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Electrical system

Indian Chief Electrical problems by year

11 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Indian Chief's electrical system. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Electrical complaints by model year

YearElectrical complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20221000
20190001
20180002
20171001
20160001
20151001
20140001
20031000
20021000
20011001
20004001
19991001

Electrical recalls

Latest Chief electrical complaints

2022 Indian ChiefElectrical systemEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11499309
2015 Indian ChiefElectrical system

-Consistent problems with display -Headlight continually on and not adjustable -Computer module burns out very easily and lights/horn directly into the unit which makes it go out so easily

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11441637
2017 Indian ChiefTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 indian chief. The contact stated that after the motorcycle was started and with the transmission in neutral, the motorcycle spontaneously accelerated and struck a side of the house. There was no police report filed. No injuries were reported. The motorcycle was taken to american biker located at 679 treeland dr, ladson, sc 29456, however, the technician was not able to determine the cause of spontaneous acceleration. The contact receiving notification of nhtsa campaign number: 19v776000 (electrical system, power train). The motorcycle was repaired at the owners expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 11311178
2003 Indian ChiefBrakesTransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

Ignition switch fails causing engine to back fire and quit. Switch has been replaced with oem switch 3 times with same result! Front brake leaver has excessive travel at times limiting braking potential on front tire. Problem is intermittent. Rear drive belt is wearing rear pulley excessively increasing the potential for belt failure. *Cb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Power train · Electrical systemNHTSA 10054260
2000 Indian ChiefBrakesElectrical systemVisibility & wipers

The motorcycle has multiple problem s. The windshield is loose /the charger will not charge at all/battery has low cell, and brakes will not hold at all. *Ak

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Electrical system · VisibilityNHTSA 10040434
2002 Indian ChiefElectrical system

Consumer is not able to start motorcycle. Took vehice to dealer and they replaced the starter. Please describe furhter. *Ph

Filed Electrical systemNHTSA 10039860
2001 Indian ChiefElectrical system

Consumer noticed an electrical short in vehicle causing damage to battery. Dealer has been notified. *Ak

Filed Electrical systemNHTSA 10024952
2000 Indian ChiefElectrical system

The consumer received recall notice #03v039000 subject: voltage regulator. The consumer called kerry ford on 4/28/2003 who stated that the parts had to be ordered. The consumer had not received a call from kerry ford on the date when the recalled parts should have been available. *Nlm

Filed Electrical systemNHTSA 10020475
2000 Indian ChiefElectrical system

The consumer received a recall regarding the voltage regulator. The consumer stated he received poor customer service. *Jb

Filed Electrical systemNHTSA 10014973
1999 Indian ChiefSteeringSuspensionBrakesEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemLightsBody, doors & structure

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

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Electrical system · Exterior lighting · StructureNHTSA 890209

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

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