Indian Chief recalls and problems
14 recalls and 61 owner complaints for 13 model years. Pick your year for full details.
Recalls
14
Complaints
61
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
1
Choose a model year
Indian Chief by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chief | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Chief | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Chief | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 Chief | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Chief | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Chief | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Chief | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Chief | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 Chief | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2003 Chief | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2002 Chief | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2001 Chief | 2 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2000 Chief | 4 | 40 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Most reported Indian Chief problems
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 14 | |
| Electrical System | 12 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 10 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 9 | |
| Structure | 5 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 | |
| Steering | 5 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Equipment | 3 | |
| Visibility | 3 |
All Indian Chief recalls
| Recall | Date | Years | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-957 | Dec 29, 2022 | 2022 | Structure | Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2022 Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Darkhorse, Chief Darkhorse, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. |
| 22V-837 | Nov 11, 2022 | 2022 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Scout, Scout Bobber Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Icon, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber Twenty, Scout Bobber Icon, 2022 Scout Rogue Sixty, Chief, Chief Bobber… |
| 22V-635 | Aug 19, 2022 | 2014 | Exterior Lighting | Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and… |
| 19V-776 | Oct 29, 2019 | 2014–2019 | Electrical System, Power Train | Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. |
| 18V-228 | Apr 10, 2018 | 2018 | Electrical System | Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited… |
| 17V-682 | Oct 27, 2017 | 2017–2018 | Exterior Lighting | Indian Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited… |
| 13V-391 | Aug 30, 2013 | 2012–2013 | Wheels | Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2009 Deluxe and Standard, 2009-2011 Roadmaster, 2009-2013 Vintage, 2010 Bomber, 2010-2013 Classic and Dark Horse, 2011 Blackhawk Dark and Blackhawk… |
| 03V-173 | May 5, 2003 | 2002–2003 | Fuel System, Gasoline | On certain motorcycles, due to the positioning of the gas tank vent tube, the vent tube can become clogged with debris, particularly in wet weather. |
| 03V-191 | May 5, 2003 | 2000–2003 | Visibility | Certain windshields that were sold as standard equipment on these motorcycles or sold as accessories for all other chief models may have defective brackets. |
| 03V-039 | Feb 10, 2003 | 2000–2001 | Electrical System | On certain motorcycles equipped with compufire brand series type voltage regulators, if damaged, the voltage regulator can become stuck in an open mode that allows battery voltage to flow back through the regulator. |
| 02V-246 | Sep 13, 2002 | 2002 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | On certain motorcycles, the rear brake caliper could contact the rotor as a result of a misalignment of the caliper carrier. |
| 02V-180 | Jul 8, 2002 | 2002 | Suspension | On certain motorcycles, the rear axles are made of a material with a lower than desirable yield strength. |
| 02V-144 | May 30, 2002 | 2000 | Steering | On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars. |
| 02V-124 | May 3, 2002 | 2000 | Suspension | On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by sway-a-way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could break. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the worst year for the Indian Chief?
By owner complaints to NHTSA, the 2000 Indian Chief has the most reports (40). Check the 2000 page for the problems owners describe.
How many recalls does the Indian Chief have?
NHTSA lists 14 safety recalls covering Indian Chief model years 2000–2003, 2012–2019, 2022.
What are the most common Indian Chief problems?
Owners report suspension, electrical system, engine and engine cooling problems most often.