Lopez v. Polestar Automotive USA

Automotive & Vehicle Recalls · Filed 2026-04-05 · U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois · Docket 1:26-cv-92114

What the company is alleged to have done

According to the federal complaint, Polestar Automotive USA sold the affected vehicles for years while internal technical service bulletins documented the defect. Owners report the failure typically appears between 30,000 and 80,000 miles, well past the standard new-vehicle warranty.

The complaint alleges Polestar Automotive USA failed to disclose the defect at the point of sale, in advertising materials, or in any subsequent communication with owners, even after enough complaints reached NHTSA to trigger informal regulatory scrutiny. Plaintiffs seek to certify a nationwide class of owners and lessees.

Who qualifies as a class member

You are likely an eligible class member if all of the following apply:

• You purchased or leased a Polestar Automotive USA vehicle covered by the affected VIN list (the administrator will check your VIN automatically).
• Your vehicle was manufactured during the affected model years (typically a six-year window).
• You were the registered owner during the warranty period or paid for a covered repair out of pocket.
• You are a U.S. resident and bought or leased the vehicle in the United States.

If you fit all of the criteria above, you almost certainly have a valid claim. If you only fit some of them — for example, you used the product in a different timeframe, or you don’t have proof of purchase — you may still qualify under the settlement’s “self-attestation” rules. The form on this page can route you to a participating attorney who will confirm your eligibility for free.

How much can I receive?

Class members can claim three benefits: (1) free repair at any authorized Polestar Automotive USA dealer for affected VINs; (2) reimbursement for documented out-of-pocket repairs already paid; and (3) a cash payment for the diminished resale value of vehicles owned during the warranty period.

Total settlement value: $2.4M. Estimated number of class members: 320,000. Most class members will receive their payout by check or electronic transfer within four to nine months after the court grants final approval.

How to file your claim (step-by-step)

1. Look up your VIN on the settlement administrator's website to confirm eligibility.
2. Gather repair invoices showing any out-of-pocket repairs related to the alleged defect.
3. Submit the claim form online before the deadline.
4. Choose direct deposit or paper check for any cash reimbursement.
5. Keep your confirmation number — you will need it to schedule the free dealer repair.

Why this matters

Vehicle-defect cases like this one are how owners recover money for repairs that the manufacturer's warranty failed to cover. Without the class action, most owners would simply absorb the cost.

If you think you might be part of the affected class, it costs you nothing to find out. Use the form on this page to request a free consultation, or file directly through the settlement administrator using the steps above. For a deeper walkthrough of the federal class-action timeline, read our guide on what happens after you submit a claim form.

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