- The problem
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.
- The risk
- The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-339.
Vehicle safety record
2015 Indian Chieftain Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2015 Indian Chieftain with NHTSA, most often about the brakes (1) and the electrical system (1). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 2 injuries. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in August 2022 for the software. For comparison, the 2014 has 6 and the 2016 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Chieftain year, for its age
#361 most complained-about 2015 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2015 Indian Chieftain problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2015 Indian Chieftain recalls 4
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 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
- The risk
- If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.
- The problem
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
- The risk
- Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
- The fix
- Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.
- The problem
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and 2016 Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured January 2, 2015, to October 23, 2015. Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power.
- The risk
- A full or partial loss of rear braking power may lengthen the distance needed to slow or stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-15-04.
What owners say
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2 complaints about the 2015 Indian Chieftain
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
I had an accident with a passenger on the bike that I believe was caused by a leaking rear brake reservoir. I approached a sweeping right hand curve and the bike would not turn, we went head first into a guardrail at about 40mph. I believe the rear brake reservoir leaked brake fluid on the rear tire while in the turn. Poc shows blowback of brake fluid on the drive belt guard right beside the rear tire. The only way this can happen is with air movement, which also caused the bike to not turn or react, causing the crash.
Indian Chieftain: every year compared
All Chieftain years2015 Indian Chieftain vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Indian Chieftain | 2 | 4 | C | |
| 2015 Indian Scout | 8 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2015 Indian Chief Vintage | 4 | 2 | D | Compare |
| 2015 Indian Roadmaster | 3 | 5 | D | Compare |
| 2015 Indian Chief | 1 | 1 | A | 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 2015 Indian Chieftain
Does the 2015 Indian Chieftain have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2015 Indian Chieftain: software (August 2022); electrical system (October 2019); exhaust system (June 2016); master cylinder (November 2015). 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 2015 Indian Chieftain?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the brakes (1), electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 2015 Indian Chieftain had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 20, 2018 and the latest on May 3, 2021. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 2 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2015 Indian Chieftain a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 42 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Indian Chieftain 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 Chieftain years have the most complaints?
2014 (6), 2019 (3), 2015 (2). See every Indian Chieftain year compared.
What should I do if my 2015 Indian Chieftain 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