2016 GEM EL: common problems
The maker issued 7 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 7
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 1 |
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- There is no doubt that for a Polaris customer the process of picking up a brand new vehicle is one of the…
There is no doubt that for a Polaris customer the process of picking up a brand new vehicle is one of the most exciting times in the ownership experience. To ensure that all Polaris dealers are equipped to deliver a…
- PCDX is an online and mobile interface for providing a consistent dealer setup and customer delivery…
PCDX is an online and mobile interface for providing a consistent dealer setup and customer delivery experience. The interface walks the dealer and the customer through a standardized online form that includes the PDI…
- This Team Tip is being released to dealers to provide information regarding the required transition to…
This Team Tip is being released to dealers to provide information regarding the required transition to online PCDX and PCDX training.
- A STOP RIDE MEANS THE CONSUMER MUST NOT OPERATE THEIR VEHICLE UNTIL THE REPAIR IS COMPLETE
We have been made aware that some dealers are incorrectly communicating the importance of STOP RIDE communications.
- Polaris has identified that some GEM vehicles were manufactured with improper steering wheel alignment
This team tip is to inform dealers of an updated procedure in the service manual to show an easier and alternative method to remove and align the steering wheel.
- This team tip has been released to clearly define Polarisâ expectations when filing a warranty claim…
This team tip has been released to clearly define Polarisâ expectations when filing a warranty claim related to GEM shipping damage. In the event that damage occurs during the shipping process, it is critical to…
- GEM has received reports of some 2016 GEM vehicles intermittently displaying an incorrect state of charge…
GEM has received reports of some 2016 GEM vehicles intermittently displaying an incorrect state of charge after charging and use.
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GEM EL?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 7 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 GEM EL?
NHTSA lists 7 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 GEM EL from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.