NHTSA vehicle safety data

2001 Indian Spirit Recalls & Complaints

The 2001 Indian Spirit has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns and 4 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 2001 Indian Spirit. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2001 Indian Spirit owner complaints

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Indian Spirit, describing incidents dated August 8, 2001 to September 24, 2003.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 1 complaint
Engine 1 complaint
Structure 1 complaint
Suspension 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #10040523 · Filed September 24, 2003
CONSUMER RECEIVED ON 20,23003 A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER NHTSA# 03-V-286-000: THE WELD ATTACHING THE FENDER MOUNT TO THE FRONT FORK MAY CRACK AND BREAK. CALL THE DEALER TO ARRANGED AN APPOINTMENT GUEST WHAT DEALER STATED MANUFACTURER IS OUT OF BUSINESS AND YOU MUST PAID FOR THE RECALL.
ODI #10037450 · Filed September 8, 2003
I CURRENTLY (PURCHASED 9/2001) OWN A 2001 INDIAN SPIRIT MOTORCYCLE PURCHASED FROM THOMAS AUTOMALL IN COON RAPIDS, MN. THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL THROUGH THE OIL BREATHER/CARBUERATOR BLOW BY QUITE PROFUSELY. I HAVE HAD THE BIKE IN AT LEAST 5 TIMES (I DO HAVE DOCUMENTATION) FOR THIS PROBLEM. HE DEALERS (1…
ODI #8000676 · Filed December 12, 2001
HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH BATTERY. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED BATTERY, AND PROBLEM CONTINUED. *AK

Read all 4 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2001 Indian Spirit in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Preliminary Evaluation PE03-024: HEADLIGHT SEPARATES
Closed August 11, 2003
- Recall 03V-258
Preliminary Evaluation PE01-039: REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
Closed April 30, 2002
- Recall 02V-124

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

INDIAN/FENDER MOUNT

NHTSA #03V286000 · Structure · NHTSA notice

Reported August 4, 2003 · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Potentially affected: 6,570 vehicles

Indian campaign IMCSB-058 · Owners notified August 25, 2003 · Vehicles built July 14, 2000 – July 28, 2003 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WELD ATTACHING THE FENDER MOUNT TO THE FRONT FORK MAY CRACK AND BREAK.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE FENDER MOUNT TO FAIL RESULTING IN THE FENDER COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL, RESULTING IN THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL BOLT A BRACKET ONTO EACH FRONT FORK. THIS BRACKET WILL HOLD THE FENDER MOUNT IN PLACE EVEN IF THE WELD FAILS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN AT 1-888-899-2997.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE/VOLTAGE REGULATOR

NHTSA #03V039000 · Electrical System — Alternator/Generator/Regulator · NHTSA notice

Reported February 10, 2003 · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Potentially affected: 7,947 vehicles

Indian campaign IMCSB-045 · Owners notified February 14, 2003 · Vehicles built March 1, 1999 – May 20, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH COMPUFIRE BRAND SERIES TYPE VOLTAGE REGULATORS, IF DAMAGED, THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN BECOME STUCK IN AN OPEN MODE THAT ALLOWS BATTERY VOLTAGE TO FLOW BACK THROUGH THE REGULATOR.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REGULATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE REGULATOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 14, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-888-899-2997.

Notes

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RECALL BULLETIN NO. IMCSB-045. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE/WINDSHIELD FASTENER

NHTSA #02V311000 · Visibility — Windshield · NHTSA notice

Reported November 15, 2002 · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Potentially affected: 5,464 vehicles

Indian campaign IMCSB-050 · Owners notified January 16, 2003 · Vehicles built June 1, 2001 – November 1, 2002 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FASTENERS THAT BOLT THE WINDSHIELD TO THE MOUNTING CLAMPS CAN BREAK, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO COME PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY OFF THE BIKE.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN USE, THE RIDER COULD BE INJURED BY THE WINDSHIELD.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 16, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-888-899-2997.

Notes

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RECALL BULLETIN NO. IMCSB-050. ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE/FRONT FORK PINCH BOLTS

NHTSA #02V176000 · Suspension — Front · NHTSA notice

Reported July 2, 2002 · INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Potentially affected: 1,189 vehicles

Owners notified July 9, 2002 · Vehicles built March 28, 2001 – July 11, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE PINCH BOLTS THAT CLAMP THE FRONT FORKS TO THE AXLE MAY BE 1/4" BOLTS OR 5/16" BOLTS MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL. IN BOTH CASES, THESE BOLTS MAY NOT BE OF SUFFICIENT STRENGTH OVER TIME TO CLAMP THE FRONT FORK TO THE AXLE TIGHTLY ENOUGH TO PREVENT AXLE ROTATION.

Safety consequence

IF THE AXLE IS ALLOWED TO ROTATE, THE AXLE COULD COME OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT FORK, COLLAPSING THE FRONT END, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT FORKS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PINCH BOLTS ARE 1/4" OR 5/16" BOLTS MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL. IF THE FORKS ARE CLAMPED WITH 1/4" BOLTS, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FORKS WITH FORKS DESIGNED WITH 5/16" BOLTS. IF THE FORKS ARE CLAMPED WITH 5/16" STAINLESS STEEL PINCH BOLTS, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BOLTS WITH 5/16" BOLTS MADE OF ZINC PLATED STEEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 9, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN AT 1-408-846-7228.

Notes

ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2001 Indian Spirit. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

4 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Indian Spirit.

Structure

ODI #10040523

Incident: September 24, 2003 · Filed: September 24, 2003

CONSUMER RECEIVED ON 20,23003 A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER NHTSA# 03-V-286-000: THE WELD ATTACHING THE FENDER MOUNT TO THE FRONT FORK MAY CRACK AND BREAK. CALL THE DEALER TO ARRANGED AN APPOINTMENT GUEST WHAT DEALER STATED MANUFACTURER IS OUT OF BUSINESS AND YOU MUST PAID FOR THE RECALL.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #10037450

Incident: August 25, 2003 · Filed: September 8, 2003

I CURRENTLY (PURCHASED 9/2001) OWN A 2001 INDIAN SPIRIT MOTORCYCLE PURCHASED FROM THOMAS AUTOMALL IN COON RAPIDS, MN. THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL THROUGH THE OIL BREATHER/CARBUERATOR BLOW BY QUITE PROFUSELY. I HAVE HAD THE BIKE IN AT LEAST 5 TIMES (I DO HAVE DOCUMENTATION) FOR THIS PROBLEM. HE DEALERS (1 IN MINNEAPOLIS AND 3 IN PHOENIX) HAVE ALL STATED THAT THE ENGINE AND IT'S DESIGN (FOR PERFORMANCE) WILL CAUSE AN OIL LEAK. I HAVE RECENTLY SENT AN EMAIL TO THE ENGINE BUILDER (S&S MOTORS IN VIOLA, WI) NOTIFYING THEM OF THE PROBLEM. MY EMAIL WAS FORWARDED TO INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY IN WHICH THEY HAVE REPLIED THAT THEY REALIZE THE PROBLEM BUT DUE TO EPA STANDARDS (THEIR WRITTEN QUOTE FROM THE VP OF SERVICE WAS "WE ARE RUNNING A FINE LEGAL LINE" HERE) AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS AN OIL LEAK CAN BE EXPECTED. (I DO HAVE COPIES OF THE EMAIL AND REPLY FYI). HERE'S WHERE I NEED YOUR ATTENTION (AND THAT OF OTHER OWNER/RIDERS) IS NOT ONLY IS THE OIL LEAK AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE. THE OIL COMES OUT OF THE BREATHER/BLOW BY SYSTEM ONTO THE LOWER PORTION OF THE ENGINE/FRAME, EXHAUST SYSTEM, REAR BRAKE AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, THE REAR TIRE. I HAVE ALMOST DUMPED THE BIKE SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO GREASY REAR TIRE AND THE REAR BRAKE PERFORMS POORLY. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY AND IT'S DEALERS CANNOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM AS STATED. I AM LOOKING TO YOU FOR ASSISTANCE IN MAKING THESE PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE. APPRECIATE YOUR PROMPT REPLY AND ATTENTION. SINCERELY, JERRY ANDERSON. *AK

Electrical System

ODI #8000676

Incident: November 29, 2001 · Filed: December 12, 2001

HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, AND THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH BATTERY. DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED BATTERY, AND PROBLEM CONTINUED. *AK

Suspension

ODI #760180

Incident: August 8, 2001 · Filed: April 3, 2002

THE VEHICLE WEAVES OUT OF CONTROL AT VARIABLE SPEEDS, THE 2002 MODELS ALL HAVE HAD REAR SWING ARM REDESIGNED AND STRENGHTENED BUT THESE WILL NOT FIT EARLIER MODELS. I BELIEVE THIS WEAVING IS CAUSED BY THE SWING ARM FLEXING. THIS WILL CAUSE CRASHES IN THE RIGHT SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES. I ALSO BELIEVE THE MANUFATURER KNOWS THIS AND THAT IS WHY THEY HAVE CHANGED THE DESIGN, BUT HAVE NOT CORRECTED THIS IN THE EARLIER MODELS. THIS WEAKER SWING ARM DESIGN WAS USED ON 1999 TO 2001 SPIRITS, SCOUT, AND CHIEF MODELS. IT HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES ON FLAT DRY ROAD SURFACES WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES INFRONT TO CAUSE WIND DISTURBANCE, AND STRAIGHT AWAY ROADS. FLEXING BECOMES WORSE ON TURNS. THE CHANGE OF DESIGN SHOWS A KNOWLEGE ON THE PART OF THE MANUFACTURER, AS WELL AS THERE 2002 MODEL BROCHURES STATING THE RENFORCEMENT OF THE NEW SWING ARM, THAT THIS PROBLEM IS KNOW BUT IGNORED.

Other Indian Spirit model years

Check your 2001 Indian Spirit VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Indian Spirit at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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