2015 Indian Chieftain
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 2 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 5 Chieftain model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 1 involved a crash. 2 people were injured.
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 systemOct 29, 2019
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.
Campaign 19V776000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust systemJun 17, 2016
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.
Campaign 16V446000 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: service brakes
1 report, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Aug 20, 2018, crash
I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH A PASSENGER ON THE BIKE THAT I BELIEVE WAS CAUSED BY A LEAKING REAR BRAKE RESERVOIR. I APPROACHED A SWEEPING RIGHT HAND CURVE AND THE BIKE WOULD NOT TURN, WE WENT HEAD FIRST INTO A GUARDRAIL AT ABOUT 40MPH. I BELIEVE THE REAR BRAKE RESERVOIR LEAKED BRAKE FLUID ON THE REAR TIRE WHILE IN THE TURN. POC SHOWS BLOWBACK OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE DRIVE BELT GUARD RIGHT BESIDE THE REAR TIRE. THE ONLY WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN IS WITH AIR MOVEMENT, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BIKE TO NOT TURN OR REACT, CAUSING THE CRASH.