- 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
2016 Indian Chieftain Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2016 Indian Chieftain with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (1). It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in August 2022 for the software. For comparison, the 2015 has 2 and the 2017 has 2.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Chieftain year, for its age
#408 most complained-about 2016 vehicle
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2016 Indian Chieftain problems
Share of all 1 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2016 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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1 complaints about the 2016 Indian Chieftain
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
My 2016 indian chieftain that has @7500 miles display flickers. This happens when the throttle is operated in all conditions. I have been informed that numerous chieftains were in the shop for the same reason. It's been in the shop since september 29th.
Indian Chieftain: every year compared
All Chieftain years2016 Indian Chieftain vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Indian Chieftain | 1 | 4 | C | |
| 2016 Indian Scout | 6 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Indian Roadmaster | 4 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse | 4 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2016 Indian Springfield | 3 | 3 | C | Compare |
| 2016 Indian Chief Vintage | 1 | 2 | C | 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 2016 Indian Chieftain
Does the 2016 Indian Chieftain have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 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 2016 Indian Chieftain?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (1).
How many complaints has the 2016 Indian Chieftain had?
1 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on October 10, 2017 and the latest on October 10, 2017. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2016 Indian Chieftain a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 58 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 2016 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