is a known issue to Polestar. The dealer did update the software which has not fixed the issue. Polestar also recommended restarting the infotainment system and TCAM which takes several minutes and does not fix the issue. I've also experienced where the blind spot sensors fail to activate when the camera is unavailable and one time where the screen was stuck.
Reading these
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2022 Polestar Polestar 2 → · Every Polestar 2 year → · How the figures are calculated →