2017 Indian Chieftain problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Exterior Lighting (1)
Safety recalls (3)
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.
Exterior Lighting:headlights 2017-10-27 · campaign 17V682000 · 2,096 vehicles
Defect: Indian Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, and Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be equipped with a European-market, not US-market, halogen headlight assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Refl
Risk: The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-17-03.
Service bulletins (36)
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 36 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-09-13 · Exterior Lighting · 27,660 mi“the contact owns a 2017 indian chieftain motorcycle. the contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the high beam indicator warning light illuminated. the motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. the contact stated that an appointment was scheduled. additionally, the contact received notification…”
2019-12-03 · Unknown Or Other“i've received emails from polaris indicating active a recall but do not see the recall on your site when searching by vin.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.