Body & structure
Filed Mar 30, 2026
The motorcycle has developed corrosion and rust on all bolts and exposed metal. There is rust and corrosion coming through the paint and powder coat, including on the frame in the recesses and bolt holes where the frame is bolted together; threads inside the frame where foot pegs and floor boards and accessories are installed; the shock mounts. I called Indian/Polaris about the issues and was told to take the motorcycle to a dealership so a case could be opened. Indian/Polaris denied any warranty work for being "to far outside warranty". The motorcycle has always been kept in an enclosed garage and cleaned and maintained. The rust and corrosion are not from environmental issues, the rust and corrosion are on the metal and coming through the paint. Frame corrosion is a safety hazard. There are several report and complaints with pictures from other Indian Chief owners on social media sites and forums. Because of the maximum number of files, I will attach the report I received from the local dealership and nine of the pictures I have taken. I have others pictures.
- NHTSA ID
- 11728076
- Incident
- Jan 4, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 29, 2022
At 70mph on I-95 in the outside lane between Rt 50 and Rt 46 in Titusville FL, the vehicle tipover sensor triggered causing the motorcycle to engine to shut down. The roads were clear and dry, it was night time with no streetlights. The motorcycle immediately began to slow down, causing cars to veer around us as we coasted off the road and onto the shoulder. We were able to clear the alert and get the motorcycle to our FL residence (We winter in FL, reside in MA). On the way home, it triggered two more times, but we were on surface roads with light traffic and were able to safely stop the motorcycle. The motorcycle was subsequently trailered to the closest Indian dealer (Daytona Beach, FL), where they have diagnosed some electrical issues, but have no cause or resolution to the triggered tipover sensor. The warning lamp had triggered twice previously, without shutting the motorcycle down, and both times the dealer (different dealer in Worcester, MA) said it was operator error, that I must have touched the kickstand while coming to a stop. This third event was the first where it shut down. The warning lamp illuminated for several seconds before the shutdown event occurred. I am aware of the fuel pump recall and am still awaiting parts for this repair. The dealer has confirmed that this is not a fuel pump failure event.
- NHTSA ID
- 11499309
- Incident
- Dec 8, 2022