Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2021 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.
3
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1 | 33% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 33% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 33% | ▼ down |
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.
“The contact owns a 2021 Polaris Slingshot. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the oil, brake, ABS, check engine, and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then accelerated inadvertently and swayed back and forth, and when the…”
“Seat belts drivers and passengers do not adjust, lock where you cannot pull out to buckle the belt,locks while pulling out. Also doesnt lock snug against body when buckled. Throttle bucks violently when lettling clutch out gentlly causing a stall condition when pulling into traffic.”
“Seat belts drivers and passengers do not adjust, lock where you cannot pull out to buckle the belt,locks while pulling out. Also doesnt lock snug against body when buckled. Throttle bucks violently when lettling clutch out gentlly causing a stall condition when pulling into traffic.”
The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — 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 2021 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.