2015 Indian CHIEFTAIN: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
2 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
27,700 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2015 model year. Data snapshot: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 2 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 100.0% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
Electrical System: 1; Service Brakes: 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 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 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: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 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 (1). 0 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 |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
2018: 1; 2021: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 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.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
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 11414900 · 2021-05-03 (May 3, 2021)
1) PRESSED IGNITION BOTTON TO TURN BIKE OFF AND BIKE STAYED ON. 2) ABS INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON. 3) SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO WHILE RIDING. 4) RADIO JUST STOPPED WORKING NO INDICATION ON DASHBOARD WHILE RIDING.
Owner-reported narrative. 35,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11414900 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
15V721000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder
Reported: 2015-11-02 (November 2, 2015)
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and 2016 Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured January 2, 2015, to October 23, 2015. Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power.
Consequence: A full or partial loss of rear braking power may lengthen the distance needed to slow or stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-15-04.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V446000 · Electrical System:Ignition | Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
Reported: 2016-06-17 (June 17, 2016)
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
Consequence: Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.
NHTSA campaign record ↗19V776000 · Electrical System | Power Train:Manual Transmission
Reported: 2019-10-29 (October 29, 2019)
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
Consequence: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V635000 · Exterior Lighting:Lighting Control Module:Software | Exterior Lighting:Headlights
Reported: 2022-08-19 (August 19, 2022)
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.
Consequence: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-339.
NHTSA campaign record ↗