VehicleVerdict

2018 Polaris Slingshot problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2018 Polaris Slingshot — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Slingshot years?

Slingshot NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted54 complaints2015: 54 complaints2016: 41 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 3 complaints2022: 9 complaints2023: 3 complaints
Slingshot NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Slingshot years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Polaris Slingshot problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System240%
Airbags120%
Brakes120%
Tires & Wheels120%

Does the 2018 Polaris Slingshot have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V750000Electrical SystemOctober 18, 2019 · 31,987 units

Defect

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

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

19V185000SeatsMarch 7, 2019 · 3,311 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

18V531000Seat BeltsAugust 15, 2018 · 10,658 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

18V321000BrakesMay 16, 2018 · 4,342 units

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.

Consequence

If the brake pedal separates from the brake master cylinder, it would cause a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

18V195000SeatsMarch 26, 2018 · 24,235 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 7, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 29, 2019 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 3, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 29, 2019 · crash

2018 Polaris Slingshot — common questions

Is the 2018 Polaris Slingshot reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Polaris Slingshot have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Polaris Slingshot. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Polaris Slingshot under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Polaris Slingshot years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Slingshot years to avoid are 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among Slingshot years belongs to 2020.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.