NHTSA vehicle safety data
2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Recalls & Complaints
The 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 3 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Indian dealer.
NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse owner complaints
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, describing incidents dated March 8, 2020 to July 25, 2021.
Most-cited components
- Power Train 1 complaint
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
- Visibility/Wiper 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11426413 · Filed
While riding the motorcycle the windshield adjustment motor failed to raise the windshield from a lowered position to a raised position resulting in exposing my head to road hazards. The worm gear carrier that articulates the windshield is made of weak plastic.
ODI #11422889 · Filed
I am in cruise control 6th gear and it turns off and the bike is in neutral. I have to shift to 5th. The gear indicator is also slow to change to what gear I am in. I had the gear sensor replaced under a recall but it seems to be the cause of this.
ODI #11316833 · Filed
I HAVE HAD THIS MOTORCYCLE FOR LESS THAN 1 YEAR AND THE KICKSTAND SPRING BROKE INTO TWO PIECES. LUCKILY I WAS NOT RIDING WHEN IT HAPPENED BECAUSE THE KICKSTAND WILL NOT STAY UP AND IF I WAS RIDING AND MADE A LEFT TURN WITHOUT KNOWING IT WAS DOWN I COULD HAVE BEEN THROWN FROM THE BIKE AND KILLED
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.
Motorcycle may Start Unexpectedly
NHTSA #18V228000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice
Reported April 10, 2018 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 3,341 vehicles
Repair completion: 96.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Indian campaign I-18-04 · Owners notified April 20, 2018 · Vehicles built October 25, 2016 – November 17, 2017 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
If the motorcycle starts unintentionally and is parked in an enclosed space, exposure to carbon monoxide may increase the risk of injury.
Manufacturer remedy
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.
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.
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 Chieftain Dark Horse model years
Check your 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Indian Chieftain Dark Horse at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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