RoadVitals

2015 Polaris Slingshot

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “do not drive” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 15V022000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
36
Latest Sep 25, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
9
Latest Oct 18, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
5 injuries, 3 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 36 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Polaris Slingshot, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and powertrain (other) categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 41 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine815.7%
  • Driver assistance713.7%
  • Powertrain (other)611.8%
  • Suspension611.8%
  • Fuel system59.8%
  • Brakes59.8%
  • Electrical47.8%
  • Other / unspecified35.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

9 campaigns cover this model year

View all 9

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V750000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Oct 18, 2019
31,987 units potentially affected
The defect: Polaris Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Slingshot motorcycles. Excessive electrical current may damage the battery fuse holder terminals.
The risk: Damaged terminals may result in the loss of forward and rear lighting, instrument cluster gauges, or power steering assist. Any of these scenarios increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery fuse block terminals and relocate the 50 amp chassis fuse, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris's number for this recall is T-19-01.
Polaris Inc.Manufacturer number T-19-01View on NHTSA.gov
18V809000

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Nov 15, 2018
11,371 units potentially affected
The defect: Polaris Industries (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot, Slingshot SL and Slingshot SL LE motorcycles equipped with a backup camera. The back-up camera may fail internally, possibly melting the voltage regulator and blowing the fuse for that circuit, thereby preventing the taillight from functioning properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.
The risk: The melted voltage regulator can increase the risk of a fire. The loss of a tail light can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the back-up camera, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2019. Owners may contact Polaris at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-04.
Polaris Industries, Inc.Manufacturer number T-18-04View on NHTSA.gov
18V195000

SEAT BELTS; SEATS

Mar 26, 2018
24,235 units potentially affected
The defect: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling all 2015-2018 Polaris Slingshot motorcycles. The driver-seat and passenger-seat seat belt and seat back anchoring bracket may have been improperly welded. Additionally, differences in the seat assembly may prevent proper latching of the seat slider, allowing the driver's seat to move unexpectedly.
The risk: If the seat belt buckle or seat back detach from the seat base, there would be an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. If the driver's seat unexpectedly moves, it can cause the driver to lose control of the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt bracket and seat back welds, and the seat slider latching function. If the weld is missing or incomplete, or if the slider doesn't latch properly, the seat bases will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on April 16, 2018. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-01.
Polaris Industries, Inc.Manufacturer number T-18-01View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE17005ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Seatbelt Retractor Failure

Opened Sep 18, 2017
Closed Mar 25, 2019

See attached closing resume summary.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGELed to recall 18V531000
PE15016ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Front wheel failure

Opened Apr 20, 2015
Closed Oct 16, 2015

We opened this PE after receiving an allegation of a sudden, catastrophic, right front wheel failure.Since opening it, we have met with dealer service personnel, interviewed owners, monitored various web forums, and requested information from Polaris.We are unaware of any additional wheel failures occurring in the six months since we began investigating this subject.Currently, no actionable defect trend exists which would justify continuing to investigate this matter.Consequently, this PE is closed.We will continue to monitor owner complaints, web forums, EWR data, etc and, if warranted by new facts, we will reopen an investigation.

WHEELS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 36
Engine
Filed Sep 25, 2021

RPM hang on start and shifting gears on start engine rpm goes to 7000 and hangs there I have to shut it off and restart on shifting the rpms hang at the previous level Example in 1st gear shifting to 2nd Clutch at 2000 rpm stays there clutch out in 2nd maintains 2000 rpms with no increase on gas pedal/worse situation on startup have to shut engine down with the. Key to get it to reset

NHTSA ID
11434328
Incident
Sep 25, 2021
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 16, 2020

WHILE I WAS SHIFTING, WHEN I DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH, THE ENGINE FULLY REVVED. DURING THIS INSTANCE, I TAPPED THE GAS PEDAL TO SEE IF IT WAS STICKING. IT WAS NOT STICKING AND WAS FULLY OUT. THIS HAPPENED SO FAST AS I WAS DRIVING ON HILLS IN THE MOUNTAINS AND HAD TO TURN THE KEY OFF, WHICH WAS THE ONLY WAS TO STOP THE REVVING. BY THE TIME ALL THIS HAD HAPPENED THOUGH, THE TACH WENT TO 7,000 RPM. THE MOTOR REDLINES AT ABOUT 6400, JUST FYI. THIS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE AND A SERIOUS OUTCOME COULD HAVE DEVELOPED, AND WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY DEVELOPED IF MY WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING THE BIKE. THINKING BACK, I WAS PROBABLY DOING 40-50 MPH. SUNNY, ABOUT 90 DEGREES F. IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH A LOT OF HILLS AND TURNS. NOW, RETURNING HOME IT "SORT OF" HAPPENED AGAIN. THE ENGINE REVVED TO ABOUT 3500 RPM THIS TIME WHILE DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH TO SHIFT. HOWEVER, NOW BEING ALERT TO THE ISSUE, I PUT IT BACK IN GEAR. THEN PUT IT IN AND OUT OF GEAR TO SEE IF THE REVVING STOPPED. JUST FYI, YES THE BIKE IS A 2015. HOWEVER, THE BIKE ONLY HAS 7,600 MILES. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME, I HAD MY WIFE DEPRESS THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES TO SEE IF I NOTICED ANYTHING. FIRST GLANCE, WITHOUT REALLY INVESTIGATING, I COULD SEE NO LINKAGE IN THE ENGINE BAY. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS THIS JUST HAPPENED TODAY. MY WIFE WILL NOT BE DRIVING THIS BIKE NOW FOR REASONS STATED ABOVE.

NHTSA ID
11349683
Incident
Aug 16, 2020
Mileage
7,600 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 9, 2019

IN REGARDS TO AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING WITH MY POLARIS SLINGSHOT PURCHASED ON JUNE 6, 2015. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE I BEGAN EXPERIENCING EXTREMELY HIGH ENGINE EVOLUTIONS DURING THE PROCESS OF SHIFTING GEARS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE ON 06/162015 CLOSEST POLARIS DEALERSHIP XTREME MACHINES LOCATED 700 STATE HWY 33 WEST, MILLSTONE TOWNSHIP, NJ 732-786-9696. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED THE ROAD TEST BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. I THEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER AS THE PROBLEM WAS BECOMING MORE FREQUENT. THE DEALER INFORMED ME A ECU WAS UPDATED AND SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM BUT TO NO AVAIL. *JS

NHTSA ID
11243613
Incident
Jun 4, 2015
Suspension
Filed Jun 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE AND REMOVED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. AFTERWARDS, GREASE CAME OUT OF THE CRACKED SEAL AND THE WHEEL BEARING LOOKED WORN AND LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,050.

NHTSA ID
11219876
Incident
Jun 3, 2019
Mileage
2,050 mi
Steering
Filed May 15, 2019

STEERING RACKET PINION BROKE FELL APART BEARING FELL OUT

NHTSA ID
11207839
Incident
May 14, 2019
Mileage
40 mi
Driver assistanceSuspension
Filed Jan 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE DRIVING, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOUSLEY MOTORSPORTS (LOCATED AT 1400 CO RD E EAST, ST PAUL, MN 55110, (651) 483-8296) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WHEEL BEARING AND SENSOR WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11171656
Incident
Oct 21, 2018
Mileage
37,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 23, 2018
Fire reported

ELECTRICAL SHORT/FIRE IN BACKUP CAMERA CAUSING FAILURE IN BREAK LIGHTS, TAIL LIGHTS, ABS, CRUISE CONTROL, RADIO, BLINKERS, HORN. VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN INCIDENT OCCURRED.

NHTSA ID
11121816
Incident
Aug 4, 2018
Mileage
9,900 mi
Body & structure
Filed Mar 19, 2018
Crash reported1 injury reported1 death reported

MY BROTHER WAS KILLED WHILE OPERATING HIS POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE VEHICLE FRAME OFFERED ABSOLUTELY NO SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION. THE BARS WELDED ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WERE CRUSHED FLAT, TORN, AND SEVERAL WELDS HAD SEPARATED. ONE OF THE BARS WAS EVEN PUSHED TO THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE AND NOW SITS NEAR THE SHIFTER. IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE BARS MEASURED A MERE .059 THOUSANDTHS OF AN INCH THICK. FOR COMPARISON, A CHEVY SILVERADO EXHAUST PIPE MEASURES .079 THOUSANDTHS OF AN INCH THICK, 30% THICKER. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRENGTH OF A VEHICLE FRAME BUILT OUT OF WHAT APPEARS TO ME TO BE MUFFLER PIPE. ALSO HAS ANY CORROSION TESTING HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE. SLINGSHOTS ARE OPERATED DAILY IN THE SALT AIR OF OUR COASTAL REGIONS. WILL THE FRAMES OF THESE VEHICLES ONE DAY FAIL BECAUSE OF CORROSION, MUCH LIKE EXHAUST PIPES? MY BROTHER PURCHASED HIS SLINGSHOT BASED ON THE PERCEIVED SAFETY OF THE SLINGSHOT'S STEEL FRAME THAT SURROUNDS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IT SEEMS MOST PURCHASERS OF THIS VEHICLE MAY PERCEIVE THAT THERE IS SOME SORT OF PROTECTION OFFERED. I BELIEVE NHTSA OPERATES UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT IF A MANUFACTURER DESIGNS A SAFETY FEATURE INTO A VEHICLE, THEN IT MUST WORK, WHETHER IT IS REQUIRED ON THAT VEHICLE OR NOT. WITH THAT BEING SAID, DOES THE PLACEMENT OF THESE BARS AND HOW I THINK MOST REASONABLE PEOPLE PERCEIVE THEM, CAUSE THEM TO FALL INTO THIS CATEGORY. POLARIS SEEMS TO HAVE INTENDED TO BUILD SOME DEGREE OF ROLLOVER PROTECTION INTO THE SLINGSHOT BASED ON THE RECALL OF THE ROLL HOOPS (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:15V020000). BUT, BOLTING NEW, STRONGER ROLL HOOPS TO A FRAME THAT APPEARS TO BE THE THICKNESS OF MUFFLER PIPE SEEMS IRRESPONSIBLE. HAS POLARIS DONE ANY STRENGTH TESTING ON THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE TO MEASURE ROLLOVER SURVIVABILITY?

NHTSA ID
11080272
Incident
Aug 13, 2016

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SLG-6.18.2026

ENGINE

This Ask Polaris article provides information to systematically identify the root cause of excessive exhaust smoke by distinguishing between oil consumption, coolant intrusion, and fuel-related conditions.

SLG-6.5.2026

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding battery maintenance on Model Year 2019 and older Slingshot vehicles.

SLG-6.1.2026

ENGINE

This Ask Polaris article provides information about how to perform a leakdown test on Polaris Slingshot vehicles.

T-26-02-01

POWER TRAIN

A new input shaft seal, PN 3610429, has been released for Model Year 2015-2026 Slingshot right angle drives for improved leak resistance. Vehicles produced after 11/10/2025 have the updated seal. When installing, this seal requires a lower pinion rolling torque specification. Improper pinion rolling torque during service of the seal can lead to leaks, noise, and/or damage to the seal or right angle drive due to improper bearing load.

SLG-11-20-25

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This Slingshot help center article contains instructions for inspecting and adjusting your lights for model year 2019 and older Slingshot vehicles.

SLG-10.16.25

POWER TRAIN

This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding replacing the angle drive fluid on model year 2015-2019 Slingshot vehicles.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Polaris Slingshot by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000—
2023120—
2022700—
2021210—
2020110—
2019441—
2018451—
2017109162.3
2016258156.8
2015Viewing369261.5

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.