Every 2018 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 →Electrical System · NHTSA 18V228000
Oct 4, 2018Electrical System
- Problem
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch, potentially resulting in the motorcycle starting without the user's intent if the key fob is near the motorcycle and the required safety interlock conditions are met.
- Risk
- If the motorcycle starts unintentionally and is parked in an enclosed space, exposure to carbon monoxide may increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right hand combination switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-18-04.
Full recall details for 18V228000 →Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 17V682000
Oct 27, 2017Exterior Lighting:Headlights
- 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."
- Risk
- The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Full recall details for 17V682000 →
2018 Indian Chieftain complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Indian Chieftain. Indian has issued at least 36 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
- Electrical System1
- Exterior Lighting1
- Power Train1
- Unknown Or Other1
- Vehicle Speed Control1
- Visibility/Wiper1
Service bulletins by component
- Equipment (98)
- Electrical System (95)
- Power Train (27)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (20)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (15)
- Structure (8)
Read Indian Chieftain owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Indian Chieftain. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“Loss of front lighting (headlight,Auxiliary lights). High Beam Indicator in dash blinking. Happened numerous times on trip. Would have been extremely dangerous in the dark. Being a motorcycle it makes it hard for other drivers to see me.”
2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN LIMITEDSep 4, 2022
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11482868
“The gear position indicator has been replaced multiple times, including the recall "fix" intended to remediate the incorrect readings.”
2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAINAug 3, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11427552
“While riding the motorcycle the windshield adjustment motor failed to raise the windshield from a lowered position to a raised position resulting in exposing my head to road hazards. The worm gear carrier that articulates the windshield is made of weak plastic.”
2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN DARK HORSEJul 26, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11426413
“I am in cruise control 6th gear and it turns off and the bike is in neutral. I have to shift to 5th. The gear indicator is also slow to change to what gear I am in. I had the gear sensor replaced under a recall but it seems to be the cause of this.”
2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN DARK HORSEJun 30, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11422889
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN LIMITED MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE SUDDENLY SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS HE COASTED TO THE SHOULDER AND RESTARTED THE MOTORCYCLE.”
2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN LIMITEDApr 19, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11412857
Check your Chieftain by VIN
Not every 2018 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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