Polestar Forum banner

Observation on negative skew of posts here

18971 Views 93 Replies 47 Participants Last post by  JRRF
Hey all, just wanted to point something out I've seen here on the forum that may help underscore the impression many of us have that the frequency of negative posts on issues and experiences here on the forum may not be indicative of the actual frequency of problems people are having with the Polestar 2. I have noticed that we have quite a few threads that are initiated with a problem someone is having, usually with a handful of responses either commiserating or offering advice on fixes/mitigations. Maybe a page or two with a few exceptions, and usually consisting of posts from the OP and the 30 or 40 longer term active participants here, plus a few more mixed in.

Then there are a handful of posts that are on topics about anticipating receiving a new car. What boat is it on? What is the website saying? What should I do to prep for the car? And so on. These posts tend to have many different users posting, and run to 10's and even 100's of pages of posts. There are also a few posts plus the "color" threads that were started by the admins that folks who have just received their new car often post photos and participate a bit.

This brings us to my observation: many folks are on here in anticipation of their car, soaking up information while anxiously awaiting their new ride. Once they have the car, and have basked in the glory of sharing their new pride and joy here, their participation fades away as the need for the forum disappears - they don't have any issues and now can enjoy their car and go on about their lives. The minority of folks with problems will land here by doing a search, or they'll remember how helpful the forum was and come back for advice.

Note that this isn't new to product forums in general, and many of us who have participated in online communities centered on a product recognize the behavior and understand the bias. I just wanted to reinforce for anyone new to the forum (and product fora in general) that this is a common attribute and to not be unduly concerned with the negative skew. The car has been good for most of us, and folks without issues tend to not post here. There are always exceptions (like me!) but don't be overly concerned with what you see here.

BTW, I will say that this particular forum is better than most: the amount of good information, advice, and general helpfulness is quite good. And the folks here are for the most part friendly and polite.
See less See more
  • Like
  • Helpful
Reactions: 5
1 - 20 of 94 Posts
Thanks Mick for the reminder.

Should note that for all my TCAM whining here we have 2 cars, still love them, and depending on how things go could very end up keeping both of them long term. it’s pretty much the best car for us still, 2y after launch, even with all the other options that have come since.
  • Like
Reactions: 5
Definitely appreciate this reminder post for prospective buyers such as myself. There’s always a bit of a bias but such a wealth of information on forums!
  • Like
Reactions: 4
Internet, and media is all about the problems sadly.
If you look at news from Sweden you would never dare to go here since it seems like its a civil war going on with gun violence totally out of control.
In reality its the most peachful place on earth and 99,99% of the population is not in gunfights.

On internet the problem always seems worse too when the same three people with the same issue keeps posting and popping up everywhere and makes it look like much more people are affected then there really is.

IF an issue is on ALL cars, everybody would be on this forum!
  • Like
Reactions: 5
I feel like you're right, and also the main reason for most to stay on forums after ownership in my experience is the help factor when things go wrong, along with sharing modifications.

I think that there are just genuinely less things to go wrong with an EV, and even less with one that has been built well like the Polestar. There is also much less for those of us that are used to endlessly modifying their cars to do.

I believe this leads to a stronger fall-off on longer term owners, apart from some of the die-hards. I know I've fallen off posting as much, because there is just nothing going wrong with it, and not much exciting to be done by way of mods.

Just my 2c anyway.
  • Like
Reactions: 5
I think the reality is PS in a new approach and new vehicle. Unfortunately in the UK, they have no actual Customer service or customer focus which means a lose lose. I really wish they'd hire people from Customer focussed firms and they'd focus on the great product they have and a great service wrap - This could be a game changing company and product. Fingers crossed
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Hi Mick.
My car is now just over 2 years old with over 32k miles on the clock. I’ve had plenty of issues but this is still 100% the best car I‘ve owned. Been driving my dad’s car for a week (as my boot won’t open). His car cost the same as mine new, which I find unbelievable as it’s a piece of crap in comparison. To be fair, after a week driving my P2, my dad agrees that it’s a far superior drive.
  • Like
Reactions: 5
Well said Mick, I enjoyed every word. Spot on, it has been a great ride for most of us.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
Thanks Mick. I couldn't agree more. Although some of us can't help but keep posting no matter how good this car is 🤣
  • Haha
  • Like
Reactions: 5
Glad to read this thread. Honestly the thing I'm most unhappy about is waiting for upgrades (perf software and maaaaaaybe lowering springs). But if that's my biggest gripe, I'm a pretty satisfied customer. I just absolutely love driving this car.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
Well I am of two minds regarding -ve and +ve posts. I love driving the Polestar when it goes! However we have been plagued with problems and it has left us stuck in the middle of nowhere when it has become un-drivable. When it does go nothing ever works 100% - there are always errors (SOS error, sensors not working, internet out, charging limit etc etc.) It goes on and on. So we have finally decided to sell our Polestar once we have it working 100% - which leaves us a small window of opportunity to do so! Yes it's a great car but way too unreliable. My advice for any prospective buyers is to wait a couple more years until the software bugs are ironed out. We may well purchase one in the future but right now we will be pleased to see it go. We have done over 20,000kms so have given it our best shot. So I would like to read a few more +ve posts as I'm afraid I don't have many +ve things to say apart from they are great to drive.
  • Like
  • Sad
Reactions: 3
Well I am of two minds regarding -ve and +ve posts. I love driving the Polestar when it goes! However we have been plagued with problems and it has left us stuck in the middle of nowhere when it has become un-drivable. When it does go nothing ever works 100% - there are always errors (SOS error, sensors not working, internet out, charging limit etc etc.) It goes on and on. So we have finally decided to sell our Polestar once we have it working 100% - which leaves us a small window of opportunity to do so! Yes it's a great car but way too unreliable. My advice for any prospective buyers is to wait a couple more years until the software bugs are ironed out. We may well purchase one in the future but right now we will be pleased to see it go. We have done over 20,000kms so have given it our best shot. So I would like to read a few more +ve posts as I'm afraid I don't have many +ve things to say apart from they are great to drive.
You clearly have a car which is problematic, and that's the exception rather than the rule. I can certainly understand why you would want to get rid of it, but that would be the case with any car that had those types of issues, and it's always possible.
  • Like
  • Helpful
Reactions: 5
You clearly have a car which is problematic, and that's the exception rather than the rule. I can certainly understand why you would want to get rid of it, but that would be the case with any car that had those types of issues, and it's always possible.
Very true - we may have a lemon, but I don't think so after reading the issues regarding connectivity etc. It seems to be a common thread running thro' this forum. I guess some people just live with these issues - or even enjoy trouble shooting. I just want a car that goes.
  • Like
Reactions: 3
Very true - we may have a lemon, but I don't think so after reading the issues regarding connectivity etc. It seems to be a common thread running thro' this forum. I guess some people just live with these issues - or even enjoy trouble shooting. I just want a car that goes.
If your car becomes undrivable, then that's significantly different from the vast majority of people that experience TCAM issues.
  • Like
Reactions: 2
The point I was making in my post is exactly this: there are some who have bad experiences - I'm not trying to downplay that and it's horrible if it's you who has the issues. That's why lemon laws are there if the manufacturer doesn't/can't/won't make it right for you. But I still think it is a small minority who experience the issues. Most are just enjoying their car and have no real reason to come here and hang with us.

Wait...does that mean I need to get a life? @JRRF, help me out here. :eek:
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 4
Wait...does that mean I need to get a life? @JRRF, help me out here. :eek:
Apparently I'm the last one who can help 🤣
  • Haha
Reactions: 3
Yes I guess there is little point in having a forum where everyone is over-joyed with their car - the conversations could become quite nauseating.
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 4
Not been on here for ages so having just read Mick's comments have to agree. My Polestar 2 delivered start of March 2021. Issues on delivery yes but resolved swiftlyish! and now had zero issues in last 19 months (including no TCAM issues). Car was taken on a short 2 year lease due to reading about issues on forums and my concern that i might end up with a lemon but have just started discussions to extend the lease for another 12 months as totally happy with the car. Now off to find a piece of wood to touch in case i jinxed the car by saying no problems!!
  • Like
  • Haha
Reactions: 5
Nice to see you back, @Musketeer ! :)
1 - 20 of 94 Posts
Top