NHTSA vehicle safety data
2003 Indian Chief Vintage Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2003 Indian Chief Vintage has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 0 owner complaints on file as of October 16, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Indian dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2003 Indian Chief Vintage. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
NHTSA #03V258000Reported July 22, 2003 · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
Potentially affected: 6,173 vehicles
Defect description
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BRACKET USED TO SUPPORT THE TEARDROP HEADLIGHT CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE BRACKET TO BREAK AND THE LIGHT TO SLIP OUT OF POSITION OR FALL OFF.
Safety consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT IMC AT 1-888-899-2997.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NHTSA #03V173000Reported May 5, 2003 · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
Potentially affected: 1,979 vehicles
Defect description
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, DUE TO THE POSITIONING OF THE GAS TANK VENT TUBE, THE VENT TUBE CAN BECOME CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS, PARTICULARLY IN WET WEATHER. VENT TUBE CLOGGING CAN CAUSE INTERRUPTION OF FUEL FLOW TO THE CARBURETOR, CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO STOP. A CLOGGED VENT TUBE MAY ALSO CAUSE PRESSURE TO BUILD UP IN THE GAS TANK AND PUSH A SMALL AMOUNT OF GAS OUT OF THE FUEL FILLER CAP SEAL.
Safety consequence
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENT OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT VENT TUBE WITH A LONGER TUBE REPOSITIONED TO PREVENT CLOGGING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 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.
Notes
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
EQUIPMENT
NHTSA #03V132000Reported April 3, 2003 · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
Potentially affected: 70 vehicles
Defect description
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY DESIGNED FRONT AND REAR ENGINE GUARDS, THE GUARDS DO NOT ALLOW SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE MOTORCYCLE AND THE GROUND DURING ROUTINE CORNERING.
Safety consequence
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Manufacturer remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CURRENT ENGINE GUARDS AND GIVE THE OWNERS A $250 CREDIT TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THEIR MOTORCYCLES. REDESIGNED ENGINE GUARDS WILL BE PROVIDED IN APPROXIMATELY 90 DAYS. THE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF THESE GUARDS WILL BE PERFORMED WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 28, 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.
Notes
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RECALL BULLETIN NO. IMCSB-053. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Other Indian Chief Vintage model years
Check your 2003 Indian Chief Vintage VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Indian Chief Vintage at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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