The "Polestar 2 OTA fiasco" refers to a series of
persistent and widely reported issues with the vehicle's Over-The-Air (OTA) software update system, including failed installations, delayed rollouts, and occasional software bugs that required dealership visits.
Key Issues and Incidents
- Failed Updates and System Errors: Numerous owners have reported that OTA updates fail during installation, leaving the car with multiple warning lights on the dashboard, disabled safety features (like collision avoidance and reversing cameras), and an inability to use the key fob. The car often requires a visit to a service center to be restored to a functional state.
- Delayed and Inconsistent Rollouts: Polestar has faced criticism for the slow and inconsistent rollout of updates. Some owners receive updates quickly, while others with the same model in the same region might wait months or miss an update entirely due to connectivity issues at the time of the initial "ping".
- Dealer Intervention Required: Contrary to the promise of seamless OTA updates, many owners have been forced to visit a dealership ("Space") to have their software updated manually, especially if their current version is too old to receive the latest OTA. This defeats a major selling point of modern connected cars.
- Specific Software Bugs: Certain updates introduced new problems. One highly reported issue involved specific software versions that caused the infotainment system to frequently lose connection and shut down, affecting navigation and phone functionality.
- Recalls Linked to Software: The software issues have sometimes escalated to formal recalls. For example, a recall was issued for over 27,000 Polestar 2 sedans because a software bug could cause the rearview camera not to display an image.
The "Zeekr OTA fiasco" is not a single, isolated event, but rather a general term referring to
ongoing customer dissatisfaction in some markets, particularly regarding the
speed, stability, and distribution of Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. Issues vary widely by region (China vs. Europe/other RHD markets) and specific model years.
Common points of contention cited by owners in forums and social media include:
- Delayed Rollouts: Zeekr owners in European and other non-Chinese markets have often reported significant delays in receiving the same updates that are available in China, leading to a perception of a two-tiered support system.
- Installation Problems: Users frequently report updates failing to initiate or complete, despite meeting all specified conditions (e.g., sufficient battery, locked doors, closed windows).
- Software Bugs: Updates, when they arrive, sometimes introduce new software glitches or fail to fix all the issues they were intended to address, such as problems with speed limit recognition, app connectivity, or specific driver assistance features.
- Hardware Concerns: Zeekr's strategy of rapid iteration, including offering hardware upgrades for older models (e.g., moving to a 700 TOPS ADAS system), has led to some older car owners feeling their vehicles quickly become outdated or that such upgrades should be free.