RoadVitals

2001 Indian Spirit

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 Sep 24, 2003
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 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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Indian Spirit, most frequently naming the body & structure, electrical and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 4 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 & structure125.0%
  • Electrical125.0%
  • Engine125.0%
  • Suspension125.0%

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

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
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
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
02V311000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Nov 15, 2002
5,464 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FASTENERS THAT BOLT THE WINDSHIELD TO THE MOUNTING CLAMPS CAN BREAK, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO COME PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY OFF THE BIKE.
The risk: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN USE, THE RIDER COULD BE INJURED BY THE WINDSHIELD.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 16, 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-050View 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

Body & structure
Filed Sep 24, 2003

CONSUMER RECEIVED ON 20,23003 A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER NHTSA# 03-V-286-000: THE WELD ATTACHING THE FENDER MOUNT TO THE FRONT FORK MAY CRACK AND BREAK. CALL THE DEALER TO ARRANGED AN APPOINTMENT GUEST WHAT DEALER STATED MANUFACTURER IS OUT OF BUSINESS AND YOU MUST PAID FOR THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
10040523
Incident
Sep 24, 2003
Engine
Filed Sep 8, 2003

I CURRENTLY (PURCHASED 9/2001) OWN A 2001 INDIAN SPIRIT MOTORCYCLE PURCHASED FROM THOMAS AUTOMALL IN COON RAPIDS, MN. THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL THROUGH THE OIL BREATHER/CARBUERATOR BLOW BY QUITE PROFUSELY. I HAVE HAD THE BIKE IN AT LEAST 5 TIMES (I DO HAVE DOCUMENTATION) FOR THIS PROBLEM. HE DEALERS (1 IN MINNEAPOLIS AND 3 IN PHOENIX) HAVE ALL STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND IT'S DESIGN (FOR PERFORMANCE) WILL CAUSE AN OIL LEAK. I HAVE RECENTLY SENT AN EMAIL TO THE ENGINE BUILDER (S&S MOTORS IN VIOLA, WI) NOTIFYING THEM OF THE PROBLEM. MY EMAIL WAS FORWARDED TO INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY IN WHICH THEY HAVE REPLIED THAT THEY REALIZE THE PROBLEM BUT DUE TO EPA STANDARDS (THEIR WRITTEN QUOTE FROM THE VP OF SERVICE WAS "WE ARE RUNNING A FINE LEGAL LINE" HERE) AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AN OIL LEAK CAN BE EXPECTED. (I DO HAVE COPIES OF THE EMAIL AND REPLY FYI). HERE'S WHERE I NEED YOUR ATTENTION (AND THAT OF OTHER OWNER/RIDERS) IS NOT ONLY IS THE OIL LEAK AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. THE OIL COMES OUT OF THE BREATHER/BLOW BY SYSTEM ONTO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE ENGINE/FRAME, EXHAUST SYSTEM, REAR BRAKE AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE REAR TIRE. I HAVE ALMOST DUMPED THE BIKE SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO GREASY REAR TIRE AND THE REAR BRAKE PERFORMS POORLY. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY AND IT'S DEALERS CANNOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM AS STATED. I AM LOOKING TO YOU FOR ASSISTANCE IN MAKING THESE PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. APPRECIATE YOUR PROMPT REPLY AND ATTENTION. SINCERELY, JERRY ANDERSON. *AK

NHTSA ID
10037450
Incident
Aug 25, 2003
Suspension
Filed Apr 3, 2002

THE VEHICLE WEAVES OUT OF CONTROL AT VARIABLE SPEEDS, THE 2002 MODELS ALL HAVE HAD REAR SWING ARM REDESIGNED AND STRENGHTENED BUT THESE WILL NOT FIT EARLIER MODELS. I BELIEVE THIS WEAVING IS CAUSED BY THE SWING ARM FLEXING. THIS WILL CAUSE CRASHES IN THE RIGHT SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES. I ALSO BELIEVE THE MANUFATURER KNOWS THIS AND THAT IS WHY THEY HAVE CHANGED THE DESIGN, BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED THIS IN THE EARLIER MODELS. THIS WEAKER SWING ARM DESIGN WAS USED ON 1999 TO 2001 SPIRITS, SCOUT, AND CHIEF MODELS. IT HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES ON FLAT DRY ROAD SURFACES WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES INFRONT TO CAUSE WIND DISTURBANCE, AND STRAIGHT AWAY ROADS. FLEXING BECOMES WORSE ON TURNS. THE CHANGE OF DESIGN SHOWS A KNOWLEGE ON THE PART OF THE MANUFACTURER, AS WELL AS THERE 2002 MODEL BROCHURES STATING THE RENFORCEMENT OF THE NEW SWING ARM, THAT THIS PROBLEM IS KNOW BUT IGNORED.

NHTSA ID
760180
Incident
Aug 8, 2001
Electrical
Filed Dec 12, 2001

HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH BATTERY. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED BATTERY, AND PROBLEM CONTINUED. *AK

NHTSA ID
8000676
Incident
Nov 29, 2001

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

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 Spirit by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003341—
2002572—
2001Viewing442—
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.