2014 Indian Chieftain recalls and problems

The 2014 Indian Chieftain has 4 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Indian dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
6
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2014 Indian Chieftain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2014 Indian Chieftain 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 19V-776: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported Oct 29, 2019 · 52,745 vehicles affected · Indian Motorcycle Company

Problem: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.

Risk: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.

Recall 19V-339: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 1, 2019 · 6,487 vehicles affected · Indian Motorcycle Company

Problem: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief and Chieftain motorcycles. Due to a problem within the Vehicle Control Module (VCM), all of the front lights, including the headlight, may go out while riding.

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

Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) connector and update the VCM software. If the VCM connector is damaged, a new connector and VCM will be installed, free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-635.

Recall 16V-446: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jun 17, 2016 · 18,383 vehicles affected · Indian Motorcycle Company

Problem: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.

Risk: Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.

2014 Indian Chieftain problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train3
Exterior Lighting2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Electrical System1
Engine1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 24,000 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 2014 Indian Chieftain complaints

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

Vehicle Speed Control · reported Jun 7, 2024
While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you’re at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!!
Power Train · reported Sep 14, 2020
Clutch cables appears to failing at what may be considered a high rate. Loss of clutch could lead to rider being unable to operate the motorcycle safely. My particular motorcycle in unaffected by this but I'm seeing reports on various web sites that is it is occurring at a high frequency.
Power Train · at 24,000 miles · reported Aug 17, 2018
Gear indicator does not always show correct gear that you are in. When bike is in neutral indicator in showing 2 nd gear. Indicator was showing neutral so I hit the started switch, it was in first gear, didn't have may hands on the handle bars, bike started and took off, about threw me off. Reading the forums this seems to be a common problem, but yet no recall on this
Exterior Lighting · at 17,800 miles · reported Sep 4, 2017
Headlight and driving lights stopped working while riding, this is not a burned-out bulb. The vcm wiring circuit is burned on pin #11. I read of at three other indian's with this issue, read on: http://www.chiefmotorcycleforum.com/index.php?topic=8205.30
Power Train · at 1,800 miles · reported Oct 28, 2014
The contact owns a 2014 indian chieftain motorcycle. While driving 30 MPH, the gear lever failed to shift past first gear until the speed decreased to 5 MPH. The contact mentioned that the failure only occurred in cold temperatures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the vehicle was working to specifications and recommended that the vehicle be warmed up for ten minutes. The failure persisted and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 1,800.

Other Indian Chieftain years

Compare all Indian Chieftain years · All Indian models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2014 Indian Chieftain have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2014 Indian Chieftain: 22V-635 (exterior lighting), 19V-776 (electrical system, power train), 19V-339 (exterior lighting), 16V-446 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2014 Indian Chieftain?

Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by exterior lighting (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 24,000 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.