RoadVitals

2002 Indian Scout

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.
6
Latest Mar 12, 2010
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.
7
Latest Aug 4, 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 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Indian Scout, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, body & structure and brakes categories. 7 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

  • Exterior lighting538.5%
  • Body & structure215.4%
  • Brakes215.4%
  • Fuel system215.4%
  • Suspension17.7%
  • Transmission17.7%

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

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

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
03V286000

STRUCTURE

Aug 4, 2003
6,570 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WELD ATTACHING THE FENDER MOUNT TO THE FRONT FORK MAY CRACK AND BREAK.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE FENDER MOUNT TO FAIL RESULTING IN THE FENDER COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL, RESULTING IN THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL BOLT A BRACKET ONTO EACH FRONT FORK. THIS BRACKET WILL HOLD THE FENDER MOUNT IN PLACE EVEN IF THE WELD FAILS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN AT 1-888-899-2997.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANYManufacturer number IMCSB-058View on NHTSA.gov
03V258000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Jul 22, 2003
6,173 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BRACKET USED TO SUPPORT THE TEARDROP HEADLIGHT CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE BRACKET TO BREAK AND THE LIGHT TO SLIP OUT OF POSITION OR FALL OFF.
The risk: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT IMC AT 1-888-899-2997.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANYManufacturer number IMCSB-057View on NHTSA.gov
03V130000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

Apr 4, 2003
1,643 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, DUE TO THE POSITIONING OF THE GAS TANK VENT TUBE, THE VENT TUBE CAN BECOME CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS, PARTICULARLY IN WET WEATHER. VENT TUBE CLOGGING CAN CAUSE INTERRUPTION OF FUEL FLOW TO THE CARBURETOR, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STOP. A CLOGGED VENT TUBE MAY ALSO CAUSE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE GAS TANK AND PUSH A SMALL AMOUNT OF GAS OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER CAP SEAL.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENT OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT VENT TUBE WITH A LONGER TUBE REPOSITIONED TO PREVENT CLOGGING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 28, 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-054View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

PE03024ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

HEADLIGHT SEPARATES

Opened Jun 4, 2003
Closed Aug 11, 2003

ODI AND INDIAN RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 6 REPORTS ALLEGING THE TEARDROP-SHAPED HEADLIGHT WAS SEPARATING FROM ITS RETAINING BRACKET ON THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES.SHORTLY AFTER OPENING THIS PE, INDIAN RECALLED THE VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.ODI HAS CONFIRMED INDIAN'S CLAIM THAT THIS PROBLEM RELATES ONLY TO THOSE MODELS WITH TEARDROP HEADLIGHT BUCKET.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSLed to recall 03V258000
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

Exterior lighting
Filed Mar 12, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INDIAN SCOUT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH THE FRONT EXTERIOR HEADLIGHT MOUNTING BRACKET FELL FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE SHOP WHERE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS WELDED BACK ONTO THE MOTORCYCLE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. LATER, THE HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL ONLINE PERTAINING TO THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V258000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS), HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE COMPANY WAS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY RECALL REPAIRS. THEY ADVISED MAKING THE REPAIRS AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. TO DATE, THE CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THE CORRECT REPAIRS MADE UNDER THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 6,800. UPDATED 06/25/10.8JB

NHTSA ID
10319224
Incident
Jan 1, 2010
Mileage
6,800 mi
Body & structureFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Dec 3, 2003

THE CONSUMER WENT TO A INDIAN DEALERSHIP TO TAKE CARE OF RECALLS FOR THE HEADLAMP AND GASOLINE BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALLS DUE TO THE FACT THAT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WAS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. *AK THE FRONT FENDER HAD THE POTENTIAL TO FALL. *SCC *JB *JB

NHTSA ID
10040485
Incident
Aug 12, 2003
Body & structureExterior lighting
Filed Oct 9, 2003

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTERS 03V286000 AND 03V258000 FROM INDIAN MOTORCYCLES. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THESE RECALLS. MANUFACTURER FILED BANKRUPTCY.*AK

NHTSA ID
10042655
Incident
Oct 9, 2003
BrakesFuel systemTransmission
Filed Sep 23, 2003
Crash reported

PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND GAS TANK VENT TUBE. *MR 05/15/03 MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE GAS TANK VENT TUBE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC OVERLOOKED THE MOTORCYCLE AND STATED IT WAS FINE. 05/24/03 ENGINE FAILED IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE-MOTORCYCLE AT 60 MPH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. 08/30/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER THREE MONTHS WITHOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE RECALL WAS WHY THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH, THEY LENGTHEN THE TUBE WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT BECAME PINCHED IN THE WIRE TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN THE BIKE STALLING AND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS CAP. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION SPILLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLUID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. 09/02/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO MORE RECALLS REGARDING THE FENDER AND HEADLIGHT FALLING OFF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT KNOWN ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALLS. *PH *JB *SC

NHTSA ID
10041858
Incident
May 3, 2003
Exterior lighting
Filed Sep 23, 2003

DEALERSHIP WAS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL 03V258000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKING. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T PERFORM ANY INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RECALL REPAIRS. *AK

NHTSA ID
10040428
BrakesExterior lightingSuspension
Filed Dec 30, 2002

CONSUMER NOTICED A CRACK IN THE VEHICLES HEAD LIGHT, WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PART, BUT IT CRACKED AGAIN. TS THE HEAD LIGHT BRACKET CONTINUOUSLY BREAKS. THE BRAKE DUST BOOT HAD FALLEN OFF, AND THE REAR SHOCKS LEAKED. SCC

NHTSA ID
10001636
Incident
Nov 30, 2002
Mileage
5,800 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-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

007

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND DRIVE BELT TENSION ADJUSTMENT FOR A NOISY MISALIGNED DRIVE BELT. *TT

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 Scout by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025410—
2024000—
2023100—
2022110—
2021110—
2020000—
2019030—
2018220—
2017020—
2016610—
2015820—
2003241—
2002Viewing672—
2001972—
2000012—
1999012—

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.