Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2000 Indian Chief peaked in 2002, with 15 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2000 Indian Chief
Motorcycle, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Apr 14, 2000 to Oct 11, 2003.
Recall campaigns covering this model year421k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints4016.0 times the median 2000 motorcycle
Severity index10.02000 motorcycles average 7.5
First 24 months12Complaints in its first two years
Components
28% of complaints about the 2000 Indian Chief name suspension
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
4 recall campaigns cover the 2000 Indian Chief
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03V-191 | May 5, 2003 | Certain windshields that were sold as standard equipment on these motorcycles or sold as accessories for all other chief models may have defective… | Visibility and wipers | 3,625 | Part replacement |
| 03V-039 | Feb 10, 2003 | On certain motorcycles equipped with compufire brand series type voltage regulators, if damaged, the voltage regulator can become stuck in an open… | Electrical system | 7,947 | Part replacement |
| 02V-144 | May 30, 2002 | On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars | Steering | 4,765 | Not stated |
| 02V-124 | May 3, 2002 | On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by sway-a-way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could… | Suspension | 4,590 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2000 Indian Chief
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.
40 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.
- Filed Oct 11, 2003Failure Sep 1, 20036,000 milesPomona, CAHorn, Electrical system, Windshield
HORN DOESNT WORK,CHARGING SYSTEM DOESNT WORK,WINDSHIELD COMES LOSE. *LA
NHTSA complaint 10041630 - Filed Sep 23, 2003Failure Sep 23, 2003Pomona, CAAlternator/generator/regulator, 12v/24v/48v battery, Service brakes, Hydraulic
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEM S. THE WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE /THE CHARGER WILL NOT CHARGE AT ALL/BATTERY HAS LOW CELL, AND BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD AT ALL. *AK
NHTSA complaint 10040434 - Filed Jul 30, 2003Failure Jun 14, 2003Vista, CAService brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER STATES THAT T BRAKES HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA complaint 10031487 - Filed May 23, 2003Crittenden, KYElectrical system
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #03V039000 SUBJECT: VOLTAGE REGULATOR. THE CONSUMER CALLED KERRY FORD ON 4/28/2003 WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS HAD TO BE ORDERED. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT RECEIVED A CALL FROM KERRY FORD ON THE DATE WHEN THE RECALLED PARTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint 10020475 - Filed Apr 23, 2003Failure Sep 9, 20003,500 milesMedford, ORTurn signalCrash2 injured
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE TURN SIGNALS FLASH THREE TIMES. WHILE THEY ARE FLASHING, THE TURN SIGNALS CAN NOT BE TURNED ON WHICH CAUSED ME TO BE STRUCK IN THE SIDE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN. *JB
NHTSA complaint 10016418 - Filed Apr 1, 2003Shepherdstown, WVAlternator/generator/regulator
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR. THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. *JB
NHTSA complaint 10014973 - Filed Mar 31, 2003Failure Mar 31, 2003Waldorf, MDEngine
THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR FOR A LEAK, THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *JB
NHTSA complaint 10014791 - Filed Feb 26, 2003Failure Sep 15, 2002Farmington, NMSteering wheel/handle bar
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL PERFORMED REGARDING THE WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR.*JB
NHTSA complaint 10009469 - Filed Oct 18, 2002Failure Sep 18, 2002Oakland, CAExterior lighting
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY DIED. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE BULB. DEALER STATED THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THREE WEEKS LATER LIGHTS SHORTED OUT AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA complaint 8021163 - Filed Oct 18, 2002Failure May 31, 2002Holly, MISteering wheel/handle bar
THE CONSUMER IS CONCERN HE RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICED FOR THE HANDLE BAR. MAY 31 2001. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO PARTS AVAILABLE. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE 200 EAST TENTH STREET GILROY CA 95020 #FOR JUDY WOODS 408 846 7228 COMPANY 408 846 7228. MR
NHTSA complaint 8021158 - Filed Oct 18, 2002Failure Oct 18, 2002Oakland, CAConcealment devices
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY DIED. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS A SHORTAGE. MR
NHTSA complaint 8021155 - Filed Sep 27, 2002Dallas, TXUnknown or other
WAITING 4 MONTHS FOR DEALERS OF INDIAN TO "GET PARTS FROM INDIAN" - STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED NOTICE.. NOTIFIED INDIAN PERSONEL IN GILROY, NO CALL BACK YET. TS
NHTSA complaint 767820 - Filed Aug 30, 2002Failure Jul 15, 2002Clackamas, ORShock absorber
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02V124000 FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS. WHEN HE TOOK IT IN ON OR ABOUT JULY 2, 2002, WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART TO REPAIR RECALL. THEN LEFT, AND RETURNED AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME ON OR ABOUT AUG 16, 02, AND WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART TO REPAIR THE RECALL. ALSO, WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT HE DID NOT KNOW WHEN WOULD BE RECEIVING THE PART. DEALER, INDIAN MOTOR OF PORTLAND ON 13844 S.E MCLOUGHLIN BLVD. MILWAUKEE, OR 97222 (503) 654 1017.*AK
NHTSA complaint 8017717 - Filed Aug 1, 2002Failure Jul 30, 2001Homewood, ILManual transmission, Rear
MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 40 MPH WENT INTO A SKID AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. TRANSMISSION FAILED. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE REPLACED TRANS TO CORRECT PROBLEM. NEW TRANS INSTALLED AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY....FRONT SUSPENSION DIVES WHEN BRAKING AND WOBBLES LEFT TO RIGHT AT 65-70 MPH IN GRADUAL TURNS UNSTABLE AND I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR 5 TIMES AND HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.KICKSTAND HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES.KICK STAND AND FLOORBOARDS ARE MOUNTED TOO LOW ON THIS MOTORCYCLE KICKSTAND HITS PAVEMENT ON SHALLOW LEFT TURNS CAUSING THE BIKE TO JUMP UPRIGHT AND CONTROL OF THE TURN IS LOST. FLOORBOARD IS TOO LOW ON RIGHT SIDE OF BIKE CAUSING THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED FOR KICKSTAND IN RIGHT TURNS.I WOULD LIKE THESE CONTROL AND TRANSMISSION DESIGNS INVESTIGATED THE GEOMETRY OF THIS BIKE IS WRONG AND INDIAN AUTHORIZED DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint 765042 - Filed Aug 1, 2002Failure Jul 30, 2001Homewood, ILManual transmission, Suspension
MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 40 MPH WENT INTO A SKID ALMOST HIT BY VEHICLE BEHIND ME TRANSMISSION REPLACED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. NEW TRANS INSTALLED AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY REPLACED TRANS UNDER WARRANTY WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION -------- FRONT SUSPENSION DIVES WHEN BRAKING HAS BEEN REPAIRED 5 TIMES.STILL HAS THIS PROBLEM EVEN WORSE IS THAT THE FRONT END WOBBLES LEFT TO RIGHT AT 65-70MPH IN GRADUAL TURNS UNSTABLE HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE. *AK
NHTSA complaint 765040 - Filed Jul 17, 2002Failure Apr 4, 2002Sheridan, WYSteering wheel/handle bar
PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 02V144000 REPAIRS TO BE DONE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA complaint 8014127 - Filed Jul 11, 2002Dittmer, MOSuspension
THE MOTORCYCLE "WOBBLES" SO BAD IT GOES OUT OF CONTROL.*AK
NHTSA complaint 764098 - Filed Jul 10, 2002Failure Apr 1, 2001Broken BOW, NEGasoline
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MOTORCYCLE WOULD STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED MOTORCYCLE. *AK THE REAR CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE MISFIRED AND STALL OUT SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE. *YH
NHTSA complaint 8013596 - Filed Jun 25, 2002Failure May 15, 2002Georgetown, KYRear
CONSUMER FIRST CONTACTED DEALER IN MAY OF 2002, CONCERNING RECALL O2V124000. MANUFACTURER HAS NOT SENT PARTS TO DEALER. CONSUMER HAS CALLED INDIAN CO. NUMEROUS TIMES, WILL NOT RETURN HIS CALLS. *AK
NHTSA complaint 8012602 - Filed Jun 14, 2002Carson, CASteering wheel/handle bar
PARTS TO RECALL 01V144000 IS AVAILABLE , BUT MANUFACTURER HAS NOT SENT THEM TO THE DEALERSHIP YET.*AK
NHTSA complaint 8011858
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
2 NHTSA investigations on file
- PE02037 Preliminary evaluation, Structure
HANDLEBAR LOOSENING
Opened Mar 26, 2002, closed May 24, 2002 · led to a recall - PE01039 Preliminary evaluation, Suspension
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
Opened Nov 21, 2001, closed Apr 30, 2002 · led to a recall
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
6 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- 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. - IDH-HOLD Mar 15, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice. - SB-040901 Jul 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: ENGINE OIL LEVEL CHECK. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE - TSB-040902 Jul 22, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: TRANSMISSION OIL LEVEL CHECK. MODEL AND MODEL YEARS NOT LISTED. *PE - TSB-040903 Jul 22, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE: THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBER ON THE MOTORCYCLE CAN BE ADJUSTED FOR THE WEIGHT THE MOTORCYCLE IS CARRYING. TO ADJUST THE SHOCK ABSORBER SPRING, YOU WILL NEED AN APPROPRIATE SPANNER WRENCH. NO MODEL OR MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE - 012 Jan 30, 2003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
DAMPER KIT FOR REAR FENDER. *TT
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.