NHTSA vehicle safety data
2017 Indian Chieftain Recalls & Complaints
The 2017 Indian Chieftain has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 2 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 2017 Indian Chieftain. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
2017 Indian Chieftain owner complaints
Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Indian Chieftain, describing incidents dated December 1, 2019 to September 9, 2024.
Most-cited components
- Electrical System 1 complaint
- Exterior Lighting 1 complaint
- Power Train 1 complaint
- Unknown or Other 1 complaint
Newest complaints
ODI #11614395 · Filed
The contact owns a 2017 Indian Chieftain Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the high beam indicator warning light illuminated. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that an appointment was…
ODI #11286720 · Filed
I'VE RECEIVED EMAILS FROM POLARIS INDICATING ACTIVE A RECALL BUT DO NOT SEE THE RECALL ON YOUR SITE WHEN SEARCHING BY VIN.
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.
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 model years
Check your 2017 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.
Check an Indian VIN