Model year

2016 Indian Scout

Motorcycle, gasoline, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Jun 6, 2016 to Apr 29, 2021.

Recall campaigns covering this model year160 vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints63.0 times the median 2016 motorcycle
Severity index0.02016 motorcycles average 9.6
First 24 months3Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2016 Indian Scout peaked in 2017, with 2 filed

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

00.511.52201620172201820192020202120222023202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

50% of complaints about the 2016 Indian Scout name electrical system

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

Electrical system
3
Brakes
2
Stability and traction control
1
Fuel system
1
Powertrain
1
Steering
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 2016 Indian Scout

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 2016 Indian Scout
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
19E-007Feb 5, 2019Accessory brake lever adjustment screw may have been set incorrectly, causing unintentional front brake applicationBrakes60Part replacement
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2016 Indian Scout

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.

6 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Apr 29, 2021Failure Apr 27, 20213,015 milesOLD Hickory, TNElectrical system, Service brakes, Unknown or other

    2016 INDIAN SCOUT, 3036 MILES EXPERIENCING TROUBLE STARTING AND RUNNING TERRIBLE. AFTER HAVING TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP WHEN A CAR IN FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE DECIDED TO TURN SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING. THE ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. WHEN STOPPING THE MOTORCYCLE SLID AND THE BACK TIRE SQUEALED AND BIKE DIED IN MIDDLE OF STREET SO IT APPEARS THE ABS BRAKES ARE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. LUCKILY, I'D LEFT PLENTY OF ROOM BETWEEN ME AND OTHER VEHICLE AND AVOIDED A COLLISION. AFTER SUDDENLY STOPPING IT DIED AND SPUTTERED AND IT DIDN'T WANT TO START. IT TOOK ABOUT 5 TRIES WITH TRAFFIC BACKING UP BEHIND ME TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. I HAD TROUBLE WITH IT NOT WANTING TO START PERIODICALLY LAST YEAR BUT ITS WORSE AND MORE CONSISTENT. THIS ALL OCCURRED ON A TWO LANE, VERY CURVY, AND HILLY ROAD. A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION TO BE IN ON THIS ROAD.

    NHTSA complaint 11414430
  2. Filed Jul 8, 2020Failure Jun 14, 20201,526 milesHouston, TXElectronic stability control (esc)

    MY 2016 INDIAN SCOUT SIXTY HAS ONLY 1,526 MILES ON IT. I PURCHASED IT, AND TOOK DELIVERY ON NOV. 1ST, 2016. WHILE RIDING MY MOTORCYCLE ONE DAY RECENTLY, IT STARTED TO RUN ROUGH. IT FREQUENTLY SOUNDED LIKE IT MISFIRED, PLUS WHEN I ROLLED OUT ON THE THROTTLE AT TAKEOFF, AND AT CRUISING SPEEDS, IT WOULD BE DELAYED IN RESPONSE, INSTEAD OF INSTANTLY, WHICH IT ALWAYS DID BEFORE. I WOULD HAVE TO GIVE MORE THROTTLE WHEN TAKING OFF FROM STANDSTILL JUST TO AVOID STALLING THE ENGINE.FINALLY WHEN I GOT HOME, THE FRONT END OF THE BAFFLES OF THE EXHAUST WAS TURNED BLUE, MEANING THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING LEAN, CREATING EXCESS HIGH HEAT. THE BAFFLES WERE CHROME COLORED BEFORE THIS. WHILE RIDING, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL, AND THEIR WAS A CHECK ENGINE CODE # 3056. I LOOKED UP THE CODE, AND IT INDICATED AN OXYGEN SENSOR WENT BAD. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A WELL MAINTAINED MOTORCYCLE, WITH ONLY 1,526 TOTAL MILES ON IT. THAT IS ONE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED TWENTY SIX MILES TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION. THE AGE OF THE MOTORCYCLE IS IRRELEVANT. AS OF NOW, POLARIS INDICATES NO RECALLS ON THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM, AND THAT IS WHY I'M REPORTING IT. POLARIS NEEDS TO COVER 100% THE COST OF THIS REPAIR.

    NHTSA complaint 11338213
  3. Filed Jun 27, 2019Failure Jun 26, 20198,080 milesMenisee, CAService brakes

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 INDIAN SCOUT 900. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BY DEPRESSING THE REAR BRAKE PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE MOTORCYCLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE FRONT BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS DRIVEN TO INDIAN MOTORCYCLE REDLANDS (215 E REDLANDS BLVD, REDLANDS, CA 92373) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER SEAL FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS GOING TO BE REPAIRED WITHIN THE NEXT SEVEN DAYS WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 641932. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,080.

    NHTSA complaint 11222951
  4. Filed Jul 25, 2017Failure Jul 21, 20171,700 milesSaint Clair Shores, MIElectrical system

    THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY (BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS) AND THE MAIN CHASSIS HARNESS WAS NOT PROPERLY FASTENED BY THE FACTORY, AND FAILED AFTER RUBBING ON THE REAR TIRE FROM BEING UNPROPERLY FASTENED. THE BIKE LOST SAFETY SIGNALS AND BECAME A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE ROAD.

    NHTSA complaint 11010633
  5. Filed Apr 21, 2017Failure Apr 19, 2017300 milesAugusta, GASteering

    I BOUGHT A NEW LEFTOVER 2016 SCOUT ABS ON APRIL 8, 2017 FROM THE MARIETTA, GA DEALERSHIP. ON APRIL 19, 2017, I HAD TO SEMI-PANIC STOP AND BRAKE REALLY HARD WHEN AN SUV PULLED OUT DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE AT ABOUT 30 MPH IN AN URBAN SETTING. ONCE I BEGAN ACCELERATING AGAIN, I NOTICED THE LEFT HANDGRIP HAD BROKEN LOOSE, SLID TOWARD THE END OF THE HANDLEBAR, AND WAS ONLY HOLDING ON BY A COUPLE OF INCHES. IT COULD HAVE EASILY LED TO A POTENTIAL ACCIDENT WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE WITH A LOSS OF EQUALIZING HAND PRESSURE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BAR. ON THE REST OF THE RIDE HOME, IT TURNED VERY FREELY. IT WAS VERY LOOSE TAKING ALMOST NO FORCE TO REMOVE/REPLACE IT. HAD I LET GO OF THE LEFT GRIP FOR MORE THAN A FEW SECONDS, THE WIND AND VIBRATION WOULD'VE SLID IT COMPLETELY OFF. IT IS NOT A STRETCH FIT HANDGRIP. UPON INSPECTION, THERE WAS ONLY ABOUT A 2" TO 3" INCH SQUIGGLE OF ADHESIVE RESIDUE ONLY ON THE UPPER PART OF THE BAR. I HAD BEEN RIDING IN THE RAIN THE DAY BEFORE. IT WAS STILL A LITTLE WET INSIDE THE HANDGRIP. THAT MAY BE AN EXTENUATING FACTOR, BUT STILL NOT A GOOD EXCUSE FOR IT TO COME OFF ONLY 11 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE. IT MAY BE AN ISSUE WITH OTHER MODEL YEARS AND THE SCOUT SIXTY MODEL, TOO.

    NHTSA complaint 10979870
  6. Filed Jun 6, 2016Failure Jun 3, 20161,100 milesBrighton, COElectrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Power train

    WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE, THE ENGINE RPM'S CONTINUE TO GO HIGHER. I HAVE SAT AT A LIGHT, BIKE IS IN NEUTRAL, AND THE THROTTLE CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE ME TO GET IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WITH THIS MOTORCYCLE.

    NHTSA complaint 10872796
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

31 manufacturer communications cover this model year

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

  • IND-04162026 Apr 16, 2026 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding how to install grips on model year(s) 2015-2024 Scout.
  • IND-9.16.2025 Sep 16, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding shock inspection and adjustment on model year 2015 - 2024 Indian Scout motorcycles.
  • IND-07.15.2025-2 Jul 16, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Help Center article provides details regarding how to remove and replace the headlamp bulb Model Year 2015-2024 Indian Scout Motorcycles.
  • IND-07.15.2025-1 Jul 16, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Help Center article provides information regarding how to change the oil on Model Year 2015-2024 Indian Scout motorcycles.
  • I-22-03-02 Apr 17, 2025 · Other
    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-02.28.2025-03 Mar 1, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding how to remove the driver's seat on Indian Scout motorcycles.
  • IND-02.28.2025-02 Mar 1, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding how to remove and replace the battery on your Scout, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber Twenty or Scout Rogue.
  • IND-02.25.2025-02 Feb 26, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding how to inspect and adjust the drive belt tension on your Indian Scout, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Bobber Twenty or Scout Rogue.
  • IND-02.25.2025 Feb 26, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding how to properly maintain and adjust the clutch lever on your Indian Scout, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Bobber Twenty, and Scout Rogue.
  • IND-02.25.2025-01 Feb 26, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding the inspection and maintenance of the brake system on Indian Scout, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Bobber Twenty and Scout Rogue motorcycles.
  • IND-02.11.2025 Feb 12, 2025 · Other
    This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding replacement of the air filter on model year 2015-2024 Indian Scout and Scout Bobber 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-20-12-01 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.
  • Fork Cap Replace Dec 10, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Your vehicle was assembled with two different, mismatched fork caps. Unfortunately the fork caps are not interchangeable and replacement of the fork leg assembly is required. The forks can be differentiated by observing the flat surface on the nut portion o…
  • 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-17-01 Jun 15, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined that some Indian Scout and Scout Sixty motorcycles could develop a slow crank or no start situation due to a starter that was potentially manufactured with a defect. This Service Advisory has been released to communicate a p…
  • I-16-01 Jun 16, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has developed an updated ECM calibration for 2015-2016 Scout 69ci motorcycles that improves RPM stability at engine idle and during closed throttle conditions.
  • I-15-03 Dec 9, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has determined that 2016 Scout motorcycles, designated for sale in the US and Canada, were manufactured with a VECI decal that lists the valve clearance as “Self-Adjusting”. The engine used in Scout models utilizes a graded-bucket configur…
  • 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-18-10-01 Oct 25, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Digital Wrench update version 09/13/2018 and later now REQUIRES an internet connection to perform ECM Reprogramming on Scout/Scout Sixty/Scout Bobber motorcycles. The new Reconfiguration Procedure automatically confirms vehicle information accuracy during…
  • I-18-05-02 May 29, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle dealers should be aware that they may encounter 2015â“2018 Indian Scouts with any of three different front brake levers. Any of these are acceptable equipment on any Scout outlined, but you should take note of installation instructions/dif…
  • 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-17-01-01 R02 Feb 10, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has implemented an update to the Scout 1200 transmission assembly which will affect how service parts can be ordered for 2015 - 2016 models.
  • I-17-01-01 R01 Jan 24, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Indian Motorcycle has implemented an update to the Scout 1200 transmission assembly which will affect how service parts can be ordered for 2015 - 2016 models.
  • 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.