2017 Polaris Slingshot
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 10 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 9 Slingshot model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 2 involved a crash. 3 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, wiring, fuses and circuit breakersOct 18, 2019
Polaris Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Slingshot motorcycles. Excessive electrical current may damage the battery fuse holder terminals.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V750000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, retractorAug 15, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V531000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesMay 16, 2018
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.
If the brake pedal separates from the brake master cylinder, it would cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V321000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsMar 26, 2018
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 18V195000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, wheel speed sensor/tone ringJun 1, 2017
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.
Contamination of the rear speed sensor will disable the ABS and Traction/Stability Control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 17V357000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringMar 10, 2017
Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2017 Slingshot, Slingshot SL, and Slingshot SLR vehicles. Three of the bolted connections between the steering and the front suspension may have been insufficiently tightened, possibly resulting in a reduction of steering and/or front suspension performance.
Reduced steering and/or suspension performance can affect vehicle handling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected nuts and bolts, tightening them correctly, free of charge. The recall began on March 23, 2017. Owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris' number for this recall is T-17-01.
Campaign 17V158000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, drivelineOct 19, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V755000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsOct 18, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V754000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicOct 18, 2016
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 16V752000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
10 reports, newest first.
Seats, Jul 27, 2022
Seat backs on both driver and passenger sides are coming off frame. The screws/bolts are falling out no way to put them back in and secure the back of the seats to seat frame. Have only 3600 miles on a 2017 Slingshot has not been used much. The back of the seat screws are Fallin out making the seat backs come off frame. Have asked other people in our Slingshot club if they have had a issue and we have gotten alot of yes happened to us to. It is not just ours and have no idea how to fix, but seems as this could be dangerous if back of seat is not secure. Had one couple to fix this problem they had to remove seats, remove seat backs and they Gorilla Glued the seat backs to the frame to fix the problem. I thought umm I'm not super gluing, or Gorilla Gluing my seats in. Seems to be a issue with our particular seats which came stock in the 2017 SL's.We have the limited edition Midnight Cherry. Nice seats just that the screws holding seat back on are breaking free of however they are attached to the seat. It is not right and these issues need repaired for all slingshots with this issue. Looks like there was some sort of seat recall already but do not know if this issue is included in the seat recall? Have pictures form will not allow me to drop them in or upload them? Let me explain better. There is a back on the screws preventing them from being able to tighten or to replace they are dangling out of the holes. I know we are not the only ones having this issue and we have no idea how to repair other then to buy new seats for our slingshot. However we should not have to do that. It seems that it will be very unsafe during a crash. Will tey to upload pictures again.
Seats, Mar 31, 2022
Both the driver and passenger seat back screws shrouds have broken off under normal conditions and operation while operating the vehicle. When coming to a stop or while driving, the seat back moves, pushing the driver and passenger up against the steering wheel and dash with an increased risk of failure and accident with absolutely no warning. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by an authorized polaris dealer with no resolution.
Service brakes, Feb 11, 2022
After braking a few times the “brake failure” light will come in the dashboard disabling the cruise control. After researching online I found this article TSA-18-02 that states that it is a known problem! This should be a recall and not just an ”service advisory”
Seat belts, Jun 7, 2021
The drivers side seat belt won't extend. While viewing the polaris slingshot forum, this has been a reoccurring problem.
Electrical system, Oct 6, 2020
THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL T-19-01 2015-2019 SLINGSHOT S/SL/SLR/GT BATTERY FUSE BLOCK INSPECTION & CHASSIS FUSE RELOCATION (OPERATING VEHICLE WITHOUT RECALL IS RISK TO RIDERS THAT STEERING & LIGHTS MAY QUIT) FOR THE PAST YEAR. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET IT FIXED & HAVE CONTACTED POLARIS MANY TIMES. ALL THE DEALERS AROUND ME SAY THEY CAN'T GET THE PARTS FROM POLARIS. NHTSA RECALL #190750.
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V750000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLIGHTS, REAR BRAKE LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING RANDOMLY SHUT OFF. ALSO, WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING SEIZED AND THE STEERING WHEEL COULD NOT BE TURNED IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V750000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). AFTER CONTACTING VALLEY MOTORSPORTS (195 E MOSBY RD, HARRISBURG, VA) AND THE MANUFACTURER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
Wheels, Sep 10, 2019, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL AND SPOKES DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED ACROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM THE FAR RIGHT LANE, CRASHED INTO A WALL, RICOCHETED OFF THE WALL, AND LANDED ON THE SHOULDER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISED RIBS AND A SORE NECK. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT AND THEN TOWED TO FREEDOM POWERSPORTS HUNTSVILLE (12401 MEMORIAL PKWY SE, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35803, 256-829-5507), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 6039418. THE CONTACT LOCATED NTSB NUMBER: NVS-214JRYPE15-016 FROM MAY OF 2015 AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR. THE FAILURE WAS MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000. *TR
Seat belts, Vehicle speed control, Jun 4, 2018, crash
ON MAY 5, 2018, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING THE STREET WITHIN SPEED LIMITS AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER 2ND GEAR. THE GAS PEDAL FELT STRANGE WHEN I DEPRESSED IT, SINCE IT WENT TO THE RIGHT. JUST THEN THE VEHICLE SPUN TO THE LEFT AND HIT A PARKED VEHICLE, REPEATEDLY. THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING, AFTER EVERY IMPACT AS IT WENT FORWARD TOWARDS THE PARKED CAR. THE PARKED CAR SUFFERED MULTIPLIED IMPACTS TO THE DRIVER FRONT, FENDER, DOORS, AND REAR AS THE SLINGSHOT KEPT ACCELERATING AND HITTING IT, BOUNCING OFF EACH TIME, ONLY TO ACCELERATE AND FURTHER RAMMING THE VEHICLE. THE SLINGSHOT FINALLY STOPPED HITTING THE PARKED CAR ONLY AFTER THE FRONT LEFT TIRE/SUSPENSION BROKE. AFTER I HAD MY INJURIES CHECKED, I WENT BACK TO VISIT THE VEHICLE WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE GAS PEDAL HAD SHIFTED TO THE RIGHT OF ITS ORIGINAL POSITION. AS A RESULT, THIS CREATED A WEDGE BETWEEN THE GAS PEDAL WITH THE TUB FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THIS MAY EXPLAIN WHY THE SLINGSHOT WAS ACCELERATING, EVEN AFTER I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL. I HAVE PHOTOS AND WILL GET THE POLICE REPORTS, PLUS ANY WITNESS STATEMENTS, IF ANY; BUT I DO NOT HAVE IT AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION, SINCE I AM USING A WORK COMPUTER. I WILL SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AS REQUIRED. ALSO, IN THE ACCIDENT, THE SAFETY BELT DID NOT HOLD ME IN PLACE AS THE SLINGSHOT REPEATEDLY HIT THE PARKED VEHICLE. UNFORTUNATELY I DID NOT TAKE ANY PICTURES OF THE SEATBELT. *TR
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 6, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 POLARIS SLINGSHOT. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND STEERING ABILITY FAILED, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PULL MORE TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, A WEEK LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE WAS LOSE AND WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 05/02/17*LJ *CN