NHTSA vehicle safety data
2018 Indian Chieftain Elite Recalls, Ratings & Complaints
The 2018 Indian Chieftain Elite has 2 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 2018 Indian Chieftain Elite. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NHTSA #18V228000Reported April 10, 2018 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 3,341 vehicles
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
NHTSA #17V682000Reported October 27, 2017 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 2,096 vehicles
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 Elite model years
Check your 2018 Indian Chieftain Elite VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Indian Chieftain Elite at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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