2016 Indian Chieftain recalls and problems
The 2016 Indian Chieftain has 4 safety recalls and 1 owner complaint filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Indian dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Indian Chieftain vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Indian Chieftain recalls
Recall 22V-635: Exterior Lighting
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
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 16V-446: Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling
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.
Recall 15V-721: Service Brakes, Hydraulic
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.
2016 Indian Chieftain problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,500 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.
Other Indian Chieftain years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Indian Chieftain have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Indian Chieftain: 22V-635 (exterior lighting), 19V-776 (electrical system, power train), 16V-446 (electrical system, engine and engine cooling), 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 2016 Indian Chieftain?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (1 reports). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,500 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.