2000 Indian Chief recalls and problems

The 2000 Indian Chief has 4 safety recalls and 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Indian dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
40
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2000 Indian Chief vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2000 Indian Chief recalls

Recall 03V-191: Visibility

Reported May 5, 2003 · 3,625 vehicles affected · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Problem: Certain windshields that were sold as standard equipment on these motorcycles or sold as accessories for all other chief models may have defective brackets. The brackets that attach the windshield to the motorcycle are formed such that the mounting bolts are not flush with the bracket. This could place excessive stress on the bolts causing them to break.

Risk: Broken mounting bolts could lead to the windshield coming loose and even falling off the bike, potentially striking the rider or otherwise causing the rider to lose control of the motorcycle and crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brackets and bolts on the windshield. Owner notification began may 30, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact indian motorcycle at 1-888-899-2997.

Recall 03V-039: Electrical System

Reported Feb 10, 2003 · 7,947 vehicles affected · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: This condition can potentially cause the regulator to catch on fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the motorcycle and, if necessary, replace the regulator. Owner notification began february 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact indian motorcycle at 1-888-899-2997.

Recall 02V-144: Steering

Reported May 30, 2002 · 4,765 vehicles affected · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Problem: On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars.

Risk: Loss of control of the motorcycle could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will fit the motorcycles with a new riser top clamp. Owner notification began may 31, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact indian motorcycle at 1-408-846-7228.

Recall 02V-124: Suspension

Reported May 3, 2002 · 4,590 vehicles affected · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Problem: 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.

Risk: This could result in the collapse of the rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rear shock absorbers and replace them if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin during may 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact indian at 1-408-846-7228.

2000 Indian Chief problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension11
Engine and Engine Cooling6
Electrical System6
Exterior Lighting5
Steering5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Structure4
Equipment2
Unknown or Other2
Power Train2
Visibility2
Fuel System, Other1

Most reported parts

  • Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar — 5
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 4
  • Suspension › Rear — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
  • Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 2
  • Visibility › Windshield — 2
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 6,000 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 2000 Indian Chief complaints

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

Electrical System · reported May 23, 2003
The consumer received recall notice #03v039000 subject: voltage regulator. The consumer called kerry ford on 4/28/2003 who stated that the parts had to be ordered. The consumer had not received a call from kerry ford on the date when the recalled parts should have been available.
Exterior Lighting · at 3,500 miles · reported Apr 23, 2003
When the brakes are applied, the turn signals flash three times. While they are flashing, the turn signals can not be turned on which caused me to be struck in the side while making a left turn.
Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 18, 2002
Consumer states while driving down the highway vehicle headlights suddenly died. Took to dealer and dealer stated there was a shortage. Mr
Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 18, 2002
Consumer states that while driving at highway speed the headlights suddenly died. Took to dealer and they changed the bulb. Dealer stated there is a shortage in the electrical system. Three weeks later lights shorted out again. Please provide any further information. Mr
Unknown or Other · reported Sep 27, 2002
Waiting 4 months for dealers of indian to "get parts from indian" - still have not received notice.. Notified indian personel in gilroy, no call back yet. Ts

Other Indian Chief years

Compare all Indian Chief years · All Indian models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2000 Indian Chief have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2000 Indian Chief: 03V-191 (visibility), 03V-039 (electrical system), 02V-144 (steering), 02V-124 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2000 Indian Chief?

Owners report suspension problems most often (11 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 6,000 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.