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Campaign 18V484 Posted July 19, 2018 2,110 units

2016-2017 Gem E2/E4/E6/Elxd Recall 18V484: Drive Switch

Recall 18V484 affects 2,110 2016-2017 Gem Elxd, E4, E2, and E6 vehicles for drive-mode-switch errors. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.

Gem is recalling 2,110 2016-2017 Elxd, E4, E2, and E6 vehicles because the drive mode switch can send the wrong signal. The vehicle can become inoperative or move opposite the selected direction, increasing crash risk, and the Gem dealer repair is free.

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What's wrong?

The drive mode switch in 2016-2017 Gem Elxd, E4, E2 and E6 vehicles tells the electric drivetrain which direction the driver selected. It is the electrical command for forward, neutral and reverse. When it reads correctly, the vehicle moves in the selected direction or stays still in neutral.

On affected Gem vehicles, the switch circuit has increased resistance during forward selection. That resistance puts the system voltage into the range the vehicle uses for reverse. Low wetting current through the switch also contributes to the problem, so the vehicle interprets the driver's command incorrectly. The result is a Gem that becomes inoperative or moves in the opposite direction from the one selected.

The warning sign is built into the reverse system. When this happens, the backup alert beeper sounds and the reverse indicator lights on the gauge panel.

Who's affected?

Covers 4 Gem models across the 2016 and 2017 model years, all tied to the electrical system.

2016 Gem Elxd electrical system
2017 Gem Elxd electrical system
2016 Gem E4 electrical system
2017 Gem E4 electrical system
2016 Gem E2 electrical system
Units affected2,110

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the vehicle reverses when the operator intends to go forward, the unexpected movement increases the risk of a crash. If the back up beeper sounds or the reverse indicator lights in the gauge panel, stop and confirm the drive mode before moving. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Gem Elxd, E4, E2, or E6 is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised Gem dealer to schedule the free drive-mode-system replacement that fixes the incorrect forward, neutral, and reverse signal.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Gem mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V484 when you call.
  4. Avoid tight spaces and confirm the selected direction before pressing the accelerator until the repair is complete.
  5. Call Gem customer service at 1-855-863-2284 with questions about scheduling or prior repair work under the earlier campaign.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Gem technician replaces the drive mode system with a version that has separate inputs for forward, neutral, and reverse. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Vehicles repaired under the earlier campaign still need this repair. If you paid for this procedure before receiving the owner letter, contact the Polaris Consumer Service Department to ask about reimbursement for the related repair cost.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

July 19, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
July 26, 2018 Dealer notification began
July 27, 2018 Dealer notification ended
August 6, 2018 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
November 28, 2018 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V484?

Recall 18V484 covers 2,110 2016-2017 Gem Elxd, E4, E2, and E6 vehicles with a drive mode switch that can send the wrong direction signal. Gem dealers will replace the drive mode system for free.

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

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V484. If it is, contact a franchised Gem dealer to schedule the drive mode system replacement. Reference recall number 18V484000 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. Gem dealers will replace the drive mode system with separate inputs for forward, neutral, and reverse free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is unintended vehicle movement in the opposite direction. If the operator selects forward and the vehicle reverses instead, the recall filing says that increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then have the free dealer repair completed.

What if my Gem was repaired under recall 16V884?

It still needs this recall checked. Recall 18V484 supersedes recall 16V884, and vehicles repaired under the earlier campaign need the repair covered by this campaign as well. Check your VIN and ask the Gem dealer to confirm the open recall status.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V484000
Gem customer service1-855-863-2284
NHTSA recall #18V484
NHTSA recall # (full)18V484000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →