Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2016 Indian Chieftain peaked in 2017, with 1 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
2016 Indian Chieftain
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Oct 10, 2017 to Oct 10, 2017.
Recall campaigns covering this model year4107k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints1Below the median 2016 motorcycle
Severity index0.02016 motorcycles average 9.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Components
100% of complaints about the 2016 Indian Chieftain name electrical system
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 2016 Indian Chieftain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22V-635 | Aug 19, 2022 | Electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight | Lighting | 28,689 | Software update |
| 19V-776 | Oct 29, 2019 | Gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is… | Electrical system | 52,745 | Part replacement |
| 16V-446 | Jun 17, 2016 | In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures | Electrical system | 18,383 | Software update |
| 15V-721 | Nov 2, 2015 | Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power | Brakes | 7,614 | Part replacement |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2016 Indian Chieftain
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.
1 complaint on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Oct 10, 2017Failure Sep 27, 20177,500 milesHarvest, ALElectrical system
MY 2016 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN THAT HAS @7500 MILES DISPLAY FLICKERS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE THROTTLE IS OPERATED IN ALL CONDITIONS. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT NUMEROUS CHIEFTAINS WERE IN THE SHOP FOR THE SAME REASON. IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE SEPTEMBER 29TH.
NHTSA complaint 11032653
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
32 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.
- IND-03.11.2025-2 Mar 12, 2025 · Other
This Indian Motorcycle help center article contains information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the clutch lever on 2014+ Chieftain motorcycles. - IND-03.11.2025-1 Mar 12, 2025 · Other
This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding removal and installation of the battery on 2014+ Chieftain motorcycles. - IND-03.04.2025 Mar 5, 2025 · Other
This Indian Motorycle help center article provides information regarding inspection and tension adjustment of the drive belt on 2014+ Chieftain motorcycles. - 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-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. - 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-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… - ISA-17-02 Jul 17, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2017 111ci motorcycles equipped with Stage 2 Performance Cams, Part Number 2881676, may experience intermittent drivability issues. - 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-17-11-01 Nov 30, 2017 · 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 is working quickly to develop and release updated ECM and cluster calibrations to cor… - I-16-03-01 Mar 23, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Indian Motorcycle has implemented an updated, maintenance-free fuel pump assembly for all full size Indian motorcycles produced from November 11, 2015. The updated fuel pump is a direct replacement for the previous version and does not affect fuel pump remo… - I-16-01-01 Jan 19, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2016 full-size Indian Motorcycles may develop an oil leak from the Primary Access Cover Seal. Leaks typically appear during setup or dealer flooring. This may occur if the seal (PN:5415433) migrated out of position… - 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-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.