2016 Polaris Slingshot recalls and problems

The 2016 Polaris Slingshot has 8 safety recalls and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Polaris dealer.

Recalls
8
Complaints
25
Crashes / fires
2 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2016 Polaris Slingshot vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2016 Polaris Slingshot recalls

Recall 19V-750: Electrical System

Reported Oct 18, 2019 · 31,987 vehicles affected · Polaris Inc.

Problem: Polaris Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Slingshot motorcycles. Excessive electrical current may damage the battery fuse holder terminals.

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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-809: Back Over Prevention

Reported Nov 15, 2018 · 11,371 vehicles affected · Polaris Industries, Inc.

Problem: Polaris Industries (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot, Slingshot SL and Slingshot SL LE motorcycles equipped with a backup camera. The back-up camera may fail internally, possibly melting the voltage regulator and blowing the fuse for that circuit, thereby preventing the taillight from functioning properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.

Risk: The melted voltage regulator can increase the risk of a fire. The loss of a tail light can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the back-up camera, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 2, 2019. Owners may contact Polaris at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-04.

Recall 18V-195: Seats, Seat Belts

Reported Mar 26, 2018 · 24,235 vehicles affected · Polaris Industries, Inc.

Problem: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling all 2015-2018 Polaris 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.

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.

Fix: 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 on April 16, 2018. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-01.

Recall 17V-357: Traction Control System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jun 1, 2017 · 8,962 vehicles affected · Polaris Industries, Inc.

Problem: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Slingshot vehicles. The affected vehicles previously had their rear swingarms replaced during the remedy of NHTSA recall number 16V-255. The replacement swingarms may have been installed without the sealing grommets installed, potentially resulting in road debris contaminating the rear wheel speed sensor.

Risk: Contamination of the rear speed sensor will disable the ABS and Traction/Stability Control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the swingarms for missing grommets, installing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 13, 2017. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-888-704-5290. Polaris' number for this recall is T-17-04.

Recall 16V-755: Power Train

Reported Oct 19, 2016 · 17,572 vehicles affected · Polaris Industries, Inc.

Problem: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured March 4, 2014, to September 7, 2016. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a swing arm that has insufficient strength.

Risk: Due to the insufficient swing arm strength, the swing arm may fracture resulting in a loss of momentum or vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and repair or replace the swing arm, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-16-06.

Recall 16V-752: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Oct 18, 2016 · 6,860 vehicles affected · Polaris Industries, Inc.

Problem: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured December 28, 2015, to April 27, 2016. The brake pressure switch may have been over tightened in the affected motorcycles.

Risk: Over tightening of the brake pressure switch may damage the seal, allowing brake fluid to leak, resulting in reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will install new brake pressure switch seals, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-16-02.

Recall 16V-754: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Oct 18, 2016 · 17,795 vehicles affected · Polaris Industries, Inc.

Problem: Polaris Idustries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured March 4, 2014, to October 7, 2016. The affected vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the fuel line and the hood structure.

Risk: The insufficient clearance may allow the fuel line to rub against the hood until it leaks fuel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will replace the replace the engine fuel line, and inspect the retention clips to reduce the risk of interference, free of charge. The recall began December 2016. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-16-03.

Recall 15V-777: Exterior Lighting, Electrical System

Reported Nov 20, 2015 · 9,182 vehicles affected · Polaris Industries, Inc.

Problem: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured April 21, 2014, to October 22, 2015, Slingshot SL motorcycles manufactured April 28, 2015 to October 23, 2015, and Slingshot SL SE motorcycles manufactured December 15, 2014, to October 22, 2015. In the affected motorcycles, the headlight relay may fail and result in a loss of headlights.

Risk: A loss of headlights can reduce driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will replace the single headlight relay with a circuit that uses two headlight relays, free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Slingshot customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is SLI-15-05.

2016 Polaris Slingshot problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train7
Service Brakes6
Steering6
Suspension4
Electrical System3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Wheels2
Seat Belts2
Unknown or Other2
Structure2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Seats1

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2016 Polaris Slingshot complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Oct 25, 2022
Driver side.. brake doesnt stop ,can feel it in brake pedal,constantly filling up resorvoir..also stays accelerated when coming to a stop..there is recalls on issue
Steering · at 1,200 miles · reported Oct 22, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Polaris Slingshot. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 20 MPH, the power steering failed, and the vehicle drove onto a sidewalk without warning. The contact called the manufacturer and referred him to a local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer for a month. The contact was informed that the battery was replaced. The contact stated that upon return of the vehicle, the turn signals failed to operate as needed. There was no…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 10,000 miles · reported Nov 8, 2019
The contact owns a 2016 polaris slingshot. While riding at various speeds, the rpms suddenly revved high and the vehicle accelerated on its own. The vehicle was taken to cycle sports center (4001 n. John young pkwy, orlando, fl) where the failure was confirmed, but the cause could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
Structure · at 1,800 miles · reported Jul 1, 2019
2 large rear metal angle reflectors attached with double sided tape 1 detached from body thankfully while sitting at a red light. Metal angles are not secured to frame adequately. Could cause danger to motorist behind vehicle.
Electrical System · at 4,335 miles · reported Apr 27, 2019
During normal driving on the highway day/night, the polaris slingshot electrical system would fail and lost of all lighting visibility for myself and others driving behind me would randomly happen making me a safety hazard on the road. The rear wiring harness fuse box burns out randomly getting very hot and sparking while driving and burning out the plastic on the fuse box.

Other Polaris Slingshot years

Compare all Polaris Slingshot years · All Polaris models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 Polaris Slingshot have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2016 Polaris Slingshot: 19V-750 (electrical system), 18V-809 (back over prevention), 18V-195 (seats, seat belts), 17V-357 (traction control system, service brakes, hydraulic), 16V-755 (power train) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Polaris Slingshot?

Owners report power train problems most often (7 reports), followed by service brakes (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,000 miles.

Are Polaris recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Polaris dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.