Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2013 Victory Vision with NHTSA between 2013 and 2019.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the Victory Vision. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2013 Victory Vision
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
646.2%
Median failure at 13,696 miles
Steering
323.1%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Engine & Cooling
215.4%
Median failure at 1,310 miles
Wheels
17.7%
Median failure at 12,893 miles
Brakes
17.7%
Median failure at 5,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
17.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
323.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
969.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2013peak 3Jul 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 Victory Vision
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE14006Opened 10 Mar 2014Closed 22 May 2015STRUCTURE
Motorcycle steering lockup
This Preliminary Evaluation (PE14006) was opened after NHTSA became aware of alleged steering lockup involving Victory Vision motorcycles built by Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris).This issue has been the subject of numerous online forum posts by the filer of VOQ 10534733.Both the VOQs and forum posts (from all sources) formed the foundation of our investigation. The subject motorcycles are equipped with a two-piece, plastic, front fender.The back half (the all-black portion in the photo below) is secured to the fork with a single fastener on each side.It is secured to the front half of the f...
Recalls on the 2013 Victory Vision
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2012319742 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorcycles, the throttle cable retention nuts may not have been adequately tightened during vehicle assembly. Should they loosen, the throttle may be prevented from opening or closing normally. This could result in a loss of vehicle propulsion or make it difficult to slow or stop the motorcycle unless the clutch lever is depressed. Depending on traffic and road conditions, and the rider’s reactions, either issue could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will tighten the throttle cable retention nuts to the specified torque.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 5,000 milesPine Grove, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER HAS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN THE 5 YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS MOTORCYCLE. EACH TIME IT FAILED IT CAUSED A LOSS IN THE ABILITY TO STOP THE BIKE WHILE RIDING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE BIKE FROM THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MANY VICTORY BRAND MOTORCYCLES. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY DEALERSHIP THAT THE PART CAN'T BE REPAIRED BUT MUST BE REPLACED, BUT THE REPLACEMENT PARTS, WHILE THEY WORK AS THEY SHOULD, ARE NO BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL PARTS AND THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE SAME PROBLEM WILL NOT OCCUR AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.
NHTSA complaint #11231287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,893 milesSonoma, CA
WHEELS
THE VICTORY VISION HAS A TWO PIECE PLASTIC FRONT FENDER WHICH IS HELD TOGETHER WITH PLASTIC FASTENERS AND MOUNTED DIRECTLY TO THE METAL FORKS WITH METAL SCREWS. VIBRATIONS FRACTURED THE REAR PORTION OF THE PLASTIC FENDER AT THE POINT WHERE IT CONTACTS THE METAL FORKS, THIS CAUSED THE REAR PORTION OF THE FENDER TO FAIL, DISLODGE ITSELF AND BECOME WEDGED BETWEEN THE FORKS AND THE MAIN BODY OF THE MOTORCYCLE AFFECTING STEERING. FORTUNATELY THE SPEED WAS LOW AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, HOWEVER, IF THIS INCIDENT HAD OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR DURING CORNERING THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. PLEASE CONSIDER ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURE AS I HAVE AND THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND FEEL IT IS NOT A DEFECT OR A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10724295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,893 milesSonoma, CA
STEERING
THE VICTORY VISION HAS A TWO PIECE PLASTIC FRONT FENDER WHICH IS HELD TOGETHER WITH PLASTIC FASTENERS AND MOUNTED DIRECTLY TO THE METAL FORKS WITH METAL SCREWS. VIBRATIONS FRACTURED THE REAR PORTION OF THE PLASTIC FENDER AT THE POINT WHERE IT CONTACTS THE METAL FORKS, THIS CAUSED THE REAR PORTION OF THE FENDER TO FAIL, DISLODGE ITSELF AND BECOME WEDGED BETWEEN THE FORKS AND THE MAIN BODY OF THE MOTORCYCLE AFFECTING STEERING. FORTUNATELY THE SPEED WAS LOW AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, HOWEVER, IF THIS INCIDENT HAD OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR DURING CORNERING THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. PLEASE CONSIDER ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURE AS I HAVE AND THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND FEEL IT IS NOT A DEFECT OR A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10724295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,893 milesSonoma, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE VICTORY VISION HAS A TWO PIECE PLASTIC FRONT FENDER WHICH IS HELD TOGETHER WITH PLASTIC FASTENERS AND MOUNTED DIRECTLY TO THE METAL FORKS WITH METAL SCREWS. VIBRATIONS FRACTURED THE REAR PORTION OF THE PLASTIC FENDER AT THE POINT WHERE IT CONTACTS THE METAL FORKS, THIS CAUSED THE REAR PORTION OF THE FENDER TO FAIL, DISLODGE ITSELF AND BECOME WEDGED BETWEEN THE FORKS AND THE MAIN BODY OF THE MOTORCYCLE AFFECTING STEERING. FORTUNATELY THE SPEED WAS LOW AND THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, HOWEVER, IF THIS INCIDENT HAD OCCURRED AT HIGHWAY SPEED OR DURING CORNERING THE RESULT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. PLEASE CONSIDER ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE WITH THE MANUFACTURE AS I HAVE AND THEY REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND FEEL IT IS NOT A DEFECT OR A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10724295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesAthens, AL
ENGINE
WHILE SLOWING THE MOTORCYCLE NORMALLY IN PREPARATION FOR STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND REV-MATCHING THE ENGINE NORMALLY, THE ENGINE STALLED REQUIRING EVASIVE ACTION TO AVOID COLLISION WITH OTHER VEHICLES AND BRING THE MOTORCYCLE TO A SAFE STOP. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART IMMEDIATELY AND REQUIRED 3 ATTEMPTS TO RESTART. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON NO LESS THAN FOUR OCCASIONS. MANUFACTURER SAYS THE MOTORCYCLE ENGINE IS DESIGNED TO STALL IN THIS MANNER. THE TIMING AND ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION (EFI) ARE PURPOSELY DESIGNED TO MALFUNCTION AND READ REV-MATCHING ON DOWNSHIFT AS OVER SUPPLYING FUEL AND SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF TO "AVOID DAMAGE". NOTE THAT IN EVERY INSTANCE OF THIS HAPPENING THE REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE (RPMS) WERE BETWEEN 800 TO 1600RPMS MAXIMUM (WELL WITHIN THE MAXIMUM OF 5200RPMS) AND THERE WAS NO REAL OR IMAGINED POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSE IS 1. IT IS THE OPERATORS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENGAGE IN NON-STANDARD OPERATION TO ENSURE THE ENGINE DOES NOT STALL. 2. THIS STALLING MALFUNCTION CAN BE CORRECTED BY PURCHASING AND HAVING INSTALLED AN ADDITIONAL AFTERMARKET EFI UNIT AND AN ADJUSTABLE IDLE CONTROL VALE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM - CLEARLY ADMITTING THEIR EQUIPMENT IS FAULTY (AND ULTIMATELY DANGEROUS) BY DESIGN.
NHTSA complaint #10663990 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,200 milesPunta Gorda, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON ROUTINE INSPECTION FOUND A 1 TO 2 INCH CRACK IN THE PLASTIC PORTION OF THE FRONT FENDER. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING FOR THIS PROBLEM AFTER READING DIFFERENT VICTORY INTERNET SITES. THIS PROBLEM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO LOCK UP THE FRONT WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #10650819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,200 milesNampa, ID
STRUCTURE:BODY
2013 VICTORY VISION. THE FRONT REAR SECTION OF THE FENDER (PLASTIC) CRACKS WHERE IT ATTACHES TO THE FRONT FORKS. THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE THAT HAS HAPPENED TO 100;S IF NOT 1,000S OF VICTORY VISIONS. POLARIS REFUSES TO REPAIR OR REPLACE, AND SUGGESTS THAT IT IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. THIS IS A HUGE SAFELY ISSUE THAT MUST BE INVESTIGATED.
NHTSA complaint #10644548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesFarmersville, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
FRONT LOWER FENDER IS FAILING. THIS IS THE ONE THAT SNAPS OFF AND LOCKS UP THE STEERING, YOU HAVE OTHER REPORTS ON THIS. INSPECTED FOR FIRST TIME AND LEFT SIDE OF FENDER IS SEPARATING FROM THE MOUNT POINT. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN ON THE ROAD ~5 MONTHS. PURCHASED NEW ON 08/13. BACK WHEN I WAS IN THE CAR BUSINESS, A STEERING LOCKUP CONDITION GOT RECALLED REAL QUICK. I GUESS THAT'S NOT TRUE FOR MOTORCYCLES.
NHTSA complaint #10558244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesNational City, MI
STEERING
VICTORY VISION MOTORCYCLES OF ALL YEARS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SEPARATION OF THE REAR PORTION OF THE TWO PIECE FRONT FENDER ASSEMBLY. FENDER. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN THE CRACKS AND REPAIRS BY THE OWNERS AFTER A HARROWING EXPERIENCE OF HAVING THE FENDER COME LOOSE AND JAMMING THE STEERING. I OWN A 2013 VISION AND DO WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM. GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT I AM SURPRISED THAT NO-ONE HAS BEEN KILLED BY THIS YET. I DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN TO ME. SINCE I KNOW IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY WHO EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE NTSB HAS REACHED A CONCLUSION OR DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH POLARIS/VICTORY?
NHTSA complaint #10548727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesNational City, MI
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
VICTORY VISION MOTORCYCLES OF ALL YEARS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SEPARATION OF THE REAR PORTION OF THE TWO PIECE FRONT FENDER ASSEMBLY. FENDER. I HAVE PERSONALLY SEEN THE CRACKS AND REPAIRS BY THE OWNERS AFTER A HARROWING EXPERIENCE OF HAVING THE FENDER COME LOOSE AND JAMMING THE STEERING. I OWN A 2013 VISION AND DO WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM. GIVEN THE NATURE OF THE DEFECT I AM SURPRISED THAT NO-ONE HAS BEEN KILLED BY THIS YET. I DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN TO ME. SINCE I KNOW IT HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY WHO EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE NTSB HAS REACHED A CONCLUSION OR DISCUSSED THE ISSUE WITH POLARIS/VICTORY?
NHTSA complaint #10548727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 620 milesCary, IL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VICTORY VISION TOURING MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTORCYCLE STALLED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE ENGINE FUSE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 620.
NHTSA complaint #10536157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,301 milesHuntington Beach, CA
STEERING
THE REAR PORTION OF THE PLASTIC FRONT FENDER HAS CRACKED WHERE THE MOUNTING BOLTS ATTACH IT TO THE FRONT FORKS. I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT BROKE LOOSE FROM THE BIKE. IF IT COMES LOOSE IT WILL WEDGE ITSELF BETWEEN THE FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY 2011 VICTORY VISION AS WELL AS TO MANY OTHER OWNERS. VICTORY SIMPLY REPLACES THE FENDER WITH A UNIT OF THE SAME DESIGN. THIS DESIGN NEEDS TO BE UPDATED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10535411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,301 milesHuntington Beach, CA
STRUCTURE
THE REAR PORTION OF THE PLASTIC FRONT FENDER HAS CRACKED WHERE THE MOUNTING BOLTS ATTACH IT TO THE FRONT FORKS. I CAUGHT IT BEFORE IT BROKE LOOSE FROM THE BIKE. IF IT COMES LOOSE IT WILL WEDGE ITSELF BETWEEN THE FRONT WHEEL AND THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY 2011 VICTORY VISION AS WELL AS TO MANY OTHER OWNERS. VICTORY SIMPLY REPLACES THE FENDER WITH A UNIT OF THE SAME DESIGN. THIS DESIGN NEEDS TO BE UPDATED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT BADLY.
NHTSA complaint #10535411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.