- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
1999 Indian Chief Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 9 complaints about the 1999 Indian Chief with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (5) and the steering (3). Those complaints describe 1 crash. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2003 for the windshield. For comparison, the 2000 has 40.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Chief year, for its age
#194 most complained-about 1999 vehicle
- Complaints
- 9
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1999 Indian Chief problems
Share of all 9 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1999 Indian Chief recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The risk
- This condition can potentially cause the regulator to catch on fire.
- The 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.
- The problem
- On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars.
- The risk
- Loss of control of the motorcycle could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The risk
- This could result in the collapse of the rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
What owners say
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9 complaints about the 1999 Indian Chief
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer states has not been able to have 2 recalls on bike repaired since 05/02. Recall ids: 02v144000 and 02v124000. Consumer has contacted dealer several times and was repeatedly advised waiting on parts. Consumer finally spoke with owner who blamed delay on certain employees no longer working for dealership. Owner advised would order parts and consumer has been waiting now for 3.5 Weeks. Ts
Consumer states that there is a recall for the shock absorber, dealer is charging for recall. Mr
Shocks tear out of frame when going over a bump, rear swing arm pivot shaft wants to pull it further than the shock will allow it. *Ak *slc
Rear shock bolts are shearing off the top. Dealer was notified and replaced shocks on eight occasions. Problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further details.*Ak
Motorcycle experiencing severe shaking in front while traveling at 50 mph or more, and rear shocks were replace on two occasions. But, problem still reoccurring. *Ak the front mastercylinder failed. Rear pads needed replacing. Replace head light bulb. *Yh
At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. Vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *Ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. Tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine...
Read the full complaint
backfires. Rear turn signal lens collects moisture. Handle bar master bad. Blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. Fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. Shocks squeak. Ignition switch replaced. *Slc
5 Speed transmission is leaking fluid. Dealer notified, and problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide us with any further information concerning this matter . *Ak
Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. *Ak consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.*Jb
Handle bars will pivot up or down without excessive force being used. All hand controls are out of reach of the rider, and the rider can not steer the motorcycle. If they slip downward, as was my case, the riders legs can be pinned by either thier own arms or the handle bars. This is a defect known to the manufacturer and the dealship I bought the bike from. *Ak
Indian Chief: every year compared
All Chief yearsQuestions about the 1999 Indian Chief
Does the 1999 Indian Chief have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1999 Indian Chief: windshield (May 2003); alternator / generator / regulator (February 2003); steering wheel / handle bar (May 2002); rear (May 2002). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Indian Chief?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (5), steering (3), brakes (3).
How many complaints has the 1999 Indian Chief had?
9 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 22, 2000 and the latest on October 17, 2002. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1999 Indian Chief a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Indian Chief year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Indian Chief years have the most complaints?
2000 (40), 2001 (10), 1999 (9). See every Indian Chief year compared.
What should I do if my 1999 Indian Chief has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data