1999 INDIAN CHIEF
4 recalls, 22 complaints - 8 TSBs
03V191000 May 5, 2003
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
Defect Description
CERTAIN WINDSHIELDS THAT WERE SOLD AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THESE MOTORCYCLES OR SOLD AS ACCESSORIES FOR ALL OTHER CHIEF MODELS MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE BRACKETS. THE BRACKETS THAT ATTACH THE WINDSHIELD TO THE MOTORCYCLE ARE FORMED SUCH THAT THE MOUNTING BOLTS ARE NOT FLUSH WITH THE BRACKET. THIS COULD ... Read more
Consequence
BROKEN MOUNTING BOLTS COULD LEAD TO THE WINDSHIELD COMING LOOSE AND EVEN FALLING OFF THE BIKE, POTENTIALLY STRIKING THE RIDER OR OTHERWISE CAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKETS AND BOLTS ON THE WINDSHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-888-899-2997... Read more
03V039000 Feb 10, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH COMPUFIRE BRAND SERIES TYPE VOLTAGE REGULATORS, IF DAMAGED, THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN BECOME STUCK IN AN OPEN MODE THAT ALLOWS BATTERY VOLTAGE TO FLOW BACK THROUGH THE REGULATOR.
Consequence
THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REGULATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REGULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORC... Read more
02V144000 May 30, 2002
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE HANDLE BAR RISER TOP CLAMP COULD ALLOW EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE HANDLE BARS.
Consequence
LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL FIT THE MOTORCYCLES WITH A NEW RISER TOP CLAMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 31, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-408-846-7228.
02V124000 May 3, 2002
SUSPENSION:REAR
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MADE BY SWAY-A-WAY, THE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS TO THE SWING ARM COULD BREAK.
Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN THE COLLAPSE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT I... Read more
Complaint Statistics
22 total complaints
1 crashes
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR | 3 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 2 |
| SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER | 2 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 1 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION | 1 |
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Oct 17, 2002
Incident date: May 1, 2002
CONSUMER STATES HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE 2 RECALLS ON BIKE REPAIRED SINCE 05/02. RECALL IDS: 02V144000 AND 02V124000. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS REPEATEDLY ADVISED WAITING ON PARTS. CONSUMER FINALLY SPOKE WITH OWNER WHO BLAMED DELAY ON CERTAIN EMPLOYEES NO LONGER WORKING... Read more
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Oct 16, 2002
Incident date: May 8, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER, DEALER IS CHARGING FOR RECALL. MR
SUSPENSION:REAR
Aug 6, 2001
SHOCKS TEAR OUT OF FRAME WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP, REAR SWING ARM PIVOT SHAFT WANTS TO PULL IT FURTHER THAN THE SHOCK WILL ALLOW IT. *AK *SLC
SUSPENSION
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Jun 15, 2000
REAR SHOCK BOLTS ARE SHEARING OFF THE TOP. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPLACED SHOCKS ON EIGHT OCCASIONS. PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCING SEVERE SHAKING IN FRONT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH OR MORE, AND REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACE ON TWO OCCASIONS. BUT, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE FRONT MASTERCYLINDER FAILED. REAR PADS NEEDED REPLACING. REPLACE HEAD LIGHT BULB. *YH
SUSPENSION
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCING SEVERE SHAKING IN FRONT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH OR MORE, AND REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACE ON TWO OCCASIONS. BUT, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE FRONT MASTERCYLINDER FAILED. REAR PADS NEEDED REPLACING. REPLACE HEAD LIGHT BULB. *YH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Jun 12, 2001
Incident date: Mar 6, 2001
AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAI... Read more
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Jun 1, 2001
Incident date: May 11, 2001
5 SPEED TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUID. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER . *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Jun 1, 2001
Incident date: Sep 28, 2000
OIL LEAKAGES; VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER HAD FRONT AND REAR BRAKES SERVICE, FRONT MASTER CYLINDER REBUILT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FRONT ROCKER COVER LEKING, HEAD LIGHTS AND DRIVING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED, OIL LEAKING AT PUSH RODS.*J... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jun 1, 2001
Incident date: Sep 28, 2000
OIL LEAKAGES; VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER HAD FRONT AND REAR BRAKES SERVICE, FRONT MASTER CYLINDER REBUILT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FRONT ROCKER COVER LEKING, HEAD LIGHTS AND DRIVING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED, OIL LEAKING AT PUSH RODS.*J... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jun 1, 2001
Incident date: Sep 28, 2000
OIL LEAKAGES; VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER HAD FRONT AND REAR BRAKES SERVICE, FRONT MASTER CYLINDER REBUILT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FRONT ROCKER COVER LEKING, HEAD LIGHTS AND DRIVING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED, OIL LEAKING AT PUSH RODS.*J... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
Jun 1, 2001
Incident date: Sep 28, 2000
OIL LEAKAGES; VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER HAD FRONT AND REAR BRAKES SERVICE, FRONT MASTER CYLINDER REBUILT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FRONT ROCKER COVER LEKING, HEAD LIGHTS AND DRIVING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED, OIL LEAKING AT PUSH RODS.*J... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
Jun 1, 2001
Incident date: Sep 28, 2000
OIL LEAKAGES; VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER HAD FRONT AND REAR BRAKES SERVICE, FRONT MASTER CYLINDER REBUILT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FRONT ROCKER COVER LEKING, HEAD LIGHTS AND DRIVING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED, OIL LEAKING AT PUSH RODS.*J... Read more
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
Jan 18, 2001
Incident date: Dec 21, 2000
HANDLE BARS WILL PIVOT UP OR DOWN WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE BEING USED. ALL HAND CONTROLS ARE OUT OF REACH OF THE RIDER, AND THE RIDER CAN NOT STEER THE MOTORCYCLE. IF THEY SLIP DOWNWARD, AS WAS MY CASE, THE RIDERS LEGS CAN BE PINNED BY EITHER THIER OWN ARMS OR THE HANDLE BARS. THIS IS A DEFECT KNOWN ... Read more
Crash
Technical Service Bulletins, 1999 INDIAN CHIEF
8 manufacturer communications from 5 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | 3 |
| 022400 SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER | 1 |
| 102400 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT | 1 |
| 061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 1 |
| 350000 EQUIPMENT | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
IND-02-14-2022
Feb 14, 2022
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French.
IND-02-14-2022
Feb 14, 2022
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French.
IDH-HOLD
Mar 15, 2021
350000 EQUIPMENT
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
TSB-040903
Jul 22, 2009
022400 SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ON THE MOTORCYCLE CAN BE ADJUSTED FOR THE WEIGHT THE MOTORCYCLE IS CARRYING. TO ADJUST THE SHOCK ABSORBER SPRING, YOU WILL NEED AN APPROPRIATE SPANNER WRENCH. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *
TSB-040902
Jul 22, 2009
102400 POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL CHECK. MODEL AND MODEL YEARS NOT LISTED. *PE
TSB-040902
Jul 22, 2009
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL CHECK. MODEL AND MODEL YEARS NOT LISTED. *PE
SB-040901
Jul 1, 2009
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
SB-040901
Jul 1, 2009
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE
NHTSA Safety Investigations, INDIAN CHIEF
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE02037
Opened: Mar 26, 2002 , Closed: May 24, 2002
HANDLEBAR LOOSENING
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING ONE OWNER COMPLAINT REGARDING TWO INSTANCES OF HANDLEBAR LOOSENING ON A 2000 INDIAN CHIEF MODEL MOTORCYCLE.THIS WAS OCCURRING BECAUSE THE HANDLEBAR RISER CLAMP MATERIAL WAS TWW SOFT RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE NECESSARY TO FULLY SECURE THE H... Read more
PE01039
Opened: Nov 21, 2001 , Closed: Apr 30, 2002
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
SIX MANUFACTURER INCIDENTS OF BROKEN REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING BRACKETS AND FORTY-TWO OF BROKEN SHOCK BOLTS.THE ORIGINAL SWAY-AWAY REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS (IDENTIFIED BY A BLACK HOUSING) ARE NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE SUBJECT BIKES' GVWR.SHOCK BOTTOMING (I.E., COIL BIND) CONSEQUENTLY OCCURS AT ... Read more
INDIAN CHIEF - All Years Overview
Complete safety history for the INDIAN CHIEF across all model years (1999, 2022).
30
Total Recalls
99
Total Complaints
2
Investigations
4
Reported Crashes
2
Reported Fires
0
Reported Deaths
INDIAN CHIEF - Year by Year
Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.