2015 Indian Chief Vintage
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Structure is the leading concern among 4 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 4 Chief Vintage model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 1 involved a crash.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, lighting control module, softwareAug 19, 2022
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.
The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Campaign 22V635000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderNov 2, 2015
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 15V721000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
2 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Sep 9, 2016
SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM ALLOWS SADDLEBAGS TO BECOME DISCONNECTED AND FALL OFF VEHICLE. LATCH MECHANISM APPEARS TO BE INEFFECTIVE WHEN BAGS ARE LOADED, OR ROUGH ROADS ENCOUNTERED. RIGHT SIDE SADDLEBAG HAD COME LOOSE 3 TIMES OVER A 2 MONTH PERIOD. ON A LONG TRIP, WHILE TRAVELLING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG FELL COMPLETELY OFF THE MOTORCYCLE, WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, ENDANGERING OTHER MOTORCYCLISTS AND HIGHWAY USERS BEHIND ME ON THE INTERSTATE. INTERNET SEARCHES FOLLOWING, INDICATE THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON ISSUE, WITH MULTIPLE REPORTS OF SADDLEBAGS FALLING OFF. AT LEAST TWO COMPANIES NOW MAKE AFTERMARKET ATTACHMENT SPOOLS TO PREVENT THIS, INDICATING THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT A NEED FOR AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS TO THE STOCK SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM.
Structure, Jun 29, 2016
WHILE RIDING MY INDIAN 2015 VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE, THE RIGHT HAND SADDLE BAG FELL OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING ME TO SUDDENLY HAVE TO REACT TO THE HAZARD BY SWERVING BUT HIT THE BAG ANYWAY, CAUSING THE BAG TO BE COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND UNDER CARRIAGE CONCERNS FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE, I FOUND THIS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE AMONG THIS MODEL. 2014 -2016 MODELS ARE ALL THE SAME, NO IMPROVEMENTS OFFERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON ENOUGH THAT SEVERAL AFTERMARKET COMPANIES HAVE DESIGNED A BETTER DESIGN THAT CAN BE PURCHASED FOR ABOUT $100.00 PER SIDE. THE FACTORY DESIGN IS WEAK AND PRONE TO CAUSE THE BAG TO ONLY BE PARTIALLY ATTACHED. HUNDREDS OF OWNERS HAVE HAD THE BAGS FALL OFF AND ESPECIALLY IF A MOTORCYCLE IS FOLLOWING IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLE DEADLY. THIS HAPPENED ON ROUTE 19 NORTH, APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES NORTH OF FAYETTEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA. A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELLING 65 MPH.