The Polaris Slingshot is apparently not impervious to problems as a recent “stop-sale, stop-ride” order from Polaris->ke4619 has put the Slingshot under scrutiny. Ok, it’s not exactly a recall, but it’s pretty close to one. The possibility of a recall is still likely if Polaris finds some problems with the Slingshot. So if you’re a Slingshot owner, you better be reading pretty carefully by now.
According to Polaris, an investigation is being launched on the possibility that there are some Slingshot models that have defective ball bearings in the steering rack. This problem could lead to a loss of steering, which, as many of you know, is a pretty dangerous situation to be in.
In addition, other Slingshot models are suspected to have roll hoops that fall below Polaris’ own performance specifications. This one is admittedly a little more vague than the defective ball bearings, but it was still a serious enough issue that Polaris has decided to put a stop to all sales of the three-wheeler->ke230 for the time being, or at least until the issues are all ironed out.
Polaris has said that dealers should expect a full service bulletin this week and that repair parts will be made available in the dealer order system shortly after. The company has yet to comment on how long the stop-sale, stop-ride order will be in place, but if there are real and serious issues with the Slingshot, it might be a good idea to hold of on taking your Slingshots for a ride until Polaris comes out with the results of its investigation on its three-wheeler.
Click past the jump to read more about Polaris' stop-sale, stop-ride order for the Slingshot.
Why it matters
The three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot is an awesome vehicle. It apparently also has a lot of problems, which is a little bit surprising considering the amount of promotion and hype Polaris did to market the three-wheeler.
But give credit for Polaris for recognizing the issues the Slingshot has and doing something about it before things get any worse. It didn’t explicitly say that a recall is in effect because the company is still investigating the problems the Slingshot may or may not have.
In the event that these problems carry weight, Polaris will likely launch the recall to set these Slingshots straight. I know it’s annoying to have to bring back the vehicle to dealerships, but it’s important to right these problems at the soonest possible time.
You don’t want to be the unwitting victim of an accident because your Slingshot has issues and you didn’t do your due diligence to have them fixed. So let’s wait and see what Polaris says about its investigation, but it’s probably prudent to prepare yourselves to bring your Slingshots to dealerships when the recall takes effect.
It’s the smartest course of action given the circumstances, and besides, you get the repairs for free because Polaris will be footing the bill to get your Slingshot up and running smoothly again.