- The problem
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2022 Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Darkhorse, Chief Darkhorse, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The kickstand may not properly retract upon ground contact when left extended while riding. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, "Motorcycle Controls and Displays."
- The risk
- A kickstand that does not properly retract can increase the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the kickstand, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-23-01.
Vehicle safety record
2022 Indian Chief Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2022 Indian Chief with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (1) and the electrical system (1). It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in December 2022 for the kickstand / center stand.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Chief year, for its age
#311 most complained-about 2022 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2022 Indian Chief problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2022 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
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Scout, Scout Bobber Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Icon, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber Twenty, Scout Bobber Icon, 2022 Scout Rogue Sixty, Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Chief Dark Horse, Scout Rogue, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The fuel pump may fail while riding.
- The risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump and the fuel pump seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-22-06.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 2022 Indian Chief
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
The motorcycle has developed corrosion and rust on all bolts and exposed metal. There is rust and corrosion coming through the paint and powder coat, including on the frame in the recesses and bolt holes where the frame is bolted together; threads inside the frame where foot pegs and floor boards and accessories are installed; the shock mounts. I called Indian/Polaris about the issues and was told to take the motorcycle to a dealership so a case could be opened. Indian/Polaris denied any warranty work for being...
Read the full complaint
"to far outside warranty". The motorcycle has always been kept in an enclosed garage and cleaned and maintained. The rust and corrosion are not from environmental issues, the rust and corrosion are on the metal and coming through the paint. Frame corrosion is a safety hazard. There are several report and complaints with pictures from other Indian Chief owners on social media sites and forums. Because of the maximum number of files, I will attach the report I received from the local dealership and nine of the pictures I have taken. I have others pictures.
At 70mph on I-95 in the outside lane between Rt 50 and Rt 46 in Titusville FL, the vehicle tipover sensor triggered causing the motorcycle to engine to shut down. The roads were clear and dry, it was night time with no streetlights. The motorcycle immediately began to slow down, causing cars to veer around us as we coasted off the road and onto the shoulder. We were able to clear the alert and get the motorcycle to our FL residence (We winter in FL, reside in MA). On the way home, it triggered two more times, but...
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we were on surface roads with light traffic and were able to safely stop the motorcycle. The motorcycle was subsequently trailered to the closest Indian dealer (Daytona Beach, FL), where they have diagnosed some electrical issues, but have no cause or resolution to the triggered tipover sensor. The warning lamp had triggered twice previously, without shutting the motorcycle down, and both times the dealer (different dealer in Worcester, MA) said it was operator error, that I must have touched the kickstand while coming to a stop. This third event was the first where it shut down. The warning lamp illuminated for several seconds before the shutdown event occurred. I am aware of the fuel pump recall and am still awaiting parts for this repair. The dealer has confirmed that this is not a fuel pump failure event.
Indian Chief: every year compared
All Chief years2022 Indian Chief vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Indian Chief | 2 | 2 | D | |
| 2022 Indian FTR1200 | 3 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2022 Indian Chief Dark Horse | 2 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2022 Indian Pursuit | 2 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2022 Indian Challenger | 1 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2022 Indian FTR 1200 S | 1 | 2 | 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 2022 Indian Chief
Does the 2022 Indian Chief have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2022 Indian Chief: kickstand / center stand (December 2022); fuel pump (November 2022). 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 2022 Indian Chief?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (1), electrical system (1), engine & cooling (1).
How many complaints has the 2022 Indian Chief had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 29, 2022 and the latest on March 30, 2026. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2022 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 2022 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