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...
Body, doors & structure
Indian Chief Body problems by year
6 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Indian Chief's body, doors & structure. Doors, hoods and latches, frame rust, sunroofs, leaks, trim and structural failures.
Body complaints by model year
Body recalls
Latest Chief body complaints
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...
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"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.
Back fender has cracked and consumer can hear a rattling noise while riding. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*Ak
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...
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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
After the vehicle was purchased the consumer discovered that the clearance of the mototcycle was not as represented in the written warranty and specifications, the motorcycle is 4 an 11/16 inches instead of the 6 inches, the dealer has attempted to adjust the mototcycle to meet specifications, without success(attorney for client). Nlm
Ground clearance is not sufficient which could cause a collision to occur when going over bumps in pavement and also when going around curves. *Ak manual claims that clearance is 6 inches, however consumer states there is only 4 3/4 inches which causes a safety issue. *Slc
Going around a left hand corner at 50 mph the left floor board scraped on ground consistantly loose control sending bike to the ground.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data