RoadVitals

2015 Indian Chief Vintage

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.
4
Latest Nov 7, 2016
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.
2
Latest Aug 19, 2022
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

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage, most frequently naming the body & structure, other / unspecified and steering categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 22 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 & structure240.0%
  • Other / unspecified120.0%
  • Steering120.0%
  • Suspension120.0%

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

2 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
22V635000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Aug 19, 2022
28,689 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
The remedy: 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.
Indian Motorcycle CompanyManufacturer number 1-19-02View on NHTSA.gov
15V721000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Nov 2, 2015
7,614 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
Indian Motorcycle CompanyManufacturer number I-15-04View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

Filed Nov 7, 2016

ON TUESDAY SEPT 6, 2016 I WAS ON I 64 EAST HEADED TO WAYNESBORO VA FROM GEORGETOWN KY. A 407 MILE RIDE. ABOUT 320 MILES INTO TRIP MY RIGHT SIDE SADDLEBAG FELL OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE SHOULDER WAS TO STEEP FOR THE BIKE TO STAND ON ITS OWN. I FLAG HELP TOHELP WITH BIKE. CARS AND TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE DODGING THE SADDLEBAG. AFTER I GOT HELP HOLDING UP BIKE. I HAD TO RUN BACK DOWN HILL AND GO OUT INTO TRAFFIC TO RETRIEVE MY SADDLEBAG. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WHEN I GOT MY BAG SAFELY, I CHECKED TO SEE IF THE LATCHING MECHANISM WAS BROKE. BUT EVERYTHING WAS INTACT. THE BAG WASCRATCED UP PRETTY BAD. THE LEATHER CHEWED UP BUT EVERYTHING INSIDE WAS OK. I WENT BACK TO BIKE AND LATCHED IT BACK ON SIDE OF BIKE. AND CONTINUED MY TRIP BUT WAS PARANOID THE WHOLE TIME. POLARIS SAID IF BAGS ARE ATTACHED PROPERLY THEY CANT COME OFF BUT I KNOW THEY WILL. AFTER MARKET KITS ARE MADE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY WONT REPLACE OR REPAIR MY BAG AS THEY SAY ITS MY FAULT. I KNOW HOW TO INSTALL THE BAGS. IF THEY HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY PUT ON THEY WOULDNT HAVE RODE 320 MILES ON BUMPY I64. I HAD THIS BIKE FOR A YEAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I DONT BELIEVE POLARIS WANTS THE EXSPENSE OF RECALLING AND FIXING A PROBLEM THAT YHEY KNOW YHEY HAVE WITH THIS LOCKING LATCH MECHANISM. THE SERVICE DEPT AT THE INDIAN DEALER RECOMMENDED BUYING AN AFTER MARKET KIT TO BETTER SECURE THE BAGS. THIS MAKES NO SENSE IF THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE LATCHES. I KNOW THERES OTHER INCIDENCES OTHER THAN MINE. POLARIS HAS REPLACED BAGS IN OTHER INCIDENCES. PEOPLE WHO RIDE MOTORCYCLES HAVE TO BE VERY ALERT TO OBJECTS AND DEBRIS AND ANIMALS ON ROADWAY AS IT IS. DONT NEED THE WORRY AND DANGER OF BAGS FLYING OFF FOR NO GOOD REASON. I THINK POLARIS SHOULD RECALL AND INSTALL KITS TO MAKE SADDLEBSGS SAFE FOR TRAVELERS.

NHTSA ID
10924890
Incident
Sep 6, 2016
Mileage
11,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 9, 2016

SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM ALLOWS SADDLEBAGS TO BECOME DISCONNECTED AND FALL OFF VEHICLE. LATCH MECHANISM APPEARS TO BE INEFFECTIVE WHEN BAGS ARE LOADED, OR ROUGH ROADS ENCOUNTERED. RIGHT SIDE SADDLEBAG HAD COME LOOSE 3 TIMES OVER A 2 MONTH PERIOD. ON A LONG TRIP, WHILE TRAVELLING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG FELL COMPLETELY OFF THE MOTORCYCLE, WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, ENDANGERING OTHER MOTORCYCLISTS AND HIGHWAY USERS BEHIND ME ON THE INTERSTATE. INTERNET SEARCHES FOLLOWING, INDICATE THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON ISSUE, WITH MULTIPLE REPORTS OF SADDLEBAGS FALLING OFF. AT LEAST TWO COMPANIES NOW MAKE AFTERMARKET ATTACHMENT SPOOLS TO PREVENT THIS, INDICATING THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT A NEED FOR AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS TO THE STOCK SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM.

NHTSA ID
10905049
Incident
Jun 22, 2016
Mileage
12,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Jun 29, 2016

WHILE RIDING MY INDIAN 2015 VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE, THE RIGHT HAND SADDLE BAG FELL OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING ME TO SUDDENLY HAVE TO REACT TO THE HAZARD BY SWERVING BUT HIT THE BAG ANYWAY, CAUSING THE BAG TO BE COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND UNDER CARRIAGE CONCERNS FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE, I FOUND THIS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE AMONG THIS MODEL. 2014 -2016 MODELS ARE ALL THE SAME, NO IMPROVEMENTS OFFERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON ENOUGH THAT SEVERAL AFTERMARKET COMPANIES HAVE DESIGNED A BETTER DESIGN THAT CAN BE PURCHASED FOR ABOUT $100.00 PER SIDE. THE FACTORY DESIGN IS WEAK AND PRONE TO CAUSE THE BAG TO ONLY BE PARTIALLY ATTACHED. HUNDREDS OF OWNERS HAVE HAD THE BAGS FALL OFF AND ESPECIALLY IF A MOTORCYCLE IS FOLLOWING IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLE DEADLY. THIS HAPPENED ON ROUTE 19 NORTH, APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES NORTH OF FAYETTEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA. A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELLING 65 MPH.

NHTSA ID
10881438
Incident
Sep 20, 2015
Mileage
400 mi
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Mar 13, 2016
Crash reported

WHEN IN A ACCIDENT THE FRONT OF THE FRAME BREAKS OUT. THIS CAUSES THE FRONT END TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. LEAVING THE RIDER WITH NO CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE. AND EXPOSURE TO BODY INJURY AND POSSIBLE DEATH. IN THE LAST MONTH I HAVE LOCATED 6 BIKES THAT HAVE HAD THE ABOVE PROBLEM. I HAVE THE VIN # OF 4 OF THEN. INDIAN HAS CHANGED THE PART NUMBER ON THE FRAME SECTION, SO THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM THAT COULD RESULT IN THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER, THEY HAVE NOT MADE A RECALL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN I CALLED AND ASKED ABOUT THE CHANGE TO THE PART. THEY CLAIMED THE NEW PART WAS STRONGER. AND GAVE ME A CASE # AND SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME. 2 WEEKS LATER . THEY DID NOT.

NHTSA ID
10846296
Incident
Jun 23, 2015
Mileage
4,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

I-19-02-A/B/C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Indian Motorcycle has determined that an electrical defect may exist in 2014-2020 Heavyweight Air Cooled Indian Motorcycles, resulting in the unexpected loss of forward lighting. This defect may also cause heat damage to the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) and Pin 11 of the center VCM connector. Indian Motorcycle has released this bulletin with instructions to inspect the VCM connector for damage, update the VCM software, and replace the VCM and pin 11 connector if damaged.

I-22-03-02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Indian Motorcycle identified that on Indian Scout Models there is a potential for damage to occur to electrical hardware or the vehicle harness if the battery ground cable and ground joint is not connected properly. Damage can occur during procedures that require the battery cable to be disconnected or during battery removal and installation.

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.

I-20-06 R02

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 Full–Size (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM), and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Mentioned devices operate in restricted in Japan frequency of 433Hhz.

IDH-HOLD

EQUIPMENT

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

I-20-06 R01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 Full–Size (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM), and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Mentioned devices operate in restricted in Japan frequency of 433Hhz.

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 Vintage by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026010—
2020010—
2019010—
2018130—
2017120—
2016120—
2015Viewing420—
2014600—
2010000—
2009030—
2003030—
2002010—

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.