2024 Indian Challenger Dark Horse Owner Complaints

2026 update Dealer replaced left front brake caliper and both front pad sets due to brake shudder; left brake caliper seized (warranty). Rotors not replaced, installed aftermarket at own expense. Dealer previously replaced left switch cube due to volume up stuck on (warranty). Motorcycles of dulles damaged covers and lost screw; indian of fredericksburg corrected cover issue. Engine experiencing significantly worsening overhead valvetrain rattle on acceleration and varying steady state rpm (dealer claims non issue). Amsoil 15w60 or indian oil change kits every 3-5k mi. Indicative of excessive valve lash/low oil pressure (no light). Experiencing failing torque limiting gear (2nd occurence); previously replaced (warranty). Hard starts and stalling starter; issue persistent since less than 1000mi Experiencing significant suspension clunk due to worn plastic bushings on rear suspension components and loose upper shock pin in frame (20025 mi). Last clean and lubrication at 15xxx mi; frame is worn, upper pin rotates freely on a stand Experiencing Ride Command touch malfunction, enters widget setup menu at random on applicable screens. (Dealer could not duplicate, I have video of the issue) Experiencing ride command failing to produce sound on numerous occasions, no am/fm or bluetooth; multiple reboots. Experiencing no-nav capability post 2025 maps update. Update disables offline maps, USB output insufficient to keep devices charged. Experienced water intrusion on speedometer and tachometer post wet weather ride. (Not addressed) Tank paint does not match, bluegrey vs black; dealer previously asked if it was laid down...no.i bought it on a cloudy day and didnt realize the mismatch. Oem windscreen damaged by dealer prep, overtighened screws, not addressed. Replaced at own expense. Discovered rubbing wires under fairing, no conductor showing, corrected. 18xxx mi

NHTSA ID

11730976

Incident

Apr 1, 2026

16,328mi. Vehicle has been into two different dealerships with engine nosie concerns, 3 times total, at the top and bottom ends on right side; each said "normal." Rider opinion: when in comparison to other same model/year bikes DO NOT make the same rattling; i recently made an appointment again for september 16th to address this issue and others under warranty including a sticking throttle (second occurrence). Today, 1 September 2025, the engine hesitated twice pulling onto highway maintaining appx 75mph matched with traffic, I didnt notice any sound or signs of engine issues; continued for another 18mi. Pulled onto offramp and noticed oil all over the front crank cover area as well as a grinding noise from emanating from the cover as well as a notable vibration in the handlebars; oil was all over the exhaust and right side of the motorcycle including the tire and drive belt. Due to the location, shutting the bike down would be a hazard, continued down the road approximately a half mile, noting more hesitation, noise, and oil smoke/smell. I removed the "indian" trim piece covering the front crank bolt end area to find the crank bolt had backed out completely and was rolling around in the front cover after it broke a hole in the front cover. Oil was actively spraying out of that hole onto the exhaust and entire side and underbody of the motorcycle. Active dripping noted from entirety of exhaust on the right hand side of the motorcycle and visibly burned oil residue/carbon on exhaust pipe; unsure if there was any flame. Due to a federal holiday, insurance/roadside assistance was used to transport the vehicle back to my home address This could have caused a major acccident if engine seizure, timing component failure, fire, or major loss of traction had occurred. I did note tire slippage when pulling into the parking lot, ABS activated briefly. There ar public accounts of this in 2024 Indian Challengers, this needs addressed before it causes a serious issue.

NHTSA ID

11684334

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Metzler Cruisetec 130/60B19 66H; OEM fitted new. These tires are not covered by Metzler warranty due to being OEM fitted. Indian dealerships are refusing to replace abnormally wearing tires citing a wear item despite knowing of the issue. Metzler communications indicate any unusual vibrations, noises, etc being emitted by their tires are failure indicators and would otherwise be covered by Metzler warranty. The safety concern is related to known tread separation issues with multiple models of Metzler tires, the Cruisetec has not been named, but warrant investigation. I did not encounter tread separation as I've replaced the tires already. Many riders communicate the same issues to include 1 tread separation and tread/sidewall separation.

NHTSA ID

11641000

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

Accessory and infotainment control wiring harness contain sub-par conductors prone to breakage and/or short circuit. My vehicle was purchased in August 2024. In September 2024 I had a wire break inside the insulation for one of the speakers at the bend point next to the saddlebag hinge; this was not a safety issue, but noted. In early November 2024, I began having issues with the infotainment control switch on the left handlebar switch pod. The audio volume would randomly increase volume, any attempting to trigger the volume switch in the opposite direction would serve no results to include mute/pause. Upon initial inspection, manipulation of that switch harness near the handlebar clamp on the triple-tree would result in similar affects or correct the difficiency. After researching, indian previously released a dealer communication that specified the proper mounting of the handlebar harnesses due to knowing well there was a conductor breakage issue. While I have not corrected the issue, it is extremely distracting to have the powerband audio increase to max volume while in motion. The only means to correct the problem is to pull over and manipulate the infotainment screen or mobile device. This not an isolated issue, other owners have reported similar issues to including other necessary functions such as turn signals and power switches, occasionally rendering the vehicle stranded and unable to start. The latter is a safety/distraction issue that need to be addressed.

NHTSA ID

11640997

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

Despite the type, brands, or age of battery, the vehicle frequently fails to start; multiple attempts must be made to start the engine unless the charge gets depleted to an unrecoverable level. Disconnecting the battery to eliminate any parasitic draw issues, temperatures below 60°F present significant starting issues. The vehicle was purchased in August 2024, the original AGM battery frequently failed to start beginning December 2024. Two different lithium batteries were installed and another common off the shelf AGM, same problem. There is an apparent issue with the starting system as the starter frequently stalls on a compression stroke and pulling the voltage so low the ECU shuts down; the torque limiting gear does not slip. Occasionally, the engine will spin over just fine, but that's a rare case. This is NOT a WCM issue, the battery remains disconnected and on a maintainer.

NHTSA ID

11640996

Incident

Dec 14, 2024

Cruisetech 130/60B19 66H front. Tire irregular wear and vibration on a 2024 indian challenger motorcycle; original equipment installed tire as delivered. Metzler denied warranty replacement due to OEM, also not covered under vehicle manufacturers warranty citing as a wear item. 6600mi, purchase date August 2024, 0 miles. Tire is a 12000mi left expected with over 50% tread remaining.

NHTSA ID

11638659

Incident

Jan 1, 2025