Model year

2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

Motorcycle, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jan 14, 2022 to Mar 13, 2024.

Recall campaigns covering this model year15,474 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints33.0 times the median 2019 motorcycle
Severity index0.02019 motorcycles average 3.9
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse peaked in 2024, with 2 filed

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

00.511.52202220232024220252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

100% of complaints about the 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse name electrical system

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

Electrical system
3
Engine and cooling
1
Powertrain
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

One recall campaign covers the 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

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 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
19V-882Dec 11, 201910A circuit breaker may be defective, tripping unexpectedly and causing a sudden loss of power and an engine stallElectrical system5,474Repair or modification
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

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.

3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Mar 13, 2024Failure Aug 25, 20237,695 milesIndianola, IAElectrical system, Power train

    The contact owns a 2019 Indian Chieftain Darkhorse. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and shifting into the next gear, the gear shift lever was not showing which gear the vehicle was driving in. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was occurring at various speeds and caused the vehicle to stall while slowing for traffic. The contact stated that the gear shift indicator indicated that the vehicle was in second gear and the vehicle was in third gear and the engine became bogged down and the vehicle stalled in traffic. The contact was able to restart the vehicle but was having difficulty locating neutral(N). The contact stated that the vehicle had to be placed in neutral(N) to start the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the gear shift sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure reoccurred; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 7,695.

    NHTSA complaint 11577177
  2. Filed Mar 1, 2024Failure Mar 1, 2024Rapid City, SDElectrical system, Unknown or other

    Gear shifter had a recall that was fixed however I just purchased this bike and is having the same issues again. The display indicates the wrong gear.

    NHTSA complaint 11574983
  3. Filed Jan 14, 2022Failure Jan 6, 2022Goodyear, AZElectrical system, Engine

    NHTSA, My 2019 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse had stage 2 Cams installed and tune on November 24, 2021, by an approved Indian dealership of Peoria. Since then my motorcycle has been shutting off while driving on city streets when downshifting while slowing down or upshifting when taking off from a stop position. I have brought it to the attention of the dealer but found no issue and no trouble codes found from the motorcycle. The only correction was a reflash for the ECM. Spoke to the national Indian Motorcycle customer service about my issue and was told that there will have another update ECM flash for the stage 2 cams. My bike has stalled/shut down on Dec 15, Jan 3, and Jan 6. I own another motorcycle and never had an issue with my Harley Davidson motorcycle. I have spoken to other motorcyclists on the Indian motorcycle forum who had stage 2 done and it seems a small percentage of riders have experienced the issue that I run into. I wanted to write to you before something happens to me in the event I get rear-ended by a motorist on the road. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

    NHTSA complaint 11447437
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

25 manufacturer communications cover this model year

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

  • IND-02.12.2025 Feb 13, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding brake inspection and maintenance regarding 2014+ Indian Chieftain motorcycles.
  • 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.
  • 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)…
  • 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-20-03 R02 Nov 5, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has identified a potential calibration issue affecting some 111/116 c.i. motorcycles. In some instances, the throttle twist grip and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) position signals do not align with the predicted position within the ECM…
  • DW 4.0 Aug 10, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Digital Wrench version 4.0 is now available for download. Updating to version 4.0 is required to update the base Digital Wrench software version from 3.9 to 4.0 to allow for future MY19 vehicle support.
  • G-17-10-02 Oct 26, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    At Polaris, we are committed to the safety of our customers and riders. Through product design, dedicated safety engineering, and increased consumer awareness, Polaris continues to work toward a safe riding experience and proper operation of our products. T…
  • G-16-11-01 Nov 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Polaris has released Team Tip G-16-10-01 to inform dealers that Polaris Mobile Digital Wrench (PMDW) version 3.28 or later requires dealers to enter a valid 10-digit Digital Wrench serial number to operate the app. The serial number requirement has been add…
  • G-15-12-01 R03 Feb 26, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    There is no doubt that for a Polaris customer the process of picking up a brand new vehicle is one of the most exciting times in the ownership experience. To ensure that all Polaris dealers are equipped to deliver a world-class experience that matches the h…
  • G-15-12-01 R02 Jan 15, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PCDX is an online and mobile interface for providing a consistent dealer setup and customer delivery experience. The interface walks the dealer and the customer through a standardized online form that includes the PDI (pre-delivery inspection), general warn…
  • G-15-12-01 Dec 10, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This Team Tip is being released to dealers to provide information regarding the required transition to online PCDX and PCDX training.
  • 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-20-05 May 20, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined that some units were manufactured with a Manufacturing (MFG) decal and Certificate of Conformity (CoC) that has a typographical error. The affected decal must be removed and replaced with audit.
  • 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-18-11-01 R03 Jan 18, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command display. Dealers should encourage Indian Motorcycle riders using Ride Command to bring their bikes in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verif…
  • I-18-11-01 R02 Dec 13, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command display. Dealers should encourage Indian Motorcycle riders using Ride Command to bring their bikes in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verif…
  • I-18-11-01 R01 Nov 26, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command display. Dealers should encourage Indian Motorcycle riders using Ride Command to bring their bikes in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verif…
  • I-18-09-01 Sep 20, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has identified several accessory related considerations affecting 2019 Indian Motorcycle models.
  • I-17-04-01 Apr 4, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The Purpose of this Team Tip is to call attention to the importance of keeping Ride Command software updated to utilize the continuous improvements being made.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.