- 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
2017 Indian Chieftain Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2017 Indian Chieftain with NHTSA, most often about the lights (1) and the electrical system (1). It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in August 2022 for the software. For comparison, the 2016 has 1 and the 2018 has 1.
NHTSA data checked
BFewer problems than a typical Chieftain year, for its age
#335 most complained-about 2017 vehicle
- Complaints
- 2
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2017 Indian Chieftain problems
Share of all 2 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2017 Indian Chieftain recalls 3
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 Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, and Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be equipped with a European-market, not US-market, halogen headlight assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- The risk
- The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-17-03.
What owners say
Be the first Chieftain owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
2 complaints about the 2017 Indian Chieftain
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners.
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.
I've received emails from polaris indicating active a recall but do not see the recall on your site when searching by vin.
Indian Chieftain: every year compared
All Chieftain years2017 Indian Chieftain vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Indian Chieftain | 2 | 3 | B | |
| 2017 Indian Roadmaster | 9 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2017 Indian Chief | 2 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 2017 Indian Springfield | 1 | 4 | C | Compare |
| 2017 Indian Chieftan | 1 | 1 | D | Compare |
| 2017 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 2017 Indian Chieftain
Does the 2017 Indian Chieftain have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Indian Chieftain: software (August 2022); electrical system (October 2019); headlights (October 2017). 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 2017 Indian Chieftain?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (1), electrical system (1), transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many complaints has the 2017 Indian Chieftain had?
2 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on December 3, 2019 and the latest on September 13, 2024. Of these, 0 describe a crash and 0 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2017 Indian Chieftain a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 64 out of 100 (grade B: fewer problems than 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 2017 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