2015 Polaris SlingshotProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 36 owner complaints about the 2015 Polaris Slingshot, most often about the engine. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-750 the manufacturer reports only 44% of affected cars repaired.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 25, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2015 Polaris Slingshot has problems

36 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine81
Vehicle speed control71
Power train60
Suspension60
Service brakes50
Electrical system42
Fuel/propulsion system40
Steering31
Structure21
5 other systems71

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

9 recalls

2015 Polaris Slingshot recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

44%repaired · 2021 Q1

Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 19V-750 · Oct 18, 2019 · 31,987 vehicles · 14,012 repaired

Risk. Damaged terminals may result in the loss of forward and rear lighting, instrument cluster gauges, or power steering assist.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

65%repaired · 2019 Q3

Seat belts

Recall 18V-195 · Mar 26, 2018 · 24,235 vehicles · 15,817 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

74%repaired · 2018 Q3

Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring

Recall 17V-357 · Jun 1, 2017 · 8,962 vehicles · 6,610 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 5 more recalls
80%repaired · 2018 Q1

Power train: driveline

Recall 16V-755 · Oct 19, 2016 · 17,572 vehicles · 13,980 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

80%repaired · 2018 Q1

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 16V-754 · Oct 18, 2016 · 17,795 vehicles · 14,295 repaired

Risk. The insufficient clearance may allow the fuel line to rub against the hood until it leaks fuel.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

82%repaired · 2017 Q3

Electrical system

Recall 15V-777 · Nov 20, 2015 · 9,182 vehicles · 7,534 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

99%repaired · 2016 Q3

Steering

Do not drive

Recall 15V-022 · Jan 21, 2015 · 1,896 vehicles · 1,884 repaired

Risk. If the steering pinion gear disengages from the steering rack, a loss of steering control could result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

80%repaired · 2016 Q3

Structure

Do not drive

Recall 15V-020 · Jan 20, 2015 · 1,577 vehicles · 1,255 repaired

Risk. If the roll hoops do not meet strength specifications, in the event of a rollover crash they may not provide proper protection, increasing the risk of a…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Polaris.

Best & worst years

2015 vs. every other Slingshot year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Slingshot median. How we score

'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2015 Polaris Slingshot, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Front wheel failurePE15016 · closed Oct 16, 2015
    No recall
  2. Seatbelt Retractor FailurePE17005 · closed Mar 25, 2019
    Led to recall 18V-531
In owners' words

What Slingshot owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

RPM hang on start and shifting gears on start engine rpm goes to 7000 and hangs there I have to shut it off and restart on shifting the rpms hang at the previous level Example in 1st gear shifting to 2nd Clutch at 2000 rpm stays there clutch out in 2nd maintains 2000 rpms with no increase on gas…
Complaint 11434328 · Sep 25, 2021
IN REGARDS TO AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM I AM EXPERIENCING WITH MY POLARIS SLINGSHOT PURCHASED ON JUNE 6, 2015. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE I BEGAN EXPERIENCING EXTREMELY HIGH ENGINE EVOLUTIONS DURING THE PROCESS OF SHIFTING GEARS. I TOOK MY VEHICLE ON 06/162015 CLOSEST POLARIS DEALERSHIP XTREME MACHINES…
Complaint 11243613 · Aug 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V754000 (ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER…
Complaint 10956543 · Feb 23, 2017

Own a 2015 Slingshot?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.