RoadVitals

2017 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.
10
Latest Jul 27, 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.
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.
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.
2
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 10 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 Polaris Slingshot, most frequently naming the electrical, driver assistance and interior & seats categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 33 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

  • Electrical320.0%
  • Driver assistance213.3%
  • Interior & seats213.3%
  • Brakes213.3%
  • Seat belts213.3%
  • Steering213.3%
  • Exterior lighting16.7%
  • Other / unspecified16.7%

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
18V531000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Aug 15, 2018
10,658 units potentially affected
The defect: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Polaris Slingshot S, Slingshot SL, Slingshot GT LE, and Slingshot SLR motorcycles. In the event of a crash, the seatbelt retractor on the side opposite of the impact may separate, preventing the seatbelt from locking.
The risk: In the event of a crash, if the seat belt does not lock, the occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing their risk of injury.
The remedy: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will install a kit that prevents the retractor from separating in the event of a crash, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2018. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-03.
Polaris Industries, Inc.Manufacturer number T-18-03View on NHTSA.gov
18V321000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

May 16, 2018
4,342 units potentially affected
The defect: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Polaris Slingshot, Slingshot SL, Slingshot SLR, Slingshot SL Icon, and Slingshot GT LE motorcycles. The brake pedals may have been incorrectly installed, allowing the brake pedal to separate from the brake master cylinder.
The risk: If the brake pedal separates from the brake master cylinder, it would cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engagement of the brake pedal retaining clip and reassemble it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 5, 2018. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-02.
Polaris Industries, Inc.Manufacturer number T-18-02View 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 10
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 27, 2022

Seat backs on both driver and passenger sides are coming off frame. The screws/bolts are falling out no way to put them back in and secure the back of the seats to seat frame. Have only 3600 miles on a 2017 Slingshot has not been used much. The back of the seat screws are Fallin out making the seat backs come off frame. Have asked other people in our Slingshot club if they have had a issue and we have gotten alot of yes happened to us to. It is not just ours and have no idea how to fix, but seems as this could be dangerous if back of seat is not secure. Had one couple to fix this problem they had to remove seats, remove seat backs and they Gorilla Glued the seat backs to the frame to fix the problem. I thought umm I'm not super gluing, or Gorilla Gluing my seats in. Seems to be a issue with our particular seats which came stock in the 2017 SL's.We have the limited edition Midnight Cherry. Nice seats just that the screws holding seat back on are breaking free of however they are attached to the seat. It is not right and these issues need repaired for all slingshots with this issue. Looks like there was some sort of seat recall already but do not know if this issue is included in the seat recall? Have pictures form will not allow me to drop them in or upload them? Let me explain better. There is a back on the screws preventing them from being able to tighten or to replace they are dangling out of the holes. I know we are not the only ones having this issue and we have no idea how to repair other then to buy new seats for our slingshot. However we should not have to do that. It seems that it will be very unsafe during a crash. Will tey to upload pictures again.

NHTSA ID
11476077
Incident
Jul 20, 2021
Interior & seats
Filed Mar 31, 2022
1 injury reported

Both the driver and passenger seat back screws shrouds have broken off under normal conditions and operation while operating the vehicle. When coming to a stop or while driving, the seat back moves, pushing the driver and passenger up against the steering wheel and dash with an increased risk of failure and accident with absolutely no warning. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized polaris dealer with no resolution.

NHTSA ID
11459062
Incident
Aug 1, 2019
Brakes
Filed Feb 11, 2022

After braking a few times the “brake failure” light will come in the dashboard disabling the cruise control. After researching online I found this article TSA-18-02 that states that it is a known problem! This should be a recall and not just an ”service advisory”

NHTSA ID
11451617
Incident
Feb 6, 2022
Seat belts
Filed Jun 7, 2021

The drivers side seat belt won't extend. While viewing the polaris slingshot forum, this has been a reoccurring problem.

NHTSA ID
11419985
Incident
Jun 5, 2021
Electrical
Filed Oct 6, 2020

THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL T-19-01 2015-2019 SLINGSHOT S/SL/SLR/GT BATTERY FUSE BLOCK INSPECTION & CHASSIS FUSE RELOCATION (OPERATING VEHICLE WITHOUT RECALL IS RISK TO RIDERS THAT STEERING & LIGHTS MAY QUIT) FOR THE PAST YEAR. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IT FIXED & HAVE CONTACTED POLARIS MANY TIMES. ALL THE DEALERS AROUND ME SAY THEY CAN'T GET THE PARTS FROM POLARIS. NHTSA RECALL #190750.

NHTSA ID
11363025
Incident
Oct 18, 2019
Electrical
Filed Jun 30, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V750000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11331688
Incident
Jun 30, 2020
ElectricalExterior lightingSteering
Filed Dec 2, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS, REAR BRAKE LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING RANDOMLY SHUT OFF. ALSO, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V750000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). AFTER CONTACTING VALLEY MOTORSPORTS (195 E MOSBY RD, HARRISBURG, VA) AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.

NHTSA ID
11286440
Incident
Nov 1, 2019
Mileage
100 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Sep 10, 2019
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND SPOKES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED ACROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM THE FAR RIGHT LANE, CRASHED INTO A WALL, RICOCHETED OFF THE WALL, AND LANDED ON THE SHOULDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISED RIBS AND A SORE NECK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT AND THEN TOWED TO FREEDOM POWERSPORTS HUNTSVILLE (12401 MEMORIAL PKWY SE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35803, 256-829-5507), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 6039418. THE CONTACT LOCATED NTSB NUMBER: NVS-214JRYPE15-016 FROM MAY OF 2015 AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR. THE FAILURE WAS MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000. *TR

NHTSA ID
11254362
Incident
Jun 9, 2019
Mileage
13,000 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—
2017Viewing109162.3
2016258156.8
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.