Indian CHIEFTAIN problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
15 owner complaints analyzed
11 distinct recall campaigns
18,900 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2014 to 2024 model years. Data snapshot: . 10 complaints include usable failure mileage.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 15 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 3 | 20.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 6.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 6.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 5 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Structure:Motorcycle:Kickstand/Center Stand | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
Power Train: 5; Electrical System: 4; Exterior Lighting: 3; Engine: 2; Vehicle Speed Control: 2; Service Brakes: 1; Structure:Motorcycle:Kickstand/Center Stand: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 8 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 2 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (8). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 |
2014: 1; 2017: 2; 2018: 2; 2019: 3; 2020: 2; 2021: 3; 2024: 2
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11593130 · 2024-06-07 (June 7, 2024)
While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you’re at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!!
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11593130 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11120989 · 2018-08-20 (August 20, 2018)
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH A PASSENGER ON THE BIKE THAT I BELIEVE WAS CAUSED BY A LEAKING REAR BRAKE RESERVOIR. I APPROACHED A SWEEPING RIGHT HAND CURVE AND THE BIKE WOULD NOT TURN, WE WENT HEAD FIRST INTO A GUARDRAIL AT ABOUT 40MPH. I BELIEVE THE REAR BRAKE RESERVOIR LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON THE REAR TIRE WHILE IN THE TURN. POC SHOWS BLOWBACK OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE DRIVE BELT GUARD RIGHT BESIDE THE REAR TIRE. THE ONLY WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN IS WITH AIR MOVEMENT, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BIKE TO NOT TURN OR REACT, CAUSING THE CRASH.
Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11120989 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11427552 · 2021-08-03 (August 3, 2021)
The gear position indicator has been replaced multiple times, including the recall “fix” intended to remediate the incorrect readings. The continuing issue is that the indicator often senses neutral when the transmission is actually in 6th gear (the other gears are often incorrect but cause less of a safety issue), the result is that cruise control cannot be used in 6th gear without substantial risk, as the computer will automatically deactivate the cruise control when the indicator bounces from 6th gear to neutral. When this happens, the bike…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11427552 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11021332 · 2017-09-04 (September 4, 2017)
HEADLIGHT AND DRIVING LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE RIDING, THIS IS NOT A BURNED-OUT BULB. THE VCM WIRING CIRCUIT IS BURNED ON PIN #11. I READ OF AT THREE OTHER INDIAN'S WITH THIS ISSUE, READ ON: HTTP://WWW.CHIEFMOTORCYCLEFORUM.COM/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=8205.30
Owner-reported narrative. 17,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 11021332 at NHTSA ↗
Recalls by model year
All campaigns in the snapshot affecting each model year, including recalls announced years later.
Recall campaigns
Shared campaigns appear once in each affected model year.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 4 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 |
2014: 4; 2015: 4; 2016: 4; 2017: 3; 2018: 4; 2019: 3; 2023: 1; 2024: 2