2015 Indian Chief Vintage problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:body (2) · Wheels (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software 2022-08-19 · campaign 22V635000 · 28,689 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Fix: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder 2015-11-02 · campaign 15V721000 · 7,614 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (22)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Exterior Lighting 2022-08-29 · I-19-02-A/B/C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
indian motorcycle has determined that an electrical defect may exist in 2014-2020 heavyweight air cooled indian motorcycles, resulting in the unexpected loss of forward lighting. this defect may also cause heat damage to the vehicle control module (vcm) and pin 11 of the center vcm connector. ind
Electrical System 2022-03-22 · I-22-03-02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
indian motorcycle identified that on indian scout models there is a potential for damage to occur to electrical hardware or the vehicle harness if the battery ground cable and ground joint is not connected properly. damage can occur during procedures that require the battery cable to be disconnected
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2022-02-14 · IND-02-14-2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. the version has been translated into french.
Electrical System 2021-03-25 · I-20-06 R02 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
indian motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 fullâsize (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 challenger models sold in japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, vehicle control module (vcm) or wireless control module (wcm), and tire pressure monitor system (tpms)
Equipment 2021-03-15 · IDH-HOLD · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
effective immediately: stop sale on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
Electrical System 2021-03-09 · I-20-06 R01 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
indian motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 fullâsize (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 challenger models sold in japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, vehicle control module (vcm) or wireless control module (wcm), and tire pressure monitor system (tpms)
Showing the 6 most recent of 22 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2016-11-07 · Unknown Or Other · 11,000 mi“on tuesday sept 6, 2016 i was on i 64 east headed to waynesboro va from georgetown ky. a 407 mile ride. about 320 miles into trip my right side saddlebag fell off on the highway. i had to pull over to the shoulder. the shoulder was to steep for the bike to stand on its own. i flag help tohelp with bike. cars and tractor trailers were dodging the sa…”
2016-09-09 · Structure:body · 12,000 mi“saddlebag mounting system allows saddlebags to become disconnected and fall off vehicle. latch mechanism appears to be ineffective when bags are loaded, or rough roads encountered. right side saddlebag had come loose 3 times over a 2 month period. on a long trip, while travelling at 70 mph on the interstate, the right saddlebag fell completely off …”
2016-06-29 · Structure:body · 400 mi“while riding my indian 2015 vintage motorcycle, the right hand saddle bag fell off causing the vehicle following me to suddenly have to react to the hazard by swerving but hit the bag anyway, causing the bag to be completely destroyed and under carriage concerns for the other vehicle. after doing research on this issue, i found this to be a fairly …”
2016-03-13 · Wheels · 4,000 mi · 💥 crash“when in a accident the front of the frame breaks out. this causes the front end to separate from the motorcycle. leaving the rider with no control of motorcycle. and exposure to body injury and possible death. in the last month i have located 6 bikes that have had the above problem. i have the vin # of 4 of then. indian has changed the part…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.