NHTSA vehicle safety data
2017 Indian Chief Vintage Recalls & Complaints
The 2017 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 2017 Indian Chief Vintage. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2017 Indian Chief Vintage owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2017 Indian Chief Vintage, describing incidents dated February 10, 2018.
Most-cited components
- Structure 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11072100 · Filed
I RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS BIKE NEW FROM LYNWOOD MOTOPLEX HERE IN THE STATE OF WA. IT NOW HAS ONLY 287 MILES ON IT AND THE SIDESTAND SPRING, PART NO. 7043056 BROKE IN HALF. IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS RIDING AND TURNING LEFT THIS COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH BY JACKNIFING THE MOTORCYCLE. VEHICLE WAS…
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.
Incorrect Headlight Installed/FMVSS 108
NHTSA #17V682000 · Exterior Lighting — Headlights · NHTSA notice
Reported October 27, 2017 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 2,096 vehicles
Repair completion: 76.57% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Indian campaign I-17-03 · Owners notified December 6, 2017 · Vehicles built April 5, 2017 – August 16, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
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 2017 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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