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Campaign 16V884 Posted December 8, 2016 1,644 units

2016-2017 Gem E2/E4/E6/Elxd Recall 16V884: Mode Switch

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 31, 2026

Recall 16V884 affects 1,644 2016-2017 Gem E2, E4, E6, and Elxd vehicles for a drive-switch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.

Gem is recalling 1,644 2016-2017 E2, E4, E6, and Elxd electric vehicles because the drive mode switch can send the wrong signal and make the vehicle move opposite the selected direction. That defect raises crash risk when an operator expects to go forward and the vehicle reverses instead, and Gem dealers will complete the repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The drive mode switch on 2016-2017 Gem E4, E2, Elxd, and E6 electric vehicles tells the control system whether the driver selected forward or reverse. It is the direction request for the vehicle, so the controller depends on a clean electrical signal before it sends power to move the vehicle.

On affected vehicles, the switch can send the wrong signal during forward selection. Polaris found increased resistance in returned switches, which can push the circuit voltage into the range the system treats as reverse. Low wetting current in the switch circuit also contributes. The result is simple and serious: the driver selects forward, but the vehicle moves backward.

There is a warning sign when the fault occurs. The reverse indicator lights in the gauge panel, and the audible backup beeper sounds, even though the driver selected forward.

Who's affected?

Covers the E2, E4, E6, and Elxd across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all tied to the electrical system.

2016 Gem E4 electrical system
2016 Gem E2 electrical system
2017 Gem E4 electrical system
2016 Gem Elxd electrical system
2017 Gem E6 electrical system
Units affected1,644

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

If the operator selects forward and the vehicle reverses instead, the unexpected movement increases the risk of a crash. Listen for the backup beeper and check the reverse indicator in the gauge panel before moving. If either signal appears when forward travel is intended, stop and schedule service. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Gem E2, E4, E6, or Elxd is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Gem dealer to schedule the free drive-switch replacement that fixes the incorrect forward or reverse signal.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Gem has sent one. If not, reference recall number 16V884 when you call.
  4. Confirm the drive selector direction before moving the vehicle, and use extra space until the repair is complete.
  5. Call Gem customer service at 1-855-743-3436 with questions about the dealer repair.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Gem technician replaces the drive mode switch that controls the requested direction of travel. Parts and labor are free now under recall 16V884. If you already paid out of pocket for a related drive switch repair before the recall work, ask Gem Consumer Service Department or the dealer how to submit documentation under the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

December 8, 2016 NHTSA published the recall
December 13, 2016 Dealer notification began
December 13, 2016 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
December 28, 2016 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 16V884?

Recall 16V884 covers 1,644 2016-2017 Gem E2, E4, E6, and Elxd electric vehicles with a drive mode switch that can send the wrong signal. The vehicle can move opposite the selected direction, increasing crash risk. Gem dealers replace the drive switch for free.

What should I do if my 2016-2017 Gem E4, E2, Elxd, or E6 is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific electric vehicle is included in recall 16V884. If it is, contact a franchised Gem dealer to schedule the drive switch replacement. Reference recall number 16V884 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says Gem dealers replace the drive switch free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Gem dealer.

What is the safety risk in recall 16V884?

The safety risk is unexpected movement in the opposite direction. If the operator selects forward and the vehicle reverses instead, the vehicle can move into another vehicle, person, or object, increasing crash risk. The free dealer repair replaces the drive switch.

What if I bought my Gem electric vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016-2017 Gem E2, E4, E6, or Elxd is included, then call a franchised Gem dealer with recall number 16V884.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V884000
Gem customer service1-855-743-3436
NHTSA recall #16V884
NHTSA recall # (full)16V884000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →