NHTSA vehicle safety data
2016 Indian Chieftain Recalls & Complaints
The 2016 Indian Chieftain has 4 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 Chieftain. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2016 Indian Chieftain owner complaints
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2016 Indian Chieftain, describing incidents dated September 27, 2017.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11032653 · Filed
MY 2016 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN THAT HAS @7500 MILES DISPLAY FLICKERS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE THROTTLE IS OPERATED IN ALL CONDITIONS. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT NUMEROUS CHIEFTAINS WERE IN THE SHOP FOR THE SAME REASON. IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE SEPTEMBER 29TH.
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.
Gear Position Display May Be Inaccurate
NHTSA #19V776000 · Electrical System · NHTSA notice
Reported October 29, 2019 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 52,745 vehicles
Repair completion: 73.8% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Indian campaign I-19-03 · Owners notified April 16, 2020
Defect description
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
Safety consequence
If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Manufacturer remedy
Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.
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.
Engine Misfire may Increase Fire Risk
NHTSA #16V446000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System · NHTSA notice
Reported June 17, 2016 · Indian Motorcycle Company
Potentially affected: 18,383 vehicles
Repair completion: 99.61% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)
Indian campaign I-16-02 · Owners notified August 5, 2016 · Vehicles built April 15, 2013 – June 16, 2016 (per NHTSA)
Defect description
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
Safety consequence
Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
Manufacturer remedy
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.
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.
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 Chieftain model years
Check your 2016 Indian Chieftain VIN
Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Indian Chieftain at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.
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