Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2019 Indian Chieftain peaked in 2019, 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
2019 Indian Chieftain
Motorcycle, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Sep 24, 2019 to May 23, 2021.
Recall campaigns covering this model year362k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints33.0 times the median 2019 motorcycle
Severity index33.32019 motorcycles average 3.9
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
33% of complaints about the 2019 Indian Chieftain name engine and cooling
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
3 recall campaigns cover the 2019 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19V-882 | Dec 11, 2019 | 10A circuit breaker may be defective, tripping unexpectedly and causing a sudden loss of power and an engine stall | Electrical system | 5,474 | Repair or modification |
| 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 |
| 19V-638 | Aug 29, 2019 | Tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed | Lighting | 3,594 | Software update |
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2019 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.
3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed May 23, 2021Failure May 22, 2021Medina, TNPower train
Reference 19V-776 recall campaign 2014-2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c.I.) gear position switch. This switch was replaced under this recall in June 2020 at 250 miles. The same issue now is happening one year later at 15k miles. This fix from Indian was not effective.
NHTSA complaint 11418209 - Filed Sep 14, 2020Failure Sep 13, 202017,800 milesWinchester, CAEngine
MULTIPLE TIME AFTER HAVING RECALL FOR 10A CIRCUIT BREAKER DONE BIKE HAS DIED ON THE FREEWAY AT SPEED AS IF OUT OF GAS ONCE I PULL OVER AND TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON BIKE ACTS FINE AS THOUGH NOTHING HAPPENED I HAVE TAKEN IT TO NORTH COUNT INDIAN WHER I BOUGHT IT AND SINCE THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO REPEAT THEY STATED FINE AND BLEW IT OFF BUT BIKE HAS DONE IT 3 TIMES SINCE I GOT IT BACK. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS MY LIFE IS IN DANGER ON THE FREEWAY IF THE BIKE CUTS OFF AND I CAN GET OFF I COULD BE SERIOUSLY HURT INDIAN NEEDS TO FIX THIS ASAP!
NHTSA complaint 11354916 - Filed Sep 24, 2019Failure Aug 28, 20196,519 milesKingsville, OHKickstand/center standCrash1 injured
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN. WHILE RIDING 40 MPH, THE KICKSTAND FAILED TO RETRACT WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SLIGHT LEFT TURN, THE KICKSTAND DUG INTO THE ROADWAY. AS A RESULT, THE MOTORCYCLE FLIPPED AROUND 180 DEGREES, STRUCK TWO MAILBOXES, DROVE THROUGH BRANCHES ON A PINE TREE, AND BECAME ENTANGLED IN A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AND SUSTAINED SEVERAL BRUISES ON THE RIGHT ELBOW AND CONTUSIONS ON THE LEG AND ELBOWS, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE AWAY FROM THE CRASH SITE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO OFF ROAD EXPRESS (10320 WATTSBURG RD, ERIE, PA 16509, (814) 825-4747) TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY WERE AWAITING GUIDANCE FROM THE MANUFACTURER ON HOW TO PROCEED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,519.
NHTSA complaint 11257606
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
30 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-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… - ISA-19-01 Mar 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Indian Motorcycle has identified a quality concern affecting some 2017–2019 full size motorcycles with chrome trim built from 7/18/2016 through 11/27/2018. The chrome trim strips applied to the front and rear fenders may exhibit a wrinkling finish shortly a… - 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. - 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.