2016 Indian Chieftain problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Electrical System (1)
Safety recalls (4)
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.
Electrical System 2019-10-29 · campaign 19V776000 · 52,745 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Electrical System:ignition 2016-06-17 · campaign 16V446000 · 18,383 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
Fix: 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.
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 (32)
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.
Power Train 2025-03-12 · IND-03.11.2025-2 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article contains information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the clutch lever on 2014+ chieftain motorcycles.
Electrical System 2025-03-12 · IND-03.11.2025-1 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding removal and installation of the battery on 2014+ chieftain motorcycles.
Power Train 2025-03-05 · IND-03.04.2025 · Other
this indian motorycle help center article provides information regarding inspection and tension adjustment of the drive belt on 2014+ chieftain motorcycles.
Service Brakes 2025-02-13 · IND-02.12.2025 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding brake inspection and maintenance regarding 2014+ indian chieftain motorcycles.
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
Showing the 6 most recent of 32 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2017-10-10 · Electrical System · 7,500 mi“my 2016 indian chieftain that has @7500 miles display flickers. this happens when the throttle is operated in all conditions. i have been informed that numerous chieftains were in the shop for the same reason. it's been in the shop since september 29th.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.