- 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.
Lights
2017 Indian Chieftain Lighting problems
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2017 Indian Chieftain's lights with NHTSA - 50% of all its complaints, most recently on September 13, 2024. Headlights, tail lights, brake lights, turn signals and interior lighting failures.
- Complaints
- 1
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Lighting recalls for the 2017 Indian Chieftain
- 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.
Lighting complaints
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.
Indian Chieftain lighting complaints by year
Chieftain lighting problems, every yearSource: 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