2019 Indian Chieftain problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/Center Stand (1) · Power Train (1) · Engine (1)
Safety recalls (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers 2019-12-11 · campaign 19V882000 · 5,474 vehicles
Defect: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain, Vintage, Roadmaster, Dark Horse, Springfield, and FTR1200 motorcycles. A 10A circuit breaker may be defective, tripping unexpectedly and causing a sudden loss of power and an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Indian will notify owners and provide a new 10A circuit breaker and installation instructions. Owners may choose to have the part installed at a dealership, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-05.
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:tail Lights 2019-08-29 · campaign 19V638000 · 3,594 vehicles
Defect: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain motorcycles. The tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Due to increased brightness, other drivers may have difficulties discerning the brake light from the tail light, and thus may be unaware that the motorcycle is braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module software to correct the rear tail light's intensity, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-04.
Service bulletins (30)
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.
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 30 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2021-05-23 · Power Train“reference 19v-776 recall campaign 2014-2019 indian motorcycle (111 c.i.) gear position switch. this switch was replaced under this recall in june 2020 at 250 miles. the same issue now is happening one year later at 15k miles. this fix from indian was not effective.…”
2020-09-14 · Engine · 17,800 mi“multiple time after having recall for 10a circuit breaker done bike has died on the freeway at speed as if out of gas once i pull over and turn it off and back on bike acts fine as though nothing happened i have taken it to north count indian wher i bought it and since they couldn't get it to repeat they stated fine and blew it off but bike has don…”
2019-09-24 · Structure:motorcycle:kickstand/Center Stand · 6,519 mi · 💥 crash“tl* the contact owns a 2019 indian chieftain. while riding 40 mph, the kickstand failed to retract when the motorcycle was started and placed into gear. the contact was unaware of the failure. while attempting to make a slight left turn, the kickstand dug into the roadway. as a result, the motorcycle flipped around 180 degrees, struck two mailboxes…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.