2015 Indian Chief Vintage recalls and problems

The 2015 Indian Chief Vintage has 2 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Indian dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
4
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2015 Indian Chief Vintage vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2015 Indian Chief Vintage recalls

Recall 22V-635: Exterior Lighting

Reported Aug 19, 2022 · 28,689 vehicles affected · Indian Motorcycle Company

Problem: 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 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.

Risk: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-339.

Recall 15V-721: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Nov 2, 2015 · 7,614 vehicles affected · Indian Motorcycle Company

Problem: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and 2016 Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured January 2, 2015, to October 23, 2015. Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power.

Risk: A full or partial loss of rear braking power may lengthen the distance needed to slow or stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-15-04.

2015 Indian Chief Vintage problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure2
Steering1
Suspension1
Wheels1
Unknown or Other1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 11,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2015 Indian Chief Vintage complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · at 11,000 miles · reported Nov 7, 2016
On tuesday sept 6, 2016 I was on I 64 east headed to waynesboro va from georgetown ky. A 407 mile ride. About 320 miles into trip my right side saddlebag fell off on the highway. I had to pull over to the shoulder. The shoulder was to steep for the bike to stand on its own. I flag help tohelp with bike. Cars and tractor trailers were dodging the saddlebag. After I got help holding up bike. I had to run back down hill and go out into traffic to retrieve my saddlebag. It was a very dangerous situation. When I got my bag safely, I checked to see if the latching mechanism was broke. But everything…
Structure · at 12,000 miles · reported Sep 9, 2016
Saddlebag mounting system allows saddlebags to become disconnected and fall off vehicle. Latch mechanism appears to be ineffective when bags are loaded, or rough roads encountered. Right side saddlebag had come loose 3 times over a 2 month period. On a long trip, while travelling at 70 MPH on the interstate, the right saddlebag fell completely off the motorcycle, without my knowledge, endangering other motorcyclists and highway users behind me on the interstate. Internet searches following, indicate this is a fairly common issue, with multiple reports of saddlebags falling off. At least two…
Structure · at 400 miles · reported Jun 29, 2016
While riding my indian 2015 vintage motorcycle, the right hand saddle bag fell off causing the vehicle following me to suddenly have to react to the hazard by swerving but hit the bag anyway, causing the bag to be completely destroyed and under carriage concerns for the other vehicle. After doing research on this issue, I found this to be a fairly common occurrence among this model. 2014 -2016 models are all the same, no improvements offered from the manufacturer. The problem is common enough that several aftermarket companies have designed a better design that can be purchased for about…
Steering · at 4,000 miles · reported Mar 13, 2016
When in a accident the front of the frame breaks out. This causes the front end to separate from the motorcycle. Leaving the rider with no control of motorcycle. And exposure to body injury and possible death. In the last month I have located 6 bikes that have had the above problem. I have the VIN # of 4 of then. Indian has changed the part number on the frame section, so they know they have a problem that could result in the death of the driver and passenger, they have not made a recall to correct the problem. When I called and asked about the change to the part. They claimed the new part was…

Other Indian Chief Vintage years

Compare all Indian Chief Vintage years · All Indian models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage: 22V-635 (exterior lighting), 15V-721 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage?

Owners report structure problems most often (2 reports), followed by steering (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 11,000 miles.

Are Indian recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Indian dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.