Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O. Complaints and Problems – Is Your New ATV A Lemon?

Gear shifter, power steering and engine issues among the top complaints from vehicle owners

Updated on July 26th, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O.

When customers purchase a Polaris Sportsman 450 H.O., they expect the “legendary performance” that the company promises. What they end up getting is sub-par performance between structural issues, defective gear shifters and malfunctioning power steering. Many owners have decided to go back to their previous four-wheeler models and ditch the new Polaris instead.

Structural Problems

Considering the Polaris ATV is meant for off-road ruggedness, it should be built to last. The structure and frame must be constructed of high-quality materials to hold up to the trail. That’s not what many users found regarding this entry-level machine.

One reviewer wrote this on the Consumer Affairs website, “My girlfriend and I bought 2 brand new 2019 Polaris 450 HO’s May 13th, 2019. Hers had to go back into the shop after 4 hours to get a motor mount replaced as the engine was hitting the side of the frame. Then on June 9th I was travelling down an old fire road then onto a dirt road that cars travel on when all of a sudden the 4 wheeler stalled when I was going approx 50kph and I noticed a bunch of warning lights came on. Well the oil drain plug fell out & I lost all the oil & the motor was seized. Took it into the dealer & they submitted a warranty claim. The claim came back denied as they said there was marks on the skid plate & a rock must have come up and spun the oil plug loose & with vibration eventually fell all the way out.”

Notice there is more than structural issues occurring here. The owner also lost all of the oil while out in the middle of nowhere. To make matters worse, the company denied the warranty claim because of marks on the skid plate. It would appear that they haven’t been in the off-road vehicle business long if they expect the skid plates to look brand new. On top of that, if it was possible for a rock to spin the oil plug loose, then it wasn’t a well-built vehicle in the first place. Why even put skid plates on the Polaris if they aren’t meant to protect the other components?

Here are some actual complaints logged with ConsumerAffairs about the Polaris ATVs Build Quality and Reliability Issues

After having my bike back from the shop AGAIN some 35 days ago and writing my last review O boy here we go again! Engine Light is back on! This is my 3rd review on this machine, normal use and bike is in good condition but and I say BUT, when is Enough- Enough? Polaris and my Dealer took care of me on the last Go Around but as many times this bike has been in shop I am starting to Feel like a Test Dummy for this Bike! Keep you posted on next go around. Thanks.

Polaris has problems with these bikes, can say one thing once they have your money your bike will never be right! So many problems with a New Bike from Polaris, and another thing why am I paying for Extended warranty to FIX their problems? From melted brake lens, to blowing fuses to high idle to bad battery to losing running lights at night to computer was loaded at factory with wrong info to hard to start at times to getting hot to power steering going out many times.

Gear Shifter Problems

Even though the Sportsman 450 H.O. is considered an entry-level four-wheeler, it should still have a solid engine. Otherwise, users wouldn’t have the power needed to navigate the trail.

One reviewer wrote about a malfunctioning issue right on the Polaris website, “I purchased this machined based on their reputation for reliability. In the machine has a stalling problem and the power distribution between front and rear wheels isn’t balanced. I’ve started leaving this machine at home.”

One would think that the company wouldn’t want a review like this on their website and would at the very least respond to the customer. Sadly, there was complete silence, with no indication that the manufacturer wanted to make things right. After all, they are pretty busy denying warranty claims and bending broken gear shifts.

Engine Problems

Even though the Sportsman 450 H.O. is considered an entry-level four-wheeler, it should still have a solid engine. Otherwise, users wouldn’t have the power needed to navigate the trail.

One reviewer wrote about a malfunctioning issue right on the Polaris website, “I purchased this machined based on their reputation for reliability. In the machine has a stalling problem and the power distribution between front and rear wheels isn’t balanced. I’ve started leaving this machine at home.”

One would think that the company wouldn’t want a review like this on their website and would at the very least respond to the customer. Sadly, there was complete silence, with no indication that the manufacturer wanted to make things right. After all, they are pretty busy denying warranty claims and bending broken gear shifts.

Steering Problems

While heading down the trail, it’s possible to experience a complete loss of power steering. Don’t take our word for it; the company issued a recall.

Recall number 17-740 discusses how the ATVs have malfunctioning electronic power steering systems. When this malfunctions, the crash risk increases. Just imagine what these consumers had to do to get the vehicle back to their truck or trailer once the power steering went out. What an effort they must have put forth. At least their arms, shoulders and back received a full workout.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Polaris pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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