Recall 18V485 affects 1,946 2011-2016 Gem El, E2, and Elxd electric vehicles for cracked lower frame tubes. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.
Gem is recalling 1,946 2011-2016 El, E2, and Elxd electric vehicles because the lower main frame tube can crack and lead to failure of the secondary upper cab frame. If that upper cab frame fails, injury or crash risk increases; Gem dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The lower main frame tubes on 2011-2016 Gem El, E2, and Elxd electric vehicles are structural rails under the cab and body. They help carry the cab frame, keep the body aligned, and hold the vehicle structure steady as it moves over uneven pavement or loaded surfaces. The upper cab frame depends on those lower tubes for support.
On affected Gem vehicles, the lower main frame tube is not strong enough for certain long-use conditions, especially prolonged operation without weight in the cargo area. Over time, the tube can crack. Once that lower tube cracks, the secondary upper cab frame can lose support and fail. The repair adds a brace to each lower frame tube to strengthen the area.
Owners can notice visible cracks in the lower frame tubes or upper cab frame mounts. Other warning signs include squeaks, body or frame misalignment, or an audible cracking sound.
Who's affected?
Spans three Gem model lines across the 2011-2016 model years, all tied to the body or structural component.
| 2014 Gem El | body or structural component |
|---|---|
| 2012 Gem E2 | body or structural component |
| 2015 Gem E2 | body or structural component |
| 2014 Gem E2 | body or structural component |
| 2014 Gem Elxd | body or structural component |
| 2012 Gem El | body or structural component |
| 2011 Gem E2 | body or structural component |
| 2016 Gem E2 | body or structural component |
| 2016 Gem El | body or structural component |
| 2012 Gem Elxd | body or structural component |
| 2013 Gem Elxd | body or structural component |
| 2015 Gem Elxd | body or structural component |
| 2011 Gem Elxd | body or structural component |
| 2016 Gem Elxd | body or structural component |
| 2011 Gem El | body or structural component |
| 2013 Gem El | body or structural component |
| 2015 Gem El | body or structural component |
| 2013 Gem E2 | body or structural component |
| Units affected | 1,946 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An upper cab frame failure increases the risk of injury or crash. Watch for visible cracks in the lower frame tubes or upper cab frame mounts, squeaks, body or frame misalignment, or an audible cracking sound. If those signs appear, stop using the vehicle and contact a Gem dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Gem dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2016 Gem El, E2, or Elxd is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Gem dealer to schedule the free frame-brace installation that reinforces the lower frame tubes and helps prevent upper cab frame failure.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one, and reference recall number 18V485 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Gem technician installs an additional frame brace on the lower frame tubes. The added brace is meant to support the frame area tied to the lower main frame tube cracking issue, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this frame brace repair before receiving the recall letter, you can contact the consumer service department listed in the owner letter to ask for reimbursement. Keep any repair invoice or payment documentation for that claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 26, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 27, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 19, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V485?
Recall 18V485 covers 1,946 2011-2016 Gem El, E2, and Elxd electric vehicles with a lower main frame tube that can crack and lead to secondary upper cab frame failure. Gem dealers will install an additional frame brace for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2016 Gem El, E2, or Elxd is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V485. If it is, contact a franchised Gem dealer to schedule installation of the additional frame brace. Reference recall number 18V485 and Polaris recall number L-18-03 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 18V485, Gem dealers will install an additional frame brace to the lower frame tubes free of charge, including parts and labor.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is upper cab frame failure after the lower main frame tube cracks. If the upper cab frame fails, the risk of injury or crash increases. The repair adds a frame brace to support the lower frame tubes.
What if I bought my Gem electric vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Gem El, E2, or Elxd is included, then call a franchised Gem dealer with recall number 18V485.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V485000 |
|---|---|
| Gem customer service | 1-855-743-3436 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V485 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V485000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →