2016 Polaris SlingshotProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 25 owner complaints about the 2016 Polaris Slingshot, most often about the power train. It is covered by 8 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 October 25, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Polaris Slingshot has problems

25 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
Power train70
Steering61
Service brakes62
Suspension40
Electrical system31
Fuel/propulsion system30
Vehicle speed control21
Wheels20
Structure20
3 other systems40

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

8 recalls

2016 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 4 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 →

87%repaired · 2018 Q1

Service brakes, hydraulic

Recall 16V-752 · Oct 18, 2016 · 6,860 vehicles · 5,939 repaired

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…

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 →

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

2016 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
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2016 Polaris Slingshot, and the recalls they led to.

  1. Seatbelt Retractor FailurePE17005 · closed Mar 25, 2019
    Led to recall 18V-531
In owners' words

What Slingshot owners report

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE UNIVERSAL COUPLING WAS LOOSE. THE YOKE NEEDED REPLACEMENT AS METAL FLAKES WERE IN THE GEAR BOX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO TIGHTEN…
Complaint 11058602 · Jan 4, 2018 · 10,407 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V755000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…
Complaint 10985693 · May 15, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V754000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 16V755000 (POWER TRAIN); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF…
Complaint 10958488 · Mar 3, 2017

Own a 2016 Slingshot?

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