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: other or unspecified
1 report, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2016
ON TUESDAY SEPT 6, 2016 I WAS ON I 64 EAST HEADED TO WAYNESBORO VA FROM GEORGETOWN KY. A 407 MILE RIDE. ABOUT 320 MILES INTO TRIP MY RIGHT SIDE SADDLEBAG FELL OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE SHOULDER WAS TO STEEP FOR THE BIKE TO STAND ON ITS OWN. I FLAG HELP TOHELP WITH BIKE. CARS AND TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE DODGING THE SADDLEBAG. AFTER I GOT HELP HOLDING UP BIKE. I HAD TO RUN BACK DOWN HILL AND GO OUT INTO TRAFFIC TO RETRIEVE MY SADDLEBAG. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WHEN I GOT MY BAG SAFELY, I CHECKED TO SEE IF THE LATCHING MECHANISM WAS BROKE. BUT EVERYTHING WAS INTACT. THE BAG WASCRATCED UP PRETTY BAD. THE LEATHER CHEWED UP BUT EVERYTHING INSIDE WAS OK. I WENT BACK TO BIKE AND LATCHED IT BACK ON SIDE OF BIKE. AND CONTINUED MY TRIP BUT WAS PARANOID THE WHOLE TIME. POLARIS SAID IF BAGS ARE ATTACHED PROPERLY THEY CANT COME OFF BUT I KNOW THEY WILL. AFTER MARKET KITS ARE MADE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY WONT REPLACE OR REPAIR MY BAG AS THEY SAY ITS MY FAULT. I KNOW HOW TO INSTALL THE BAGS. IF THEY HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY PUT ON THEY WOULDNT HAVE RODE 320 MILES ON BUMPY I64. I HAD THIS BIKE FOR A YEAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I DONT BELIEVE POLARIS WANTS THE EXSPENSE OF RECALLING AND FIXING A PROBLEM THAT YHEY KNOW YHEY HAVE WITH THIS LOCKING LATCH MECHANISM. THE SERVICE DEPT AT THE INDIAN DEALER RECOMMENDED BUYING AN AFTER MARKET KIT TO BETTER SECURE THE BAGS. THIS MAKES NO SENSE IF THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE LATCHES. I KNOW THERES OTHER INCIDENCES OTHER THAN MINE. POLARIS HAS REPLACED BAGS IN OTHER INCIDENCES. PEOPLE WHO RIDE MOTORCYCLES HAVE TO BE VERY ALERT TO OBJECTS AND DEBRIS AND ANIMALS ON ROADWAY AS IT IS. DONT NEED THE WORRY AND DANGER OF BAGS FLYING OFF FOR NO GOOD REASON. I THINK POLARIS SHOULD RECALL AND INSTALL KITS TO MAKE SADDLEBSGS SAFE FOR TRAVELERS.