2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 3 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 3 Chieftain Dark Horse model years with reports.
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
Electrical systemApr 10, 2018
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch, potentially resulting in the motorcycle starting without the user's intent if the key fob is near the motorcycle and the required safety interlock conditions are met.
If the motorcycle starts unintentionally and is parked in an enclosed space, exposure to carbon monoxide may increase the risk of injury.
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right hand combination switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-18-04.
Campaign 18V228000 on NHTSA.gov
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
3 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2021
While riding the motorcycle the windshield adjustment motor failed to raise the windshield from a lowered position to a raised position resulting in exposing my head to road hazards. The worm gear carrier that articulates the windshield is made of weak plastic.
Power train, Jun 30, 2021
I am in cruise control 6th gear and it turns off and the bike is in neutral. I have to shift to 5th. The gear indicator is also slow to change to what gear I am in. I had the gear sensor replaced under a recall but it seems to be the cause of this.
Other or unspecified, Mar 8, 2020
I HAVE HAD THIS MOTORCYCLE FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR AND THE KICKSTAND SPRING BROKE INTO TWO PIECES. LUCKILY I WAS NOT RIDING WHEN IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE KICKSTAND WILL NOT STAY UP AND IF I WAS RIDING AND MADE A LEFT TURN WITHOUT KNOWING IT WAS DOWN I COULD HAVE BEEN THROWN FROM THE BIKE AND KILLED