RoadVitals

1999 Indian Chief

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.
9
Latest Oct 17, 2002
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.
4
Latest May 5, 2003
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.
2
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 9 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Indian Chief, most frequently naming the suspension, brakes and steering categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 5 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

  • Suspension526.3%
  • Brakes315.8%
  • Steering315.8%
  • Transmission210.5%
  • Engine210.5%
  • Exterior lighting210.5%
  • Electrical15.3%
  • Body & structure15.3%

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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
03V191000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

May 5, 2003
3,625 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN WINDSHIELDS THAT WERE SOLD AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THESE MOTORCYCLES OR SOLD AS ACCESSORIES FOR ALL OTHER CHIEF MODELS MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE BRACKETS. THE BRACKETS THAT ATTACH THE WINDSHIELD TO THE MOTORCYCLE ARE FORMED SUCH THAT THE MOUNTING BOLTS ARE NOT FLUSH WITH THE BRACKET. THIS COULD PLACE EXCESSIVE STRESS ON THE BOLTS CAUSING THEM TO BREAK.
The risk: BROKEN MOUNTING BOLTS COULD LEAD TO THE WINDSHIELD COMING LOOSE AND EVEN FALLING OFF THE BIKE, POTENTIALLY STRIKING THE RIDER OR OTHERWISE CAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKETS AND BOLTS ON THE WINDSHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 30, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-888-899-2997.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANYManufacturer number IMCSB-056View on NHTSA.gov
03V039000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

Feb 10, 2003
7,947 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH COMPUFIRE BRAND SERIES TYPE VOLTAGE REGULATORS, IF DAMAGED, THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN BECOME STUCK IN AN OPEN MODE THAT ALLOWS BATTERY VOLTAGE TO FLOW BACK THROUGH THE REGULATOR.
The risk: THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REGULATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REGULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-888-899-2997.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANYManufacturer number IMCSB-045View on NHTSA.gov
02V144000

STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

May 30, 2002
4,765 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE HANDLE BAR RISER TOP CLAMP COULD ALLOW EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE HANDLE BARS.
The risk: LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT THE MOTORCYCLES WITH A NEW RISER TOP CLAMP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 31, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-408-846-7228.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANYManufacturer number IMCSB-040View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE02037ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HANDLEBAR LOOSENING

Opened Mar 26, 2002
Closed May 24, 2002

ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING ONE OWNER COMPLAINT REGARDING TWO INSTANCES OF HANDLEBAR LOOSENING ON A 2000 INDIAN CHIEF MODEL MOTORCYCLE.THIS WAS OCCURRING BECAUSE THE HANDLEBAR RISER CLAMP MATERIAL WAS TWW SOFT RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE NECESSARY TO FULLY SECURE THE HANDLEBAR IN CERTAIN FORESEEABLE MANEUVERS.INDIAN IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE INFERIOR RISER CLAMP WITH ANOTHER OF MORE ROBUST MATERIAL.

STRUCTURELed to recall 02V144000
PE01039ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE

Opened Nov 21, 2001
Closed Apr 30, 2002

SIX MANUFACTURER INCIDENTS OF BROKEN REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING BRACKETS AND FORTY-TWO OF BROKEN SHOCK BOLTS.THE ORIGINAL SWAY-AWAY REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS (IDENTIFIED BY A BLACK HOUSING) ARE NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE SUBJECT BIKES' GVWR.SHOCK BOTTOMING (I.E., COIL BIND) CONSEQUENTLY OCCURS AT THE UPPER RANGE OF THE MACHINE'S WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY AND THE RESULTING LOADS BREAK THE SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKETS AND/OR BOLTS.INDIAN IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES TO INSTALL SHOCK ABSORBERS FROM PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION.THE PROGRESSIVES HAVE A GREATER LOAD CARRYING CAPABILTY AND MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY THE GOLD COLOR.WITH INDIAN'S RECALL, ODI IS CLOSING THIS PE.

SUSPENSIONLed to recall 02V124000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 9
Steering
Filed Oct 17, 2002

CONSUMER STATES HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE 2 RECALLS ON BIKE REPAIRED SINCE 05/02. RECALL IDS: 02V144000 AND 02V124000. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS REPEATEDLY ADVISED WAITING ON PARTS. CONSUMER FINALLY SPOKE WITH OWNER WHO BLAMED DELAY ON CERTAIN EMPLOYEES NO LONGER WORKING FOR DEALERSHIP. OWNER ADVISED WOULD ORDER PARTS AND CONSUMER HAS BEEN WAITING NOW FOR 3.5 WEEKS. TS

NHTSA ID
8021048
Incident
May 1, 2002
Suspension
Filed Oct 16, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER, DEALER IS CHARGING FOR RECALL. MR

NHTSA ID
8020965
Incident
May 8, 2002
Suspension
Filed Aug 6, 2001

SHOCKS TEAR OUT OF FRAME WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP, REAR SWING ARM PIVOT SHAFT WANTS TO PULL IT FURTHER THAN THE SHOCK WILL ALLOW IT. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ID
893454
Suspension
Filed Jun 12, 2001

REAR SHOCK BOLTS ARE SHEARING OFF THE TOP. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPLACED SHOCKS ON EIGHT OCCASIONS. PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ID
890230
Incident
Jun 15, 2000
BrakesSuspension
Filed Jun 12, 2001

MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCING SEVERE SHAKING IN FRONT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH OR MORE, AND REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACE ON TWO OCCASIONS. BUT, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE FRONT MASTERCYLINDER FAILED. REAR PADS NEEDED REPLACING. REPLACE HEAD LIGHT BULB. *YH

NHTSA ID
890212
Incident
Mar 6, 2001
Body & structureBrakesElectrical+5 more
Filed Jun 12, 2001

AT 4,000 MILES FRONT BRAKES WOULD FADE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN APPLIED. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK PROBLEMS WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER CAUSE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FLASH, FRONT BRAKES HAVE LOCKED UP THE FRONT WHEEL ON TWO OCCASIONS, REAR BRAKES HAVE FAILED COMPLETELY THREE OCCASIONS, FRONT ROTOR WARPED, REAR MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN REPLACED, FRONT MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED, REAR BRAKE PADS REPLACED. TAPPING NOISE IN ENGINE, DRIVE BELT NOISY, OIL LEAK, ENGINE BACKFIRES. REAR TURN SIGNAL LENS COLLECTS MOISTURE. HANDLE BAR MASTER BAD. BLOWN CLUTCH DUE TO ASSEMBLED WRONG IN FACTORY. FUEL TANKS REPLACED DUE TO CRACKS AROUND MOUNTING BRACKETS CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK ON THE HOT ENGINE. SHOCKS SQUEAK. IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. *SLC

NHTSA ID
890209
Incident
Mar 6, 2001
Transmission
Filed Jun 1, 2001

5 SPEED TRANSMISSION IS LEAKING FLUID. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE US WITH ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS MATTER . *AK

NHTSA ID
889555
Incident
May 11, 2001
BrakesEngineExterior lighting
Filed Jun 1, 2001

OIL LEAKAGES; VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK CONSUMER HAD FRONT AND REAR BRAKES SERVICE, FRONT MASTER CYLINDER REBUILT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, FRONT ROCKER COVER LEKING, HEAD LIGHTS AND DRIVING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED, OIL LEAKING AT PUSH RODS.*JB

NHTSA ID
889553
Incident
Sep 28, 2000

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-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

SB-040901

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS 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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025000—
2024000—
2023000—
2022220—
2021000—
2020000—
2019010—
2018030—
2017220—
2016010—
2015110—
2014020—
2013010—
2012010—
2003220—
2002441—
2001102141.7
2000404256.4
1999Viewing942—

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.