2000 Indian Chief

Complaint history

When NHTSA received these reports. Changes in reporting alone do not establish a change in failure rates.

Problems owners report

Listed groups have at least 3 complaints. The page includes the 20 largest groups plus any additional flagged groups; some complaints are not assigned to a group.

AI groups complaints by meaning; the groups are approximate. Share ratio compares the problem’s share of this vehicle’s complaints with its share on other vehicles over the last 24 months (shown from 3 recent complaints). A 2× ratio means twice the complaint share, not twice the failure risk. Flags mark unusual shares or recent surges after an AI review of the complaint content. “First signal” does not mean the pattern has persisted continuously.How recall estimates are calculated.

Recalls

• NHTSA recall #03V191000May 5, 20033,625 vehicles affected

  visibility: windshield

  Certain windshields that were sold as standard equipment on these motorcycles or sold as accessories for all other Chief models may have defective brackets. The brackets that attach the windshield to the motorcycle are formed such that the mounting bolts are not flush with the bracket. This could place excessive stress on the bolts causing them to break.

  Broken mounting bolts could lead to the windshield coming loose and even falling off the bike, potentially striking the rider or otherwise causing the rider to lose control of the motorcycle and crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will replace the brackets and bolts on the windshield. Owner notification began may 30, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Indian motorcycle at 1-888-899-2997.

• NHTSA recall #03V039000February 10, 20037,947 vehicles affected

  electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

  On certain motorcycles equipped with compufire brand series type voltage regulators, if damaged, the voltage regulator Can become stuck in an open mode that allows battery voltage to flow back through the regulator.

  This condition Can potentially cause the regulator to catch on fire.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the motorcycle and, if necessary, replace the regulator. Owner notification began february 14, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Indian motorcycle at 1-888-899-2997.

• NHTSA recall #02V144000May 30, 20024,765 vehicles affected

  steering: steering wheel/handle bar

  On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars.

  Loss of control of the motorcycle could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will fit the motorcycles with a new riser top clamp. Owner notification began may 31, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Indian motorcycle at 1-408-846-7228.

• NHTSA recall #02V124000May 3, 20024,590 vehicles affected

  suspension: rear

  On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by sway-a-way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could break.

  This could result in the collapse of the rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy

  Dealers will inspect the rear shock absorbers and replace them if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin during may 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Indian at 1-408-846-7228.