Model year

2015 Indian Chief Vintage

Motorcycle, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Mar 13, 2016 to Nov 7, 2016.

Recall campaigns covering this model year236k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints42.0 times the median 2015 motorcycle
Severity index25.02015 motorcycles average 12.7
First 24 months2Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage peaked in 2016, with 4 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

01234201642017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage name structure

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Structure
2
Steering
1
Suspension
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
22V-635Aug 19, 2022Electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlightLighting28,689Software update
15V-721Nov 2, 2015Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake powerBrakes7,614Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2015 Indian Chief Vintage

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Nov 7, 2016Failure Sep 6, 201611,000 milesGeorgetown, KYUnknown or other

    ON TUESDAY SEPT 6, 2016 I WAS ON I 64 EAST HEADED TO WAYNESBORO VA FROM GEORGETOWN KY. A 407 MILE RIDE. ABOUT 320 MILES INTO TRIP MY RIGHT SIDE SADDLEBAG FELL OFF ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE SHOULDER WAS TO STEEP FOR THE BIKE TO STAND ON ITS OWN. I FLAG HELP TOHELP WITH BIKE. CARS AND TRACTOR TRAILERS WERE DODGING THE SADDLEBAG. AFTER I GOT HELP HOLDING UP BIKE. I HAD TO RUN BACK DOWN HILL AND GO OUT INTO TRAFFIC TO RETRIEVE MY SADDLEBAG. IT WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WHEN I GOT MY BAG SAFELY, I CHECKED TO SEE IF THE LATCHING MECHANISM WAS BROKE. BUT EVERYTHING WAS INTACT. THE BAG WASCRATCED UP PRETTY BAD. THE LEATHER CHEWED UP BUT EVERYTHING INSIDE WAS OK. I WENT BACK TO BIKE AND LATCHED IT BACK ON SIDE OF BIKE. AND CONTINUED MY TRIP BUT WAS PARANOID THE WHOLE TIME. POLARIS SAID IF BAGS ARE ATTACHED PROPERLY THEY CANT COME OFF BUT I KNOW THEY WILL. AFTER MARKET KITS ARE MADE FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY WONT REPLACE OR REPAIR MY BAG AS THEY SAY ITS MY FAULT. I KNOW HOW TO INSTALL THE BAGS. IF THEY HAD BEEN IMPROPERLY PUT ON THEY WOULDNT HAVE RODE 320 MILES ON BUMPY I64. I HAD THIS BIKE FOR A YEAR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I DONT BELIEVE POLARIS WANTS THE EXSPENSE OF RECALLING AND FIXING A PROBLEM THAT YHEY KNOW YHEY HAVE WITH THIS LOCKING LATCH MECHANISM. THE SERVICE DEPT AT THE INDIAN DEALER RECOMMENDED BUYING AN AFTER MARKET KIT TO BETTER SECURE THE BAGS. THIS MAKES NO SENSE IF THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE LATCHES. I KNOW THERES OTHER INCIDENCES OTHER THAN MINE. POLARIS HAS REPLACED BAGS IN OTHER INCIDENCES. PEOPLE WHO RIDE MOTORCYCLES HAVE TO BE VERY ALERT TO OBJECTS AND DEBRIS AND ANIMALS ON ROADWAY AS IT IS. DONT NEED THE WORRY AND DANGER OF BAGS FLYING OFF FOR NO GOOD REASON. I THINK POLARIS SHOULD RECALL AND INSTALL KITS TO MAKE SADDLEBSGS SAFE FOR TRAVELERS.

    NHTSA complaint 10924890
  2. Filed Sep 9, 2016Failure Jun 22, 201612,000 milesMustang, OKBody

    SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM ALLOWS SADDLEBAGS TO BECOME DISCONNECTED AND FALL OFF VEHICLE. LATCH MECHANISM APPEARS TO BE INEFFECTIVE WHEN BAGS ARE LOADED, OR ROUGH ROADS ENCOUNTERED. RIGHT SIDE SADDLEBAG HAD COME LOOSE 3 TIMES OVER A 2 MONTH PERIOD. ON A LONG TRIP, WHILE TRAVELLING AT 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE, THE RIGHT SADDLEBAG FELL COMPLETELY OFF THE MOTORCYCLE, WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE, ENDANGERING OTHER MOTORCYCLISTS AND HIGHWAY USERS BEHIND ME ON THE INTERSTATE. INTERNET SEARCHES FOLLOWING, INDICATE THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON ISSUE, WITH MULTIPLE REPORTS OF SADDLEBAGS FALLING OFF. AT LEAST TWO COMPANIES NOW MAKE AFTERMARKET ATTACHMENT SPOOLS TO PREVENT THIS, INDICATING THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT A NEED FOR AFTERMARKET SOLUTIONS TO THE STOCK SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM.

    NHTSA complaint 10905049
  3. Filed Jun 29, 2016Failure Sep 20, 2015400 milesLansing, WVBody

    WHILE RIDING MY INDIAN 2015 VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE, THE RIGHT HAND SADDLE BAG FELL OFF CAUSING THE VEHICLE FOLLOWING ME TO SUDDENLY HAVE TO REACT TO THE HAZARD BY SWERVING BUT HIT THE BAG ANYWAY, CAUSING THE BAG TO BE COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND UNDER CARRIAGE CONCERNS FOR THE OTHER VEHICLE. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON THIS ISSUE, I FOUND THIS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON OCCURRENCE AMONG THIS MODEL. 2014 -2016 MODELS ARE ALL THE SAME, NO IMPROVEMENTS OFFERED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON ENOUGH THAT SEVERAL AFTERMARKET COMPANIES HAVE DESIGNED A BETTER DESIGN THAT CAN BE PURCHASED FOR ABOUT $100.00 PER SIDE. THE FACTORY DESIGN IS WEAK AND PRONE TO CAUSE THE BAG TO ONLY BE PARTIALLY ATTACHED. HUNDREDS OF OWNERS HAVE HAD THE BAGS FALL OFF AND ESPECIALLY IF A MOTORCYCLE IS FOLLOWING IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLE DEADLY. THIS HAPPENED ON ROUTE 19 NORTH, APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES NORTH OF FAYETTEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA. A 4 LANE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELLING 65 MPH.

    NHTSA complaint 10881438
  4. Filed Mar 13, 2016Failure Jun 23, 20154,000 milesOrmond Beach, FLSteering, Suspension, WheelsCrash

    WHEN IN A ACCIDENT THE FRONT OF THE FRAME BREAKS OUT. THIS CAUSES THE FRONT END TO SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. LEAVING THE RIDER WITH NO CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE. AND EXPOSURE TO BODY INJURY AND POSSIBLE DEATH. IN THE LAST MONTH I HAVE LOCATED 6 BIKES THAT HAVE HAD THE ABOVE PROBLEM. I HAVE THE VIN # OF 4 OF THEN. INDIAN HAS CHANGED THE PART NUMBER ON THE FRAME SECTION, SO THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM THAT COULD RESULT IN THE DEATH OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER, THEY HAVE NOT MADE A RECALL TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN I CALLED AND ASKED ABOUT THE CHANGE TO THE PART. THEY CLAIMED THE NEW PART WAS STRONGER. AND GAVE ME A CASE # AND SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME. 2 WEEKS LATER . THEY DID NOT.

    NHTSA complaint 10846296
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

22 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • I-19-02-A/B/C Aug 29, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined that an electrical defect may exist in 2014-2020 Heavyweight Air Cooled Indian Motorcycles, resulting in the unexpected loss of forward lighting. This defect may also cause heat damage to the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) a…
  • I-22-03-02 Mar 22, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle identified that on Indian Scout Models there is a potential for damage to occur to electrical hardware or the vehicle harness if the battery ground cable and ground joint is not connected properly. Damage can occur during procedures that r…
  • IND-02-14-2022 Feb 14, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French.
  • 2.579_5 Dec 3, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    579.5 Notices, Bulletins, customer satisfaction campaigns, consumer advisories, and other communications for the month of November 2015
  • IDH-HOLD Mar 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
  • I-20-06 R02 Mar 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 Full–Size (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM)…
  • I-20-06 R01 Mar 9, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 Full–Size (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM)…
  • ISA-20-03 Dec 10, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has identified a potential calibration issue affecting some 111/116 c.i. motorcycles. When active, the P1530 fault causes the motorcycle to operate in a reduced power (limp) mode.
  • I-20-12-01 Dec 18, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip has been released by Indian Motorcycle to provide information regarding odometer maintenance and address concerns about correct odometer value.
  • ISA-19-03 R03 Dec 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a chang…
  • ISA-19-03 R02 Nov 6, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a chang…
  • ISA-19-03 R01 Nov 5, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a chang…
  • I-18-06 R01 Apr 17, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle is actively investigating a potential concern affecting 111 ci engines that have been equipped with the Thunder Stroke 116 ci Stage 3 Big Bore accessory kit. Investigation is currently planned to conclude by 5/7/18, and at that time this c…
  • I-18-03 May 29, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has identified three separate calibration concerns currently affecting 2017 and 2018 full-size Indian Motorcycles. The Indian Motorcycle engineering team has released updated ECM and cluster calibrations to correct these concerns. Gear P…
  • I-19-03-01 Mar 21, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip has been released to assist dealers when servicing vehicles that have, or are suspected to have, aftermarket (non-OEM) modifications. It is critical for expedient and accurate diagnosis of a motorcycle, to identify and disclose all existing mo…
  • I-18-11-03 Nov 30, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip is designed to inform dealers about updated information regarding gear position switches for all 2014- 2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c. i.) models. Updated information has been added to the Service Manual to provide dealers with clear direction …
  • I-18-05-01 May 10, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    2014-2018 Indian Motorcycles utilize Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries which are selected for their superior vibration resistance, weight savings, and high output. This Team Tip is being released to provide the Indian dealer network with specific recomm…
  • I-15-10-01 Oct 8, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip is being released to provide dealers with an advanced understanding of Indian Motorcycle key fob operation, alarm compatibility, battery life expectations and troubleshooting. 2014-2016 Indian Chief, Chieftain and Roadmaster motorcycles uti…
  • I-15-08-02 Aug 18, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip has been released to clearly define Indian Motorcycle™s expectations when filing a warranty claim related to shipping and / or concealed crate damage. In the event that damage occurs during the shipping process, or that damage is concealed un…
  • I-15-01-01 Jan 2, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has released a software update for some 2014-2015 Indian Classic / Vintage / Chieftain motorcycles to address customer concerns with Brake-Throttle Override (BTO) functionality. The BTO system will temporarily close the throttle plate and,…
  • I-19-09-02 Sep 27, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Updated information has been added to all Indian Motorcycle Service Manuals to provide dealers with clear directions when servicing the fuel system. Be sure to reference the applicable Service Manual for the most accurate information.
  • I-19-09-01 Sep 27, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip identifies differences between crankcases used throughout Indian Motorcycle 111 C.I. engine production, and introduces a new service crankcase for 2014-2020 models.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.