2018 Indian Chieftain
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 1 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 5 Chieftain 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 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
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
1 report, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 3, 2021
The gear position indicator has been replaced multiple times, including the recall “fix” intended to remediate the incorrect readings. The continuing issue is that the indicator often senses neutral when the transmission is actually in 6th gear (the other gears are often incorrect but cause less of a safety issue)—the result is that cruise control cannot be used in 6th gear without substantial risk, as the computer will automatically deactivate the cruise control when the indicator bounces from 6th gear to neutral. When this happens, the bike quickly decelerates and can lurch, causing an extremely hazardous situation—this is especially concerning at highway speeds and/or in heavy traffic.