Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 Complaints and Problems – Is Your New ATV A Lemon?

Power steering and drivetrain issues among the top complaints from vehicle owners

Updated on July 26th, 2023 Author: Brian Jones

Polaris Sportsman XP 1000

Four-wheeler enthusiasts often splurge for a top of the line model, which is what the Sportsman XP 1000 is to the Polaris lineup. It’s often seen as the more expensive option of the regular models and even the manufacturer claims it is the “most powerful ATV on the market.” While no one is debating the power level of this vehicle, there are some things that must be addressed. First of all, it has a dangerous electronic power steering system. Furthermore, it suffers from drivetrain issues and quality concerns on the structure.

Steering Problems

Modern ATVs have an electronic power steering system that appeals to the everyday rider. It makes the adventure easier and more enjoyable when it works correctly. When it doesn’t, not only does maneuvering the four-wheeler become more difficult but downright dangerous.

Just look at this review left on the Polaris website, “Bought in September, already had problems. EPS went during the first snow storm. Took dealer three weeks to fix.Was told by dealer it was Polaris that wouldn’t put a new EPS on machine.”

What’s interesting about this complaint is that it doesn’t appear the company is doing anything to repair its power steering issues. You see, this isn’t a new problem. In 2017, there was a massive recall on multiple units regarding power steering failure. At the time of this recall, the units sold ranged from $6,900 to $13,300. No one paying this much money wants to deal with such a significant malfunction. Yet, the company still doesn’t seem to value these higher-paying customers by replacing the unit with something modern that actually works. In the meantime, riders continue to muscle their way back to the trailer for a trip to the dealer.

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

I’ve owned many Polaris vehicles over the years and have never had problems as I have now. Just this past year I purchased a special limited production Sportsman XP 1000 in LAVA orange paint 2018 model. I will be 60 years old this year and ride accordingly. After a weekend of trail riding my paint was completely trashed where ever paint has contact. Under the seat and all storage areas look like I dropped it from a helicopter! Deep gouged in paint and rub scratches. The special paint is garbage for an ATV and the factory even recommends against using a power washer as the paint can come off easily! The machine still gets so hot you can burn your hands on the rear luggage rack above the exhaust.

I’ve had a long loving relationship with Polaris for the past say 20 years. I have had many, many different models of Polaris ATVs and used to race them back in the early 90s. Wanting to upgrade I purchased a sharp looking all black 2017 Polaris Sportsman 1000xp last year… paid cash and thankfully I also bought the extended warranty. As much as I love the raw power, the massive torque, and impressive handling I have had too many issues with it more than I have ever had with Polaris. At around 50 hrs Pepe (my ATV), started to make (while idling) this rpm did and rev shuttering engine sound. Engine light was on, front screen flashing, power steering felt weird, and full throttle allowed about 5 mph and this only seems to happen when in low gear… putting around staying under about 20 mph.

Drivetrain Problems

When it comes to ATV drivetrains, many parts are working together in harmony to propel the vehicle forward. When one aspect fails to do its job, the entire system breaks down.

One reviewer on the Polaris website shares an experience with this model. “On the first ride, I had to replace the power steering unit after only 3 km. And then it ran great for a couple days. On the third ride, I had to replace the belt and the clutch due to a misalignment and Polaris only warrantied the parts. I walked away from the store with a large bill for labor. Not very happy about that! Now the four-wheeler is back in the shop as it constantly runs 10 degrees hotter than my friends 1000 that was purchased at the same time.”

Notice that the problems also began with the infamous power steering trouble once again. After that got repaired, the owner had to deal with even more issues. On top of that, Polaris only covered the parts under the warranty, leaving the customer to pay for all of the labor. It continues to be evident that the manufacturer doesn’t care about making quality equipment or backing it up. They simply want to take more money out of their quality consumers’ pockets. It’s possible that Yamaha might soon see a surge in new clients.

Structural Issues

Consider all of the obstacles and terrains that a typical Polaris ATV sees. Between the rocky trails to the hilly valleys, this four-wheeler needs to be ready for a beating. Owners spending a small fortune to own the Sportsman XP 1000 find they might have done better with a lower-cost model.

Just look at this review on the Consumer Affairs website, “I’ve owned many Polaris vehicles over the years and have never had problems as I have now. Just this past year I purchased a special limited production Sportsman XP 1000 in LAVA orange paint 2018 model. I will be 60 years old this year and ride accordingly. After a weekend of trail riding my paint was completely trashed where ever paint has contact. Under the seat and all storage areas look like I dropped it from a helicopter! Deep gouged in paint and rub scratches. The special paint is garbage for an ATV and the factory even recommends against using a power washer as the paint can come off easily! The machine still gets so hot you can burn your hands on the rear luggage rack above the exhaust.”

Polaris really got into the pocket of this customer. They sold a limited edition for extra money and didn’t even put forth the effort to ensure this four-wheeler would stand up to stress it would encounter. As we see, structural issues also continue to be an issue for the company. In the past, they’ve issued a recall on these models due to a right-side panel that melted and led to a fire risk. Prior to that, the exhaust springs would stretch and cause damage to the exhaust seal. This led to leaks and further fire dangers. Maybe that’s where the LAVA orange color idea came from – the color of the fires that come out of this machine.

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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