2017 Indian Springfield problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline 2016-12-06 · campaign 16V877000 · 23,761 vehicles
Defect: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Vintage, Chieftan, Chieftan Dark Horse, Springfield and Roadmaster motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to July 15, 2016. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel rail may contact other components and result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will install a bracket that will limit movement of the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-03.
Service bulletins (35)
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.
Electrical System 2025-02-15 · IND-02.14.2025-05 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding the installation and removal of the battery on model year 2016+ indian springfield.
Power Train 2025-02-15 · IND-02.28.2025-04 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding inspection and tension adjustment of the drive belt on model year 2016+ indian springfield motorcycles.
Power Train 2025-02-15 · IND-02.14.2025-03 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding inspection and tension adjustment of the drive belt on model year 2016+ indian springfield motorcycles.
Service Brakes 2025-02-15 · IND-02-14-2025-02 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding inspection and maintenance on the brake system for model year 2016 + indian springfield motorcycles.
Power Train 2025-02-11 · IND-02.10.2025 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the clutch lever on model year 2016+ indian springfield motorcycles.
Power Train 2025-02-11 · IND-02.10.2025 · Other
this indian motorcycle help center article provides information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the clutch lever on model year 2016+ indian springfield motorcycles.
Showing the 6 most recent of 35 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2024-10-15 · Engine“traveling on interstate at freeway speeds (65 mph) when instrument cluster lights all lit up, started flashing, motorcycle lost power and all electronics shut off. fortunately was able to get to side of the interstate. started bike back up but it kept failing in the same manner. towed to dealer and they were unable to diagnose so they opened a ti…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.