2017 Indian Chief Vintage

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Structure is the leading concern among 1 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 4 Chief Vintage model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1
Primary concernStructure1 reports · 100% of complaints
Owner complaints1Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship2 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Structure1

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. Exterior lighting, headlightsOct 27, 2017

    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, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

    The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

    Campaign 17V682000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: structure

1 report, newest first. Show all

  1. Structure, Feb 10, 2018

    I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS BIKE NEW FROM LYNWOOD MOTOPLEX HERE IN THE STATE OF WA. IT NOW HAS ONLY 287 MILES ON IT AND THE SIDESTAND SPRING, PART NO. 7043056 BROKE IN HALF. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS RIDING AND TURNING LEFT THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH BY JACKNIFING THE MOTORCYCLE. VEHICLE WAS LUCKILY STATIONARY WHEN THIS OCCURED.