RoadVitals

2016 Polaris Slingshot

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

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.
25
Latest Oct 25, 2022
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.
8
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.
1
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.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 25 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Polaris Slingshot, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), brakes and steering categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names 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

  • Powertrain (other)717.9%
  • Brakes615.4%
  • Steering615.4%
  • Suspension410.3%
  • Fuel system37.7%
  • Seat belts25.1%
  • Interior & seats25.1%
  • Driver assistance25.1%

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

8 campaigns cover this model year

View all 8

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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 25
BrakesFuel system
Filed Oct 25, 2022

Driver side.. brake doesnt stop ,can feel it in brake pedal,constantly filling up resorvoir..also stays accelerated when coming to a stop..there is recalls on issue

NHTSA ID
11490906
Incident
Oct 25, 2022
ElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 22, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Polaris Slingshot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH, the power steering failed, and the vehicle drove onto a sidewalk without warning. The contact called the manufacturer and referred him to a local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer for a month. The contact was informed that the battery was replaced. The contact stated that upon return of the vehicle, the turn signals failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 1,200.

NHTSA ID
11437793
Incident
Jan 1, 2016
Mileage
1,200 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE RIDING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE RPMS SUDDENLY REVVED HIGH AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CYCLE SPORTS CENTER (4001 N. JOHN YOUNG PKWY, ORLANDO, FL) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS CONFIRMED, BUT THE CAUSE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ID
11278823
Incident
Oct 25, 2019
Mileage
10,000 mi
Seat belts
Filed Sep 23, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THE RESERVOIR SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED TO RELEASE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. A BYSTANDER ASSISTED AND CUT THE CONTACT OUT OF THE SEAT BELT WITH SCISSORS. THE CONTACT SPRAYED THE BASE OF THE SEAT BELT WITH LUBRICATION BEFORE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOEWER POWERSPORTS & EQUIPMENT (5909 COLISEUM BLVD, ALEXANDRIA, LA 71303, (318) 487-9495) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RESERVOIR SEAT BELT LATCH WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,500. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11257332
Incident
Sep 21, 2019
Mileage
2,500 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jul 1, 2019

2 LARGE REAR METAL ANGLE REFLECTORS ATTACHED WITH DOUBLE SIDED TAPE 1 DETACHED FROM BODY THANKFULLY WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. METAL ANGLES ARE NOT SECURED TO FRAME ADEQUATELY. COULD CAUSE DANGER TO MOTORIST BEHIND VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11228727
Incident
Jul 1, 2019
Mileage
1,800 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 27, 2019

DURING NORMAL DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DAY/NIGHT, THE POLARIS SLINGSHOT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD FAIL AND LOST OF ALL LIGHTING VISIBILITY FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS DRIVING BEHIND ME WOULD RANDOMLY HAPPEN MAKING ME A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE ROAD. THE REAR WIRING HARNESS FUSE BOX BURNS OUT RANDOMLY GETTING VERY HOT AND SPARKING WHILE DRIVING AND BURNING OUT THE PLASTIC ON THE FUSE BOX.

NHTSA ID
11204082
Incident
Apr 10, 2019
Mileage
4,335 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jun 29, 2018
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE THROTTLE LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DHY MOTORSPORTS (1300 CLEMENTS BRIDGE RD, TOWNSHIP, NJ 08096, 856-848-8500) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A PIN IN THE HARNESS WAS NOT CONNECTING TO THE THROTTLE, WHICH CAUSED THE THROTTLE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STRUCK A DEER. THE FRONT END OF THE SLINGSHOT WAS SMASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER BACK AND WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND POSSIBLY REPAIRED, IF THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,900.

NHTSA ID
11104670
Incident
Jun 19, 2018
Mileage
5,900 mi
Body & structureEngine
Filed Jun 4, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEAT FROM THE MUFFLER AND ENGINE ENTERED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER IN PHILADELPHIA, PA, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.

NHTSA ID
11099824
Incident
May 1, 2016
Mileage
103,000 mi

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
2016Viewing258156.8
2015369261.5

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.