With the growing popularity of Polestar vehicles, recognized for their Scandinavian design, premium build, and high-performance electric engineering, the market for replacement parts has expanded significantly. Unfortunately, this increase has also fueled a rise in counterfeit automotive components, especially on large online marketplaces. These fake parts often look almost identical to real Polestar components but fail drastically in durability, safety, and compatibility.

Counterfeiters now produce imitation versions of everything from brake components to rims, infotainment systems, and electrical modules. The danger is not only about poor quality, since using non-genuine parts can put your safety at risk, damage your electric vehicle’s systems, and lead to costly repairs.

This guide explains how to detect fake Polestar parts, the risks associated with them, and the safest ways to shop online to help drivers protect their vehicles and their budgets.

1. The Rise of Counterfeit Polestar Parts

Polestar is a premium EV brand that relies on precise engineering and high-quality manufacturing. Each part is designed to meet strict safety, efficiency, and environmental standards. Scammers take advantage of these high standards and the price associated with OEM components by selling “OEM-style” or “factory-quality” parts at deeply discounted prices.

These counterfeit parts often appear on:

• eBay

• AliExpress

• Unverified third-party auto parts sites

• Marketplace resellers with no proven background

Even when they look convincing, their performance falls far below expectations.

Counterfeit parts can:

• Fail prematurely due to weak materials

• Disrupt sensitive electronic systems

• Increase wear on genuine components

• Void your Polestar warranty

• Create serious safety hazards

Choosing genuine or verified used parts is essential for long-term reliability.

2. Why Fake Polestar Parts Are Dangerous

Polestar vehicles rely on tight software and hardware integration, which means even small differences in part quality can create major issues.

Risks of using counterfeit parts include:

• Electrical failures caused by low-quality connectors, fuses, or sensors

• Brake malfunction due to pads or rotors that lack proper heat resistance

• HV battery overheating caused by uncertified high-voltage connectors

• Poor fitment from imitation rims or exterior parts that increase drag or vibration

• Safety system failures linked to counterfeit airbags, seatbelt parts, or sensors

A single fake part can compromise the performance of your vehicle and your safety.

3. How to Identify Genuine vs. Fake Polestar Parts

Before purchasing any Polestar part online, check these essential authenticity indicators.

a. OEM Part Numbers

Every genuine Polestar or Volvo OEM part includes a unique part number that is engraved, etched, or printed on the packaging. Fake parts often lack the number entirely, use an invalid sequence, or apply a cheap sticker.

b. Packaging and Labeling

Authentic OEM parts use high-quality packaging with Polestar or Volvo branding, barcodes, and clear printing. Fake packaging may include spelling errors, generic boxes, or blurry labels.

c. Pricing Red Flags

If the price is dramatically lower than what reputable sellers offer, the part is almost certainly counterfeit or undisclosed refurbished. Always compare prices with official Volvo or Polestar sources or with trusted suppliers like Ingenext.

d. Seller Reputation

Legitimate sellers have strong feedback, established profiles, and accessible customer service. New accounts or anonymous sellers represent a much higher risk.

e. Build Quality

Fake components are usually lighter, have rough machining, or display printed logos instead of engraved markings. Genuine Polestar parts maintain precise finish quality and consistent materials.

f. Warranty and Documentation

OEM parts include warranty details and documentation that confirm their origin. Counterfeit parts usually come with no return policy and vague descriptions.

4. Most Common Polestar Parts That Get Counterfeited

Counterfeit parts may fit physically but fail under heat, load, or electrical current.

5. Where to Buy Genuine and Tested Used Polestar Parts

The safest way to avoid counterfeit Polestar parts is to buy from reputable resellers that inspect and test every component before selling it.

Ingenext, located in Québec, specializes in high-quality used and refurbished OEM Polestar parts, including:

• Rims and tires

• Electrical modules

• Infotainment units

• High-voltage components

• Safety and sensor systems

Every part sold is OEM verified, functionally tested, and inspected for structural integrity. This approach ensures that buyers receive genuine, safe, and reliable components without the cost of brand-new OEM parts.

6. How Ingenext Verifies Authenticity

Each part undergoes a complete validation process, including:

• Visual inspection to confirm OEM markings and proper material finish

• Functional testing to ensure performance meets factory specifications

• VIN matching to confirm compatibility with your Polestar model

• Serial number validation through available manufacturer data

• Cleaning and final inspection before shipment

This process ensures that every part is authentic and ready to perform reliably.

7. The Eco-Friendly Advantage

Buying used OEM parts is not only budget-friendly but environmentally responsible. Each reused Polestar component helps reduce waste, limit demand for newly manufactured parts, and lower the overall carbon footprint of EV maintenance.

8. What to Do If You Already Bought a Fake Part

If you suspect a part is counterfeit:

• Stop using it immediately

• Compare it with official OEM specifications

• Contact the seller and request a return

• Report the listing to Polestar or Transport Canada if needed

• Replace the part with verified OEM or inspected used components

Acting quickly reduces risk to your vehicle and ensures safe operation.

9. Smart Tips for Online Shoppers

When shopping online:

• Use trusted sources such as Polestar, Volvo, and Ingenext

• Avoid listings without part numbers or clear photos

• Be careful with products described only as “OEM-style”

• Check the shipping origin for potential risk

• Pay with methods that provide buyer protection, such as credit card or PayPal

A few precautions go a long way in preventing counterfeit purchases.

10. Why Used OEM Beats New Counterfeit Every Time

A used OEM part consistently provides real engineering and real safety. Counterfeits only imitate appearance, not performance.

11. Example: Spotting a Fake Polestar Rim

A genuine Polestar 2 19-inch rim usually includes:

• Volvo or Polestar engraving inside the hub

• OEM code beginning with 322 or 314

• Smooth uniform coating

• Weight between 11.5 and 12.5 kilograms

Counterfeit rims may show:

• Sticker logos

• Rough paint or uneven spokes

• Weight significantly under 10 kilograms

• Missing manufacturing marks

These differences appear small but are critical for safety and ride quality.

12. Ingenext: Your Most Reliable Source for Tested OEM Polestar Components

Ingenext provides Polestar owners with access to genuine OEM components that have been inspected, tested, and verified for performance. The company offers a wide range of parts for Polestar models and Smart vehicles, along with expert guidance from technicians familiar with EV systems. Drivers benefit from real performance and real peace of mind at accessible prices.

Conclusion

Spotting fake auto parts online is increasingly difficult, but it has never been more important. For Polestar owners, authenticity directly affects performance, efficiency, and safety. Buying from trusted suppliers such as Ingenext ensures that every component is genuine and tested. When shopping for Polestar wheels, brakes, or electronics, avoid suspicious listings and rely on verified parts that deliver true value and reliability.