2024 Indian Challenger Dark Horse
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 6 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 4 Challenger Dark Horse model years with reports.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Suspension, rearJul 23, 2024
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2024 Chieftain, Challenger, Pursuit, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. Please refer to the recall report for a complete list of model names. The rear suspension pushrod may buckle under load.
A rear suspension pushrod that buckles may pinch the main chassis harness, damage the coolant reservoir, damage the rear tire, or cause the motorcycle to bottom out under load. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will replace the rear suspension pushrod, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2024. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-24-07.
Campaign 24V550000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
3 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 13, 2026
2026 update Dealer replaced left front brake caliper and both front pad sets due to brake shudder; left brake caliper seized (warranty). Rotors not replaced, installed aftermarket at own expense. Dealer previously replaced left switch cube due to volume up stuck on (warranty). Motorcycles of dulles damaged covers and lost screw; indian of fredericksburg corrected cover issue. Engine experiencing significantly worsening overhead valvetrain rattle on acceleration and varying steady state rpm (dealer claims non issue). Amsoil 15w60 or indian oil change kits every 3-5k mi. Indicative of excessive valve lash/low oil pressure (no light). Experiencing failing torque limiting gear (2nd occurence); previously replaced (warranty). Hard starts and stalling starter; issue persistent since less than 1000mi Experiencing significant suspension clunk due to worn plastic bushings on rear suspension components and loose upper shock pin in frame (20025 mi). Last clean and lubrication at 15xxx mi; frame is worn, upper pin rotates freely on a stand Experiencing Ride Command touch malfunction, enters widget setup menu at random on applicable screens. (Dealer could not duplicate, I have video of the issue) Experiencing ride command failing to produce sound on numerous occasions, no am/fm or bluetooth; multiple reboots. Experiencing no-nav capability post 2025 maps update. Update disables offline maps, USB output insufficient to keep devices charged. Experienced water intrusion on speedometer and tachometer post wet weather ride. (Not addressed) Tank paint does not match, bluegrey vs black; dealer previously asked if it was laid down...no.i bought it on a cloudy day and didnt realize the mismatch. Oem windscreen damaged by dealer prep, overtighened screws, not addressed. Replaced at own expense. Discovered rubbing wires under fairing, no conductor showing, corrected. 18xxx mi
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2025
Accessory and infotainment control wiring harness contain sub-par conductors prone to breakage and/or short circuit. My vehicle was purchased in August 2024. In September 2024 I had a wire break inside the insulation for one of the speakers at the bend point next to the saddlebag hinge; this was not a safety issue, but noted. In early November 2024, I began having issues with the infotainment control switch on the left handlebar switch pod. The audio volume would randomly increase volume, any attempting to trigger the volume switch in the opposite direction would serve no results to include mute/pause. Upon initial inspection, manipulation of that switch harness near the handlebar clamp on the triple-tree would result in similar affects or correct the difficiency. After researching, indian previously released a dealer communication that specified the proper mounting of the handlebar harnesses due to knowing well there was a conductor breakage issue. While I have not corrected the issue, it is extremely distracting to have the powerband audio increase to max volume while in motion. The only means to correct the problem is to pull over and manipulate the infotainment screen or mobile device. This not an isolated issue, other owners have reported similar issues to including other necessary functions such as turn signals and power switches, occasionally rendering the vehicle stranded and unable to start. The latter is a safety/distraction issue that need to be addressed.
Electrical system, Engine, Feb 5, 2025
Despite the type, brands, or age of battery, the vehicle frequently fails to start; multiple attempts must be made to start the engine unless the charge gets depleted to an unrecoverable level. Disconnecting the battery to eliminate any parasitic draw issues, temperatures below 60°F present significant starting issues. The vehicle was purchased in August 2024, the original AGM battery frequently failed to start beginning December 2024. Two different lithium batteries were installed and another common off the shelf AGM, same problem. There is an apparent issue with the starting system as the starter frequently stalls on a compression stroke and pulling the voltage so low the ECU shuts down; the torque limiting gear does not slip. Occasionally, the engine will spin over just fine, but that's a rare case. This is NOT a WCM issue, the battery remains disconnected and on a maintainer.