Recall 18V809 affects 11,371 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot motorcycles for a backup-camera defect that can melt a voltage regulator. Free repair at a franchised Polaris dealer.
Polaris is recalling 11,371 2015-2016 Slingshot motorcycles because the backup camera can fail internally, melt the voltage regulator, blow the circuit fuse, and leave the taillight without proper function. A melted regulator raises the risk of fire and a failed taillight raises crash risk; Polaris dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The backup camera on the 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot helps show what is behind the motorcycle when reverse is selected. Its circuit uses a voltage regulator, a small electronic part that controls electrical power going to the camera. That same circuit also feeds the taillight fuse, so a camera failure can affect rear lighting.
In NHTSA campaign 18V809, the problem starts inside the camera's voltage regulator. A resistor on the circuit board can fail and short. When that happens, the regulator can build excessive heat, melt its plastic housing, blow the fuse for the circuit, and stop the taillight from working. The filing also describes overheated wiring, connectors, nearby body plastic, smoke, and fire spread from the overheated area.
Before a full failure, the camera can stop working. Riders can also notice the smell of smoke or burnt electrical wiring near the camera or rear body area.
Who's affected?
Both Slingshot model years in this scope involve the rear camera system.
| 2015 Polaris Slingshot | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2016 Polaris Slingshot | Camera |
| Units affected | 11,371 |
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?
A melted voltage regulator raises the risk of fire, and a lost tail light raises crash risk because other drivers have less rear visibility. If the camera stops working or you smell smoke or burnt wiring, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Polaris dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Polaris dealer to schedule the free backup-camera inspection and replacement that addresses the camera failure and taillight-circuit fuse issue.
- Bring the recall notice if Polaris has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V809 when you call.
- Check that the taillight works before driving, and avoid driving after dark if it is out.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Polaris technician inspects the backup camera and replaces it if the inspection shows the camera failed or damaged the related circuit. Parts and labor are covered by the recall, so the repair is free. If you already paid for this backup camera repair before receiving the owner letter, contact the Polaris Consumer Service Department about reimbursement and bring repair documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 15, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 16, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 17, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 6, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 2, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V809?
Recall 18V809 covers 11,371 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot motorcycles equipped with a backup camera. The camera can fail internally, melt the voltage regulator, blow the circuit fuse, and stop the taillight from working, increasing fire and crash risk. Polaris dealers will inspect and replace the camera for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Polaris Slingshot is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Slingshot is included in recall 18V809. If it is, contact a franchised Polaris dealer to schedule the backup camera inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 18V809 or Polaris recall T-18-04 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. Polaris dealers will inspect the backup camera and replace it if needed, free of charge, regardless of where you bought the Slingshot.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire and loss of rear lighting. A failed backup camera can melt the voltage regulator and blow the fuse for that circuit. That can stop the taillight from working, which increases crash risk, especially when other drivers need to see the Slingshot from behind.
What if I bought my Polaris Slingshot used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2015-2016 Slingshot is included, then give recall number 18V809 to a franchised Polaris dealer when you schedule service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V809000 |
|---|---|
| Polaris customer service | 1-855-863-2284 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V809 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V809000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →