- 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
2002 Indian Chief Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 4 complaints about the 2002 Indian Chief with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (2) and the brakes (1). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in May 2003 for the windshield. For comparison, the 2001 has 10 and the 2003 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Chief year, for its age
#282 most complained-about 2002 vehicle
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2002 Indian Chief problems
Share of all 4 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2002 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, 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.
- The risk
- Fuel leakage in the present of an ignition source can result in a fire.
- The 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.
- The problem
- On certain motorcycles, the rear brake caliper could contact the rotor as a result of a misalignment of the caliper carrier.
- The risk
- The rear brake can overheat and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
- The problem
- On certain motorcycles, the rear axles are made of a material with a lower than desirable yield strength.
- The 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.
- The 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.
What owners say
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4 complaints about the 2002 Indian Chief
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
Consumer is not able to start motorcycle. Took vehice to dealer and they replaced the starter. Please describe furhter. *Ph
While driving a noise was heard. Motorcycle was taken to the dealer who replaced the misaligned drive pulleys and belts. *Ak
Consumer states that while driving and with no warning vehicle will stall and it will be hard for the consumer to control the vehicle. Dealer notified.*Ak
Master cylinder is leaking fluid, causing vehicle to wobble. Dealer notified.*Ak
Indian Chief: every year compared
All Chief years2002 Indian Chief vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Indian Chief | 4 | 4 | D | |
| 2002 Indian Scout | 6 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2002 Indian Spirit | 5 | 7 | D | 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 2002 Indian Chief
Does the 2002 Indian Chief have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Indian Chief: windshield (May 2003); fuel system, gasoline (May 2003); caliper (September 2002); rear (July 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 2002 Indian Chief?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (2), brakes (1), electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 2002 Indian Chief had?
4 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 10, 2002 and the latest on September 12, 2003. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2002 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 2002 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