RoadVitals

2009 Indian Chief Roadmaster

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1
Latest Sep 18, 2009
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Aug 30, 2013
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 1 NHTSA owner-reported complaint for the 2009 Indian Chief Roadmaster, most frequently naming the body & structure and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 7 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure150.0%
  • Steering150.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
13V391000

WHEELS:RIM

Aug 30, 2013
861 units potentially affected
The defect: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2009 Deluxe and Standard, 2009-2011 Roadmaster, 2009-2013 Vintage, 2010 Bomber, 2010-2013 Classic and Dark Horse, 2011 Blackhawk Dark and Blackhawk motorcycles. The rear rim may crack and cause a loss of air pressure.
The risk: The cracked rim can lead to a flat rear tire, which could cause the rider to lose control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear rim, free of charge. Indian mailed an interim letter to owners in September 2013. Parts are now available. A second notice was sent to owners during April 2014. Owners may contact Indian at 1-888-704-5290.
Indian Motorcycle CompanyView on NHTSA.gov
11V343000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

Jun 27, 2011
699 units potentially affected
The defect: POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 INDIAN MOTORCYCLES FOR THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) WHICH CAN CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT TO TURN OFF IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES. IF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS SLOWLY MOVED FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER (HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM OR LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM), BOTH BEAMS MAY BE ON MOMENTARILY AND THE BCM INTERPRETS THIS AS AN OVERLOAD CONDITION.
The risk: THE BCM TURNS OFF THE HEADLIGHT UNTIL THE NEXT TIME THAT THE KEY IS TURNED ON. THE UNEXPECTED LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLARIS AT 1-651-408-7579.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov
11V344000

STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE:KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND

Jun 27, 2011
699 units potentially affected
The defect: POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 INDIAN MOTORCYCLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 123, "MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE SIDE STAND MAY NOT FOLD REARWARD AND UPWARD IF IT CONTACTS THE GROUND WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS MOVING FORWARD.
The risk: IF THE STAND DOES NOT FOLD REARWARD AND UPWARD WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE MOVES FORWARD, THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE MOTORCYCLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE STAND FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INDIAN AT 651-408-7579.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANYView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureSteering
Filed Sep 18, 2009
Crash reported1 injury reported

WELD FAILURE ON THE FORK STOPS ON A 2009 INDIAN MOTORCYCLE. CAUSED THE MOTORCYCLE TO LOSE CONTROL ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND RESULTED IN A RIDER LOSING CONTROL AND CRASHING THE MOTORCYCLE. THE WELD ON THE FORK DOWN TUBE THAT PREVENTS THE HANDLE BARS FROM TURNING TOO FAR BROKE OFF AND CAUSED A RIDER TO CRASH. UPON INSPECTION OF THE WELD AFTER THE CRASH IT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE THAT THE WELD IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO HOLD THE FORK STOP IN PLACE. REVIEW OF THE CALL OUT SHEETS FOR THE ASSEMBLY OF THE BIKES CALLS FOR A 1/4 INCH WELD ALL THE WAY AROUND THE FORK STOP LUG. THIS LUG HAS A 1/16TH TACK WELD ON 3 SIDES. IT APPEARS TO BE A TACK WELD THAT WAS PUT ON TO HOLD THE LUG IN PLACE PRIOR TO FINAL WELD. THE PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED IS THAT WHEN THE WELD BREAKS IT ALLOWS THE BARS TO BE TURNED TOO FAR RESULTING IN AN ABILITY TO OVERSTEER THE MOTORCYCLE. I HAD THIS OVER STEER HAPPEN TO ME ON 3 OCCASIONS AND COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THE OWNER OF THE BIKE WAS NOT SO LUCKY. IT CAUSED HIM TO CRASH IN A LOW SPEED TURN. I KNOW OF 1 OTHER INCIDENT WHERE A RIDER WENT DOWN IN A LOW SPEED TURN WHILE ON A DEMO RIDE IN THE NORTH EAST AREA OF THE UNITED STATES. I CAN PROVIDE PICTURES OF THE LUG AND WELDS AND I CAN PROVIDE CALL OUT SHEETS FOR THE WELD FROM AN EARLIER VERSION OF THE FRAME THAT WAS ASSEMBLED IN GILROY, CALIFORNIA. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. THIS ISSUE REALLY CONCERNS ME AS THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL WHEN THE LUG MIGHT BREAK. IN THE WRONG CIRCUMSTANCES THE OVER STEER CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS POTENTIAL FOR BODILY INJURY. I HAVE CONTACTED MR. CHRIS BERNAUER THE GENERAL MANAGER OF INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS ABOUT THIS INCIDENT AND HE REFUSES TO DISCUSS IT WITH ME. I CAN ALSO TELL YOU INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY BOUGHT THE MOTORCYCLE BACK FROM THE OWNER MR. JOHN WHITE AND NOW HAS IT IN THEIR KINGS MOUNTAIN FACILITY. I SUSPECT PART OF THE BUY BACK AGREEMENT WAS AN NDA. I AM NOT BOUND BY ANY NDA AND RODE THE MACHINE 8700 MILE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10284497
Incident
Jul 17, 2009
Mileage
8,700 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

IND-02-14-2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; 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

EQUIPMENT

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.

TSB-I-14-02

WHEELS

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. AT TIME OF PRODUCTION, SOME MOTORCYCLES WERE ASSEMBLED USING REAR DEFECTIVE WHEEL, WHERE THE RIM IS CRACKED AND A LOSS OF PREMATURE AIR MAY OCCUR AND LOSE CONTROL. MODEL 2009-2013. *PE

I-14-02/A/B/C

WHEELS

MODELS BETWEEN 2008-2012 MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE REAR WHEEL. 06/19/14*LJ

TSB-040903

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. *PE

TSB-040902

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL; POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:LUBRICANT

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL CHECK. MODEL AND MODEL YEARS NOT LISTED. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Indian Chief Roadmaster by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019300—
2010000—
2009Viewing130—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.