Risky Design & Faulty Equipment Have Sparked Many Polaris Slingshot Recalls & Accidents
Polaris Slingshots are eye-catching, three-wheel motorcycles that have been the subject of several recalls in recent years. In fact, despite their trendy appearance and car-like features, Polaris Slingshot motorcycles are uniquely dangerous — and many of those serious dangers can be linked to some type of negligence.
No matter how or when Polaris Slingshot accidents happen, the injured can turn to the Amaro Law Firm for help. There may be multiple parties at fault for these Polaris slingshot accidents, and our attorneys can help victims get justice, recover compensation, and hold the negligent parties accountable.
Dangerous Design of the Polaris Slingshot
The Polaris Slingshot, with two front wheels and one rear wheel, looks like a sports car from the front. As sleek and hip as these motorcycles appear to be, their design actually creates some handling difficulties and distinct risks for riders. Specifically, the risky design elements of Polaris Slingshot motorcycles include (and are not limited to):
- The short windshield: Not even rising to head level, the stubby windshield actually exposes riders’ heads directly to the elements. If an object or debris bounces off the road and onto a Slingshot, this motorcycle’s windshield will do little to nothing to protect riders from a direct hit.
- Power solely channeled to the rear tire: The one wheel in the back of the Polaris Slingshot is where nearly all of the motorcycle’s power goes. That means it doesn’t take much for Slingshots to lose traction with the roads.
- Transmission issues: Shifting gears on Polaris Slingshots can be difficult, jerky, and even ill-timed with the vehicle’s clunky transmission programming and its single-plate, dry clutch systems. While some newer models have reportedly had transmission improvements, many older Slingshot motorcycles still have the problematic transmission systems.
- Open cockpit: Like any motorcycle, the Slingshot does not have an enclosure to protect riders. Although the Polaris Slingshot does have a structural bar in place in case of a rollover, the open cockpit still creates significant risks that riders can be thrown off of the vehicle in a crash — or that objects from the road could hit riders at any point.
Here, it’s critical to note that that, unlike passenger vehicles, the Polaris Slingshot has not been put through any official crash safety testing. That means that these motorcycles could have several other hidden design flaws that could present serious safety risks when crashes happen. Tragically, these problems only tend to come to light after terrible accidents and catastrophic injuries have occurred.
Polaris Slingshot Recalls
The Polaris Slingshot has been the subject of several recalls involving various equipment problems. In fact, the very first Polaris Slingshot recall was issued in 2015, the same year this motorcycle was first introduced and available to consumers.
Since then, these recalls have focused on various Polaris Slingshot defects and safety issues, including (but not limited to):
- Faulty steering racks
- Leaky fuel lines
- Defective headlights
- Electrical system problems
- Wheel separation risks
- Seat and seatbelt defects
Here is a closer look at a couple of the most recent Polaris Slingshot recalls and the safety risks that triggered them.
2020 & 2021 Polaris Slingshot Recall: Rear Wheel Problems
On August 13, 2021, Polaris issued a recall for six models of 2020 and 2021 Slingshot motorcycles due to rear wheel installation issues. These safety problems, estimated to impact nearly 5,000 motorcycles, have reportedly been caused by a rear-wheel stud that was not properly pressed into place. This creates serious risks that the rear axle-stud assembly can:
- Loosen the rear lug nuts, thereby loosening the rear wheel
- Cause the rear wheel to completely detach from the motorcycle
- Substantially increase the risk of motorcycle accidents
Recalled Polaris Slingshot Motorcycles
| Model Year 2020 |
Model Year 2021 |
| Slingshot GT
Slingshot R Slingshot SL |
Slingshot S Slingshot R Slingshot SL |
Polaris has blamed this issue and the recall on one of its parts suppliers, stating that the supplier’s process was responsible for the improper stud installation and the resulting rear wheel risks.
2015 to 2019 Polaris Slingshot Recall: Electrical Problems
Over the years, Polaris has issued a series of recalls involving various electrical issues with some models of its Slingshot motorcycles. These problems include (and are not limited to):
- Excessive electrical currents that can damage battery fuse block terminals: Too much current and damaged battery terminals can disrupt how several key systems work, including motorcycles’ rear lighting and power steering systems. These electrical issues can also cause instrument clusters, lighting system failures, and power steering assist failures. Any one of those malfunctions can easily result in a motorcycle accident.
- Defective circuit breakers: This issue can cause a sudden, unexpected loss of power, which may stall engines and cause wrecks.
Recalled Polaris Slingshot Motorcycles
| Model Years 2015 to 2019 |
| Slingshot GT
Slingshot S Slingshot SL Slingshot SLR |
If you own a Polaris Slingshot, you can check whether your motorcycle has been the target of a recall using Polaris’ recall lookup system here or regulators’ recall search tool here (you will need your vehicle identification number or the brand, model, and model year of your vehicle to use these search tools).
Polaris Slingshot Accidents, Injuries & Death
The design of the Polaris Slingshot and its faulty, recalled components are not the only factors that can make these vehicles incredibly risky and give rise to horrific wrecks. Beyond these issues of potential manufacturer negligence, motorist negligence — like impaired, distracted, and careless driving — can also play a role in causing Slingshot motorcycle accidents, injuries, and death.
That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly investigate Polaris Slingshot accidents with the help of an experienced motorcycle accident attorney. While a lawyer can analyze crash scene evidence, (s)he can also dig into recall records, manufacturer specifications, and other documentation to determine liability and help victims pursue all available legal remedies.
While motorists can be liable for their role in causing Slingshot motorcycle accidents, Polaris and/or its suppliers can also share liability when faulty equipment or motorcycle design flaws have contributed to a wreck.
Polaris Slingshot Lawsuits & Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Polaris Slingshot accident, you may have various options for filing a claim and seeking justice — and the time to file a case may be limited. The best way to find out more about your legal options is to contact a Polaris slingshot attorney at the Amaro Law Firm. We are ready to answer your questions, share important advice, and help you take the right steps to recover and get justice.