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Engine & cooling

Indian Chief Engine problems by year

13 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Indian Chief's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20221000
20022000
20012000
20006000
19992000

Latest Chief engine 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
2002 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

While driving a noise was heard. Motorcycle was taken to the dealer who replaced the misaligned drive pulleys and belts. *Ak

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10037906
2002 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10026586
2001 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

Consumer states while traveling 60 mph and without any indication vehicle stalled. *Ak

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10024953
2000 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

The engine was replaced last year for a leak, the problem recurred. *Jb

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10014791
2000 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

At highway speeds motorcycle would stall out and die. Dealer has inspected motorcycle. *Ak the rear cylinder was defective and caused the engine misfired and stall out several times and the engine was rebuilt. The dealer replaced the ignition module as a possible cause. *Yh

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 8013596
2001 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

Primary case is blowing out oil. Dealer cannot remedy. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 898942
2000 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

When traveling at speeds up to 65mph motorcycle will suddenly die. Consumer feels this is very dangerous because driver is not aware that motorcycle has cut off, I feels like just slammed on brakes. Please provide any further information.*Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 897273
2000 Indian ChiefSuspensionEngine & coolingFire

When driving 60 mph rear suspension steel plate broke and snapped in half, which damaged tire. Also, fender got so hot that the heat damaged motorcycle seat. Consumer has contacted dealer. Consumer states motor blew both head gaskets and burnt both jugs, consumer checked that there was a fire. *Slc

Filed Suspension · Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 893871
2000 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

Motorcycle was smoking and head gaskets blewout. Contacted dealer. Please add vin. *Ak

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 892796
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
1999 Indian ChiefBrakesEngine & coolingLights

Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. *Ak consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.*Jb

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lightingNHTSA 889553
2000 Indian ChiefEngine & cooling

Possible design problem with the engine, which is powder coated, this is causing the cylinders to deform resulting in engine failure. *Mjs

Filed Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 553872

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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