Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 2020 Polaris Slingshot — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
1
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1 | 100% | — flat |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
Polaris, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Slingshot vehicles. The rear wheel studs may not have been fully pressed into the axle, possibly causing them to come loose.
Consequence
Loose rear wheel studs could result in wheel detachment, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the rear axle/stud assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021. Polaris' number for this recall is T-21-01.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“This is a common problem in 2020+ slingshots brake pressure switches the bike will go in neutral while driving and stay in neutral until you cut bike off to reset the switches very dangerous when driving ”
The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Polaris Slingshot. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Slingshot years to avoid are 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among Slingshot years belongs to 2020.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.