NHTSA vehicle safety data
2016 Indian Chief Vintage Recalls & Complaints
The 2016 Indian Chief Vintage has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1 owner complaint on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Indian dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2016 Indian Chief Vintage. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2016 Indian Chief Vintage owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2016 Indian Chief Vintage, describing incidents dated September 6, 2016.
Most-cited components
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #10905684 · Filed
TAKATA RECALL THE RIGHT SIDE SADDLE BAG DETACHES FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 60 MPH CAUSING THE SADDLE BAG TO COME OFF OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND ONTO THE ROADWAY, THIS CAN RESULT IN INJURY TO THE RIDER OR OTHER PERSONS USING THE ROADWAY.THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS MATTER…
Electrical Failure May Cause Loss of Headlight
NHTSA #22V635000 · Exterior Lighting — Lighting Control Module — Software · NHTSA notice
Reported August 19, 2022 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 28,689 vehicles
Repair completion: 61.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Indian campaign 1-19-02 · Owners notified September 27, 2022
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Loss of Rear Brakes
NHTSA #15V721000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice
Reported November 2, 2015 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 7,614 vehicles
Repair completion: 91.58% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Indian campaign I-15-04 · Owners notified November 5, 2015 · Vehicles built January 2, 2015 – October 23, 2015 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other Indian Chief Vintage model years
Check your 2016 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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