RoadVitals

2018 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.
4
Latest Jul 10, 2020
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.
5
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.
1
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Polaris Slingshot, most frequently naming the electrical, airbags and brakes categories. 5 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

  • Electrical240.0%
  • Airbags120.0%
  • Brakes120.0%
  • Tires & wheels120.0%

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
19V185000

SEAT BELTS; SEATS

Mar 7, 2019
3,311 units potentially affected
The defect: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2018-2019 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 April 11, 2019. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-01. Note: this recall is an expansion of recall 18V-195.
Polaris Industries, Inc.Manufacturer number T-18-01View 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

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

Electrical
Filed Jul 10, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V750000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED FREEDOM POWERSPORTS WEATHERFORD (3202 EAST INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 20, HUDSON OAKS, TX 76087; (817)241-2031) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE BETWEEN AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2020. UNTIL THEN, IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE NOT BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11338633
Incident
May 29, 2020
Electrical
Filed Nov 8, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V750000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED RIDENOW POWERSPORTS PEORIA & INDIAN MOTORCYCLE PEORIA (8546 W LUDLOW DR, SUITE 100, PEORIA, AZ 85381, (877) 822-1352) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER UNTIL DECEMBER 5, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: C/6129161T0C1H6. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ID
11278927
Incident
Nov 7, 2019
AirbagsTires & wheels
Filed Oct 15, 2019
Crash reported2 injuries reported

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HER FRIEND WHO WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF A 2018 POLARIS SLINGSHOT EQUIPPED WITH LEXANI 101WXL TIRES, SIZE: 515/25DR22 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 60-70 MPH, THE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE THE SEAT BELT WAS FASTENED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS ON THE RIGHT SIDE, A FRACTURED PELVIS, A BROKEN BONE IN THE RIGHT ELBOW AND LOWER BACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE, STITCHES AND STAPLES IN THE BACK OF HIS HEAD, LACERATIONS ON THE BACK OF THE SKULL, A COLLAPSED LUNG WITH FLUID AND AIR AROUND IT, AND ROAD RASH ACROSS THE BACK AND RIGHT ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FRACTURED RIBS THAT ALSO REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11268733
Incident
Sep 29, 2019
Brakes
Filed May 6, 2019

THE VEHICLE WAS BEING PERSONALLY INSPECTED WHILE STATIONARY. I HAVE NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT WEAR DIFFERENCE IN THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ROTOR WHILE IT IS BEING BEDDED. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I HAVE DETERMINED THAT THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT FRONT ROTOR TYPES ON THIS VEHICLE. THE RIGHT ROTOR IS A SINGLE PIECE ROTOR WHILE THE LEFT ROTOR IS THE DUAL-PIECE ROTOR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE SLR VERSION. ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL, THE SINGLE ROTOR MINIMUM THICKNESS IS FRONT 4.5MM, REAR 6.5MM WHILE THE DUAL-ROTOR MINIMUM THICKNESS IS FRONT 19MM, REAR 19M. THEY ARE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT SIZES WHICH WILL POSSIBLY CAUSE ADVERSE BRAKING ACTION AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11205687
Incident
May 3, 2019
Mileage
900 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—
2018Viewing451—
2017109162.3
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.