Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2018 Polaris Slingshot peaked in 2019, with 3 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2018 Polaris Slingshot
Motorcycle, gasoline, RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 6, 2019 to Jul 10, 2020.
Recall campaigns covering this model year575k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints42.0 times the median 2018 motorcycle
Severity index25.02018 motorcycles average 6.0
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
50% of complaints about the 2018 Polaris Slingshot name electrical system
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
5 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Polaris Slingshot
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V-750 | Oct 18, 2019 | Excessive electrical current may damage the battery fuse holder terminals | Electrical system | 31,987 | Repair or modification |
| 19V-185 | Mar 7, 2019 | Driver-seat and passenger-seat seat belt and seat back anchoring bracket may have been improperly welded | Seat belts | 3,311 | Part replacement |
| 18V-531 | Aug 15, 2018 | In the event of a crash, the seatbelt retractor on the side opposite of the impact may separate, preventing the seatbelt from locking | Seat belts | 10,658 | Repair or modification |
| 18V-321 | May 16, 2018 | Brake pedals may have been incorrectly installed, allowing the brake pedal to separate from the brake master cylinder | Brakes | 4,342 | Inspection |
| 18V-195 | Mar 26, 2018 | Driver-seat and passenger-seat seat belt and seat back anchoring bracket may have been improperly welded | Seat belts | 24,235 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2018 Polaris Slingshot
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Jul 10, 2020Failure May 29, 2020Weatherford, TXElectrical system
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 complaint 11338633 - Filed Nov 8, 2019Failure Nov 7, 2019Surprise, AZElectrical system
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 complaint 11278927 - Filed Oct 15, 2019Failure Sep 29, 2019Glen Burnie, MDAir bags, TiresCrash2 injured
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 complaint 11268733 - Filed May 6, 2019Failure May 3, 2019900 milesMerritt Island, FLService brakes
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 complaint 11205687
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
1 NHTSA investigation on file
- PE17005 Preliminary evaluation, Seat belts
Seatbelt Retractor Failure
Opened Sep 18, 2017, closed Mar 25, 2019 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
34 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- Team Tip 2026-03 Aug 11, 2026 · Service Campaign
Submitting a Debug Report immediately after a Digital Wrench II incident is strongly recommended. Digital Wrench II errors may be caused by vehicle module issues, software or equipment malfunctions, or interruptions during updates and flash procedures. Comm… - SLG-6.18.2026 Jun 19, 2026 · Other
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 Jun 6, 2026 · Other
This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding battery maintenance on Model Year 2019 and older Slingshot vehicles. - SLG-6.1.2026 Jun 2, 2026 · Other
This Ask Polaris article provides information about how to perform a leakdown test on Polaris Slingshot vehicles. - T-26-02-01 Feb 5, 2026 · Other
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 to… - SLG-11-20-25 Nov 21, 2025 · Other
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 Oct 17, 2025 · Other
This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding replacing the angle drive fluid on model year 2015-2019 Slingshot vehicles. - SLG-8.29.2025 Aug 29, 2025 · Other
This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding spark plug inspection and replacement on model year 2015-2019 Polaris Slingshot vehicles. - SLG-04-15-2025 Apr 14, 2025 · Other
This Slingshot Help Center article provides information regarding fuse replacement for Model Year 2019 and older Slingshot vehicles. - SLG-11.20.2024 Nov 20, 2024 · Other
This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding adjustment and maintenance of the headlamps on Model Year 2019 and older Slingshot vehicles. - SLG-04.18.2023-2 Apr 18, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This article provides information regarding battery maintenance on MY2019 and older Slingshot vehicles. - T-22-08-01 Aug 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Slingshot has received a small number of post-repair contacts due to improperly installed rear axles, sprockets, and bearings. This Team Tip outlines the importance of all Loctite residue being removed from components as well as proper installation. - SLG-02.14.2022 Feb 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Best practices for gauges, speedometers and tachometers regarding Slingshot vehicles. This version has been translated into French. - 03SLG2021-12-07 Dec 7, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Slingshot Ride Command Cell Modem - 02SLG2021-04-14 Apr 14, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Customers come in with a key that was left off or a low battery event that caused their calculated DTE to be a random number. The quickest way to address this is the following: 1. Reset both Trip meters 2. Reset the AVG FUEL ECONOMY 3. Disconnect the batter… - TDH-HOLD 4.29.21 Apr 29, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
STOP SALE on affected Slingshot units identified in your inventory until further notice. - SLG Winterizing Dec 13, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Winterizing tips for the Slingshot. - DW 3.9 Aug 31, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Digital Wrench version 3.9 is now available for download. Updating to version 3.9 is required to update the base Digital Wrench software version from 3.8 to 3.9 to allow for future MY18 vehicle support. - G-17-10-02 Oct 26, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
At Polaris, we are committed to the safety of our customers and riders. Through product design, dedicated safety engineering, and increased consumer awareness, Polaris continues to work toward a safe riding experience and proper operation of our products. T… - G-16-11-01 Nov 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Polaris has released Team Tip G-16-10-01 to inform dealers that Polaris Mobile Digital Wrench (PMDW) version 3.28 or later requires dealers to enter a valid 10-digit Digital Wrench serial number to operate the app. The serial number requirement has been add… - G-15-12-01 R03 Feb 26, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
There is no doubt that for a Polaris customer the process of picking up a brand new vehicle is one of the most exciting times in the ownership experience. To ensure that all Polaris dealers are equipped to deliver a world-class experience that matches the h… - G-15-12-01 R02 Jan 15, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
PCDX is an online and mobile interface for providing a consistent dealer setup and customer delivery experience. The interface walks the dealer and the customer through a standardized online form that includes the PDI (pre-delivery inspection), general warn… - G-15-12-01 R01 Dec 10, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This Team Tip is being released to dealers to provide information regarding the required transition to online PCDX and PCDX training. - SAF-16-01 Aug 16, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
A STOP RIDE MEANS THE CONSUMER MUST NOT OPERATE THEIR VEHICLE UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETE. We have been made aware that some dealers are incorrectly communicating the importance of STOP RIDE communications. - TSA-18-01 Feb 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Polaris has identified a quality issue affecting a small number of Slingshot mufflers, where insufficient penetration of muffler plug welds weakens the muffler wall, making it susceptible to fatigue failure. The first mode of failure is a loosening of the w… - T-19-11-01 Dec 5, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a vendor change, the clutch master cylinder (PN 24249817) used on some 2015-2019 Slingshot S / SL / LE / SLR / GT models built on or before 01/18/2020 is no longer available and has been replaced with Kit 2208233. - T-18-11-01 R03 Jan 18, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Polaris has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command Display. Dealers should encourage Slingshot owners using Ride Command to bring their units in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verify the map version a… - T-18-11-01 R02 Dec 13, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Polaris has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command Display. Dealers should encourage Slingshot owners using Ride Command to bring their units in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verify the map version a… - T-18-11-01 R01 Nov 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Polaris has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command Display. Dealers should encourage Slingshot owners using Ride Command to bring their units in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verify the map version a… - T-18-10-01 Oct 11, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This Team Tip is designed to bring awareness to updated information regarding hood alignment for all 2015-2019 Slingshot models. Updated information has been added to the Service Manual to provide dealers with clear direction on how to properly adjust hood … - T-18-06-01 Jun 21, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
All 2017-2019 Slingshot models equipped with the Slingshade accessory (including factory-equipped GT models) present the possibility of contact between the driver’s seat headrest and the Slingshade door latch. With the Slingshade door closed, the seat headr… - T-18-05-01 May 10, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Slingshot vehicles utilize Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries which are selected for their superior vibration resistance, weight savings, and high output. This Team Tip is being released to provide the Slingshot dealer network with specific recommendations… - T-17-05-01 May 19, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Safety Bulletin T-16-06 has been updated to reflect an additional procedure. Polaris has determined that (PN 2207085-XXX) swingarm kits being shipped to dealers did not include two rubber grommets in the swingarm. If the rubber grommets were not included in… - TDT-19-01 Dec 5, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Due to a vendor change, the clutch master cylinder (PN 24249817) used on the affected models listed above is no longer available and has been replaced with Kit 2208233.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.