The Polestar 4 has generated considerable buzz for its sleek, modern design, high-end interior finishes, and impressive array of standard features. As a stylish coupe-SUV, it offers a blend of sporty aesthetics and electric efficiency that makes it highly appealing to tech-savvy, design-conscious buyers. However, what has arguably drawn the most attention since its debut is its complete lack of a rear window—a bold move by the Geely-owned automaker. Polestar argues that a rear-facing camera can now do the job better than traditional glass. While innovative, this decision has raised eyebrows and is being reevaluated in light of recent developments that highlight the risks of relying entirely on technology.
Though the latest issue doesn’t involve the Polestar 4 directly, it serves as a cautionary tale. The current recall affects the Polestar 2, a more conventional electric vehicle that does include a traditional rear window. A total of 27,816 Polestar 2 units from model years 2021 through 2025 are being recalled to address problems with the backup camera system. Some drivers have reported that their rearview cameras failed completely, showing only an error message—“camera is temporarily unavailable”—when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. This defect could pose serious safety concerns, particularly during parking or tight maneuvering, where visibility is crucial.
The underlying issue appears to be a synchronization fault between the Parking Assist Camera (PAC) and the vehicle’s infotainment system. Notably, this is not the first time Polestar has dealt with this problem. A previous recall in June 2024 affected nearly 26,000 Polestar 2 vehicles with similar complaints. On that occasion, the company was able to remedy the issue with an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Unfortunately, the latest glitch cannot be corrected remotely and requires a service visit, which adds inconvenience for owners and highlights a limitation in current vehicle software architecture.
While this recall involves a model with a physical rear window, it casts doubt on the wisdom of removing such a fundamental design element from future vehicles. If camera systems are prone to bugs, outages, or software errors—as seems to be the case not only with Polestar but also with brands like Ford, Kia, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, and several Stellantis companies—then relying solely on digital alternatives may not yet be a foolproof solution.
Polestar has already announced that its upcoming Polestar 5 will also do away with the rear window, a move echoed by Jaguar’s new electric sedan. While this trend underscores the automotive industry’s drive toward minimalism and high-tech solutions, it also raises important questions about safety, redundancy, and reliability. For now, traditional rear windows may still serve a valuable purpose—especially when technology doesn’t perform as expected.