Model year

2021 Polaris Slingshot

Motorcycle, gasoline, RWD/Rear-Wheel Drive, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Sep 19, 2022 to Apr 27, 2026.

Recall campaigns covering this model year14,744 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints22.0 times the median 2021 motorcycle
Severity index50.02021 motorcycles average 5.8
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2021 Polaris Slingshot peaked in 2022, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.751202212023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2021 Polaris Slingshot name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
1
Fuel system
1
Seat belts
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2021 Polaris Slingshot

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2021 Polaris Slingshot
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
21V-629Aug 10, 2021Rear wheel studs may not have been fully pressed into the axle, possibly causing them to come looseWheels4,744Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2021 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.

2 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Apr 27, 2026Failure Mar 20, 202620,800 milesSunrise, FLEngineCrash1 injured

    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 complaint 11734077
  2. Filed Sep 19, 2022Failure Jun 1, 2022Whiting, NJFuel/propulsion system, Seat belts

    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 complaint 11485330
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

42 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • SLG_8.21.2026 Aug 22, 2026 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding how to change the transmission fluid on model year 2020 and newer Slingshot with AutoDrive vehicles.
  • 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-6.1.2026 Jun 2, 2026 · Other
    This Ask Polaris article provides information about how to perform a leakdown test on Polaris Slingshot vehicles.
  • SLG-1.23.2026 Jan 23, 2026 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding the creation of RIDE COMMAND log files to assist troubleshooting software errors.
  • 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-11.13.2025 Nov 14, 2025 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides details for changing the engine oil on model year 2020+ Slingshot vehicles.
  • SLG-8.19.2025 Aug 19, 2025 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding the procedure to replace the transmission fluid on Model Year 2020 and newer Slingshot vehicles.
  • SLG-04.14.2025 Apr 14, 2025 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding battery maintenance on Model Year 2020+ Slingshot vehicles.
  • SLG-03.27.2025 Mar 28, 2025 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding Angle Drive fluid replacement on vehicles equipped with AutoDrive.
  • SLG-03.24.2025 Mar 25, 2025 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding maintenance and adjustment of the headlamps on 2020+ Slingshot vehicles.
  • SLG-3.18.2025 Mar 19, 2025 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding fuse replacement on 2020+ Slingshot vehicles.
  • SLG-11.13.2024 Nov 13, 2024 · Other
    This Slingshot help center article provides information regarding changing the oil on Model Year 2020 and newer Slingshot vehicles equipped with Prostar 2.0 engines.
  • 2024-03 Oct 24, 2024 · Service Campaign
    On some Polaris models equipped with a Dual Sweep Analog (C4) gauge cluster, dealers and customers may see moisture intrusion or fogging present in the gauge clusters, similar to gauge clusters in other off-road and marine applications.
  • T-24-07-01 Sep 20, 2024 · Service Campaign
    Polaris has received an increasing number of claims for vehicles not charging. Testing of returned alternators indicates that the alternator was not the root cause and did not require replacement.
  • T-24-07-01 Aug 6, 2024 · Service Campaign
    Polaris has received an increasing number of claims for vehicles not charging. Testing of returned alternators indicates that the alternator was not the root cause and did not require replacement. The terminal of the excitation wire may become opened, damag…
  • T-24-04-01 Apr 11, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip is to bring awareness to a new drive belt for Model Year 2021+ Slingshot vehicles. Updates to the Service Manual have been made to address the new belt tension spec and updated tension process. Model Year 2024 Slingshot produced after 2/20/24 …
  • T-24-01 Jan 2, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    We recently determined that some Model Year 2020-2023 Slingshot vehicles updated with RIDE COMMAND software update SLS7AB.M32336A (sent over the air in September 2023) may not be able to access Vehicle Health and Vehicle Location in the Slingshot App and we…
  • T-23-12-01 Dec 6, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip is designed to bring awareness to audio system changes starting in Model Year 2024 with RIDE COMMAND 7" Display software November 2023. In addition to new speakers, Model Year 2020+ Slingshot vehicles will now require RIDE COMMAND 7" Display d…
  • SLG-11.16.2023 Nov 16, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This article contains some of the theory of operation with the Steering Angle Sensors (SAS) on Slingshot models. It highlights the operation of the MY20+ models as well as some issues we have been seeing and some of the challenges in diagnostics.
  • TSA-23-01 Nov 27, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Polaris has identified that some Model Year 2020+ Slingshot vehicles may exhibit a brake warning light and a shift to neutral condition on AutoDrive equipped vehicles when coming to a stop as a result of a faulty brake pressure switch. Fault codes commonly …
  • 2023-01-10.26.23 Oct 26, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Some RIDE COMMAND 7” displays may experience a blank screen, blackout, or the impression that it won’t turn on, leading to display replacement.
  • SLG-7.19.23 Jul 19, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Slingshot Help Center article provides information regarding updating slingshot software and maps on the 2020+ 7" Display Powered by RIDE COMMAND.
  • SLG-7.19.23 Jul 19, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Slingshot Help Center article provides information regarding updating slingshot software and maps on the 2020+ 7" Display Powered by RIDE COMMAND.
  • SLG-05.01.2023 May 1, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This communication was provided to dealers regarding Ride Command Software Updates for MY2020 and newer Slingshot models.
  • T-22-01 Oct 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Slingshot has determined that some 2020-2022 Slingshot vehicles may experience a failure of the oil pressure switch which could lead to engine damage.
  • T-22-08-02 Aug 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip is designed to bring awareness to clutch service for 2020 and newer Slingshot models. Updated information has been added to the Service Manual to provide dealers with clear direction on how to properly install the clutch assembly as well as …
  • 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.
  • SLG2022-06-16 Jun 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Information regarding the theory of operation for Steering Angle Sensors (SAS) on MY20-MY22 Slingshot models are explained for awareness. Additionally, steps are provided on how to properly calibrate the SAS.
  • 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.
  • SLG2022-01-26 Jan 26, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    ?Set Up: The dealer will need to activate it using Digital Wrench. From the tool box select - Vehicle Configuration. Then select - Security Configuration. Follow the process with a battery charger on the vehicles battery.? Once security is activated: To Act…
  • 03SLG2021-12-07 Dec 7, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Slingshot Ride Command Cell Modem
  • 02SLG2021-12-07 Dec 17, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Slingshot General Ride Command Diagnosis
  • TDH-21-01 Sep 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Polaris has determined that 10 Slingshot vehicles have wheel lug nuts that may not have achieved the specified torque value during the assembly process.
  • 04SLG2021-09-30 Sep 30, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Best Operating Procedures : Slingshot Steering and Clockspring Service
  • 03SLG2021-09-09 Sep 9, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    2021 Slingshot Ambient Air Temp Sensor Location
  • 02SLG2021-09-09 Sep 9, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Slingshot AMT Won't Complete Grid Learn
  • 04SLG2021-05-19 May 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Slingshot AMT Grid and Kiss point learn- tips and tricks on the transmission service procedures to help when we have a unit having some difficulties completing this calibration.
  • 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.
  • TDH-20-03 R02 Dec 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Polaris recently found that some Slingshot S models equipped with the technology package were assembled with a center tail light plug instead of a center high mount stop lamp.
  • TDH-20-03 R01 Dec 17, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Slingshot is actively investigating a potential concern regarding the vehicles impacted by this dealer hold.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.