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2014-2024 · 8 model years

Indian Chieftain Problems by year

Owners have filed 15 complaints about the Indian Chieftain across 8 model years, and it has 11 recalls. The 2019 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (3). The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain, followed by the electrical system.

Share your Chieftain experienceCompare years11 recalls
Most complaints for its age20193 complaints · 3 recallsSee the 2019
Complaints
15
Recalls
11
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Deaths
0

Chieftain complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20240200-C
20230100-A
20193310Body, doors & structureC
20181400Acceleration & cruise controlC
20172300Electrical systemB
20161400Electrical systemC
20152410BrakesC
20146400Transmission & drivetrainC

Most common Chieftain problems

Indian Chieftain recalls 11

Latest Chieftain complaints

2017 Indian ChieftainLights

The contact owns a 2017 Indian Chieftain Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the high beam indicator warning light illuminated. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V635000 (Exterior Lighting) in November 2022; however, the recall repair was not completed at the time. The contact stated that the motorcycle was only inspected for failure at the time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,660.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 11614395
2014 Indian ChieftainElectrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you're at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11593130
2018 Indian ChieftainAcceleration & cruise control

The gear position indicator has been replaced multiple times, including the recall "fix" intended to remediate the incorrect readings. The continuing issue is that the indicator often senses neutral when the transmission is actually in 6th gear (the other gears are often incorrect but cause less of a safety issue) - the result is that cruise control cannot be used in 6th gear without substantial risk, as the computer will automatically deactivate the cruise control when the indicator bounces from 6th gear to neutral. When this happens, the bike quickly decelerates and can lurch, causing an extremely hazardous situation - this is especially concerning at highway speeds and/or in heavy traffic.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11427552
2019 Indian ChieftainTransmission & drivetrain

Reference 19V-776 recall campaign 2014-2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c.I.) gear position switch. This switch was replaced under this recall in June 2020 at 250 miles. The same issue now is happening one year later at 15k miles. This fix from Indian was not effective.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11418209
2015 Indian ChieftainElectrical system

1) Pressed ignition botton to turn bike off and bike stayed on. 2) Abs indicator light stays on. 3) Speedometer went to zero while riding. 4) Radio just stopped working no indication on dashboard while riding.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11414900
2019 Indian ChieftainEngine & cooling

Multiple time after having recall for 10a circuit breaker done bike has died on the freeway at speed as if out of gas once I pull over and turn it off and back on bike acts fine as though nothing happened I have taken it to north count indian wher I bought it and since they couldn't get it to repeat they stated fine and blew it off but bike has done it 3 times since I got it back. This is unacceptable as my life is in danger on the freeway if the bike cuts off and I can get off I could be seriously hurt indian needs to fix this asap!

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11354916

Questions about the Indian Chieftain

Which Indian Chieftain years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2014 (6), 2019 (3), 2015 (2). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2019 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which Indian Chieftain years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2023, 2017 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other Chieftain years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common Indian Chieftain problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the transmission & drivetrain (5), electrical system (4), lights (3) most often.

How many recalls does the Indian Chieftain have?

NHTSA lists 11 recalls across all Indian Chieftain model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

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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