Every 2016 Indian Chieftain recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 22V635000
Aug 19, 2022Exterior Lighting:Lighting Control Module:Software
- 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.
- Risk
- The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
- 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.
Full recall details for 22V635000 →Electrical System · NHTSA 19V776000
Oct 29, 2019Electrical System
- 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.
- Risk
- If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Full recall details for 19V776000 →Engine and Engine Cooling · NHTSA 16V446000
Jun 17, 2016Engine and Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
- 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.
- Risk
- Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
- 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.
Full recall details for 16V446000 →Service Brakes, Hydraulic · NHTSA 15V721000
Feb 11, 2015Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall details for 15V721000 →
2016 Indian Chieftain complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Indian Chieftain. Indian has issued at least 32 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (20)
- Electrical System (14)
- Power Train (7)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (6)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (4)
- Exterior Lighting (2)
Read Indian Chieftain owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Indian Chieftain. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“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.”
2016 INDIAN CHIEFTAINOct 10, 2017
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11032653
Check your Chieftain by VIN
Not every 2016 Indian Chieftain is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Indian dealer.
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