Every 2019 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 19V882000
Nov 12, 2019Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses and Circuit Breakers
- Problem
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain, Vintage, Roadmaster, Dark Horse, Springfield, and FTR1200 motorcycles. A 10A circuit breaker may be defective, tripping unexpectedly and causing a sudden loss of power and an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Indian will notify owners and provide a new 10A circuit breaker and installation instructions. Owners may choose to have the part installed at a dealership, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-05.
Full recall details for 19V882000 →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 →Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 19V638000
Aug 29, 2019Exterior Lighting:Tail Lights
- Problem
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain motorcycles. The tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed. 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
- Due to increased brightness, other drivers may have difficulties discerning the brake light from the tail light, and thus may be unaware that the motorcycle is braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module software to correct the rear tail light's intensity, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-04.
Full recall details for 19V638000 →
2019 Indian Chieftain complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Indian Chieftain, reporting 1 crashes, 1 injuries. Indian has issued at least 30 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 System4
- Engine2
- Power Train2
- Structure1
- Unknown Or Other1
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (34)
- Equipment (32)
- Power Train (10)
- Service Brakes (5)
- Equipment Adaptive/Mobility (4)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (3)
Read Indian Chieftain owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Indian Chieftain. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
“The motorcycle will lose all power and completely shut down. This will happen when the battery voltage meter indicates full voltage. This happened multiple times on our 2022 trip and again on our 2023 trip despite having the issue diagnosed at a dealer.”
2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN CLASSICAug 26, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11683291
“The contact owns a 2019 Indian Chieftain Darkhorse. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and shifting into the next gear, the gear shift lever was not showing which gear the vehicle was driving in.”
2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN DARK HORSEMar 13, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11577177
Injury reportedCrash
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN. WHILE RIDING 40 MPH, THE KICKSTAND FAILED TO RETRACT WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SLIGHT LEFT TURN, THE KICKSTAND DUG INTO THE ROADWAY.”
2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAINSep 24, 2019
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11257606
“Gear shifter had a recall that was fixed however I just purchased this bike and is having the same issues again. The display indicates the wrong gear.”
2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN DARK HORSEMar 1, 2024
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11574983
“Reference 19V-776 recall campaign 2014-2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c.I. gear position switch. This switch was replaced under this recall in June 2020 at 250 miles. The same issue now is happening one year later at 15k miles. This fix from Indian was not effective.”
2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAINMay 23, 2021
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11418209
Check your Chieftain by VIN
Not every 2019 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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