Why does my Polestar 2 backup camera go black in reverse?

Short answer: On the Polestar 2, a backup camera that goes black, flickers or says it's temporarily unavailable in reverse is usually a software problem in the center screen. Polestar has issued three recalls for it: an over-the-air update in 2024 (24V477), then two dealer software updates (25V280 and 25V615). The latest one replaces the first two, so make sure 25V615 is done. Owners also clear it temporarily by restarting the center screen. If it still fails after the updates, a camera may need replacing.

Symptom: A black screen when you shift into reverse, a flickering or frozen image, a 'camera temporarily unavailable' message, or a camera icon with a red cross.

What to check first

1. Run your VIN for recall 25V615, the latest camera recall, which NHTSA says replaces the earlier 24V477 and 25V280. A service center does the update.
2. Restart the center display. Owners hold the home button for about 20 seconds, and that often brings the camera back.
3. Install pending app updates. A Polestar Forum member said manually installing app updates and restarting fixed it on his cars.
4. Shift to Park or Drive and back to Reverse if the message appears. Owners say that sometimes clears it.
5. If it keeps failing after the updates, book service. One owner's service center replaced the camera.

Likely causes

1. Center screen software problem. The infotainment software can fail to show the camera image. All three recalls are software fixes.
2. Failed camera. Less often, the camera itself is bad.

What it usually costs

The recalls are free. One owner's service center replaced the camera, and he didn't mention paying for it.

Is it safe to keep driving?

You can drive the car, but don't back up relying on a camera that might go black. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder until it's fixed. A missing backup camera image is why these were recalled. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for screen restarts and app updates. Service center for the recall work and any camera replacement.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recall 24V477 (2021–2024 Polestar 2, Polestar RP1016): the center screen software may stop the backup camera image from showing. Polestar released a free over-the-air software update.
• Recall 25V280 (2021–2025 Polestar 2, Polestar RP1056): the backup camera image may not show when the car is shifted into reverse. Dealers update the software for free.
• Recall 25V615 (2021–2025 Polestar 2, Polestar RP1069): the same problem again. Dealers update the software for free, owner letters were mailed June 4, 2026, and NHTSA's record says this recall replaces the earlier 24V477 and 25V280 recalls. If your car is part of this recall, the fix is free.
• NHTSA complaints: 491 keyword-matched complaints for Polestar 2 2021–2024 (of 593 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-19; keywords: camera, rear view, rearview, backup, back-up, reverse).

What owners report

• In Backup camera not working half the time on the Polestar Forum, an owner's camera failed more often than it worked, and the dealer first couldn't reproduce it and then said it would be fixed in a future update. Other owners described flickering and 'temporarily unavailable' messages, often on the first drive of the day. One member said manually installing pending app updates and restarting fixed it on his cars. Another owner said dealers were holding new cars until a camera software update was installed.
• In Backup Camera, a 2022 Polestar 2 owner at about 17,000 miles got a blank screen in reverse that a restart didn't fix. Holding the home button for 20 seconds to reset the screen brought it back. Another owner's service center replaced the camera.

My take

My advice as a former lot tech: any time a backup camera acts up, I tell people to treat the car like it doesn't have one until it's fixed. On a used Polestar 2, I ask for proof that the latest camera recall, 25V615, was done.

Vehicle focus: 2021–2024 Polestar 2 (the later recalls also include 2025).

Safety / mechanic note

Backing up without a working camera raises the risk of hitting someone. Verify with a mechanic.