RoadVitals

2021 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.
2
Latest Apr 27, 2026
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.
1
Latest Aug 10, 2021
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.
0
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
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 2 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Polaris Slingshot, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and seat belts categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 40 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

  • Engine133.3%
  • Fuel system133.3%
  • Seat belts133.3%

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

1 campaign cover this model year

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
21V629000

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Aug 10, 2021
4,744 units potentially affected
The defect: Polaris, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Slingshot vehicles. The rear wheel studs may not have been fully pressed into the axle, possibly causing them to come loose.
The risk: Loose rear wheel studs could result in wheel detachment, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the rear axle/stud assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Polaris' number for this recall is T-21-01.
Polaris, Inc.Manufacturer number T-21-01View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Engine
Filed Apr 27, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2021 Polaris Slingshot. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the oil, brake, ABS, check engine, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated inadvertently and swayed back and forth, and when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not slow down as intended. The contact added that the motorcycle then ran over a curb and crashed into bushes, where the vehicle finally stopped. The contact sustained leg, arm, neck, shoulder, back, and mental injuries; medical attention was not needed. A police report was not filed. The motorcycle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there was an engine malfunction, and the timing chain came loose causing the bearing to lose oil, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the timing chain jumped off the track, which caused the bearing to lose oil, the bearing came out of the motor, and the engine had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,800.

NHTSA ID
11734077
Incident
Mar 20, 2026
Mileage
20,800 mi
Fuel systemSeat belts
Filed Sep 19, 2022

Seat belts drivers and passengers do not adjust, lock where you cannot pull out to buckle the belt,locks while pulling out. Also doesnt lock snug against body when buckled. Throttle bucks violently when lettling clutch out gentlly causing a stall condition when pulling into traffic.

NHTSA ID
11485330
Incident
Jun 1, 2022

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-6.1.2026

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-1.23.2026

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding the creation of RIDE COMMAND log files to assist troubleshooting software errors.

SLG-11.13.2025

ENGINE

This Slingshot help center article provides details for changing the engine oil on model year 2020+ Slingshot vehicles.

SLG-8.19.2025

POWER TRAIN

This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding the procedure to replace the transmission fluid on Model Year 2020 and newer 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—
2021Viewing210—
2020110—
2019441—
2018451—
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.