The Polaris Slingshot is the latest “motorcycle” to get a recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and this one affects 10,658 vehicles in total.

The issue concerns the Slingshot’s seatbelt, which may not lock when the vehicle is involved in a crash – especially a crash that involves a sizable lateral impact.

For those keeping track, this is the second time that Polaris has had issues with the design on the Slingshot’s seatbelts, having recalled the system previously earlier this year because of poor anchoring welds.

So, once again Polaris Industries is recalling the Polaris Slingshot S, Slingshot SL, Slingshot GT LE, and Slingshot SLR, this time from the 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years.

This recall tragically stems from a fatal crash involving a Polaris Slingshot, which lead to an investigation by NTHSA of the motorcycle’s seatbelt system. The investigation note is as follows:

The Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) received Vehicle Owners Questionnaire (VOQ) #10981465 alleging the seatbelt retractor on a 2015 Polaris Slingshot failed during a crash resulting in fatal injuries to the driver of the vehicle. The subject Slingshot vehicle is a three wheeled motorcycle that, according to a Livonia, MI police report, veered while making a lane change and slid sideways into oncoming traffic where it was struck by a passenger vehicle heading the opposite direction. The police report also indicated that although the driver was wearing his seatbelt and helmet, he was partially ejected from the vehicle during the crash. The manufacturer of the subject vehicle’s seatbelts is Key Safety Systems, Inc. ODI is unaware of any other seatbelt retractor failures on Polaris Slingshot vehicles. ODI has received copies of pictures taken of the failed seatbelt and seatbelt retractor. These pictures show the vehicle’s seatbelt retractor in a shattered condition with the internal components found outside the retractor body. Allegedly, this failure caused the seat belt to release during the crash allowing the driver to be partially ejected. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to determine if a defect in the seatbelts installed on the subject vehicles allows them to release and prevent them from properly restraining occupants during a crash.

To remedy the situation, Polaris will notify affected Slingshot owners, and Polaris dealers will install a kit that prevents the retractor from separating in the event of a crash, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin tomorrow – August 28, 2018.

Concerned Slingshot owners may contact Polaris customer service at 1-855-863-2284, and reference Polaris’ number for this recall, which is T-18-03.

As always, the NHTSA is also available at 1-888-327-4236 and safercar.gov

Source: NHTSA