2002 Indian Chief recalls and problems
The 2002 Indian Chief has 4 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Indian dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 Indian Chief vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 Indian Chief recalls
Recall 03V-173: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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. Vent tube clogging can cause interruption of fuel flow to the carburetor, causing the motorcycle to stop. A clogged vent tube may also cause pressure to build up in the gas tank and push a small amount of gas out of the fuel filler cap seal.
Risk: Fuel leakage in the present of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the current vent tube with a longer tube repositioned to prevent clogging. Owner notification began may 13, 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-191: Visibility
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 02V-246: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the rear brake caliper could contact the rotor as a result of a misalignment of the caliper carrier.
Risk: The rear brake can overheat and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the motorcycle to ensure that the rear brake caliper and rotor are correctly positioned. If they are not, the dealer will replace the swing arm and rear brake assembly. Owner notification began august 28, 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-180: Suspension
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the rear axles are made of a material with a lower than desirable yield strength.
Risk: Under repeated heavy loads, the rear axle could deform causing excessive wear in the rear wheel bearings potentially leading to overheating and seizing of the bearings, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear axles on these motorcycles. Owner notification began august 16, 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.
2002 Indian Chief problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 1
- Electrical System › Starter Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 600 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 2002 Indian Chief complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Indian Chief years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 Indian Chief have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Indian Chief: 03V-173 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-191 (visibility), 02V-246 (service brakes, hydraulic), 02V-180 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Indian Chief?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (2 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 600 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.