2018 Polaris Slingshot problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (2) · Tires (1) · Service Brakes (1)
Safety recalls (5)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers 2019-10-18 · campaign 19V750000 · 31,987 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Seats 2019-03-07 · campaign 19V185000 · 3,311 vehicles
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.
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 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.
Seat Belts:front:retractor 2018-08-15 · campaign 18V531000 · 10,658 vehicles
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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages 2018-05-16 · campaign 18V321000 · 4,342 vehicles
Defect: Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Polaris Slingshot, Slingshot SL, Slingshot SLR, Slingshot SL Icon, and Slingshot GT LE motorcycles. The brake pedals may have been incorrectly installed, allowing the brake pedal to separate from the brake master cylinder.
Risk: If the brake pedal separates from the brake master cylinder, it would cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engagement of the brake pedal retaining clip and reassemble it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on June 5, 2018. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-18-02.
Seats 2018-03-26 · campaign 18V195000 · 24,235 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service bulletins (35)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-09-26 · SLG-9.25.2026 · Other
this ask polaris article provides information regarding engine valve guide wear inspection and measurement for slingshot vehicles.
Electrical System 2026-08-11 · Team Tip 2026-03 · 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. common causes include poor internet connectivit
Engine 2026-06-19 · SLG-6.18.2026 · 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.
Electrical System 2026-06-06 · SLG-6.5.2026 · Other
this slingshot help center article provides information regarding battery maintenance on model year 2019 and older slingshot vehicles.
Engine 2026-06-02 · SLG-6.1.2026 · Other
this ask polaris article provides information about how to perform a leakdown test on polaris slingshot vehicles.
Power Train 2026-02-05 · T-26-02-01 · 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 torque specification. improper pinion rolling
Showing the 6 most recent of 35 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2020-07-10 · Electrical 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…”
2019-11-08 · Electrical 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, peor…”
2019-10-15 · Tires · 💥 crash“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 sea…”
2019-05-06 · Service Brakes · 900 mi“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 roto…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.