- 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
2001 Indian Chief Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2001 Indian Chief with NHTSA, most often about the suspension (3) and the brakes (2). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 2003 for the windshield. For comparison, the 2000 has 40 and the 2002 has 4.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Chief year, for its age
#188 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 10
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2001 Indian Chief problems
Share of all 10 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Indian Chief recalls 2
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.
What owners say
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10 complaints about the 2001 Indian Chief
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer states while traveling 60 mph and without any indication vehicle stalled. *Ak
Consumer noticed an electrical short in vehicle causing damage to battery. Dealer has been notified. *Ak
The dealer refused to honor the recall for the windshield. *Nlm
No summary listed for above mentioned motorcycle. *Ak
Front fork seals were leaking, repaired under warranty.*Ak
Rear brakes wore out at 1800 miles, dealer replaced rotors. *Ak
Primary case is blowing out oil. Dealer cannot remedy. *Ak
At 75 and 80 mph motorcycle will begin to wobble. Here was no control, and consumer had to slow it down to stop shaking. Please provide any further information.*Ak
Rear brakes went out on motorcycle. Brake pads were completely woren out.*Ak
Fork seals were leaking. Shock absorbers for front end of motorcycle. Contact dealer. *Ak
Indian Chief: every year compared
All Chief years2001 Indian Chief vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Indian Chief | 10 | 2 | D | |
| 2001 Indian Scout | 9 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Indian Spirit | 4 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Indian Chief Centennial | 1 | 1 | F | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2001 Indian Chief
Does the 2001 Indian Chief have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2001 Indian Chief: windshield (May 2003); alternator / generator / regulator (February 2003). 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 2001 Indian Chief?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the suspension (3), brakes (2), engine & cooling (2).
How many complaints has the 2001 Indian Chief had?
10 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 6, 2001 and the latest on June 25, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2001 Indian Chief a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 30 out of 100 (grade D: 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 2001 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