Reponding to urgent safety recall from indian motorcycles. I've received the notice this issue being the closest dealership is over 40 miles distance and I have no method to get it there other than riding it. Polaris will provide no assistance, now I"m stuck with a motorcycle I shouldn't ride and no way to get it fixed without incurring additional cost myself. Meaning I will have to take two days off, rent a trailer and drive approx 160 miles to drop off and pick it up.
The worst 2018 Indian Chief Vintage problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission1
Recalls 3
Exterior lighting: lighting control module: software
- What is wrong
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.
- Risk
- The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces the federal safety agency recall number 19V‑339.
Recall number 22V635000 · Recall details
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch, potentially resulting in the motorcycle starting without the user's intent if the key fob is near the motorcycle and the required safety interlock conditions are met.
- Risk
- If the motorcycle starts unintentionally and is parked in an enclosed space, exposure to carbon monoxide may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right hand combination switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-18-04.
Recall number 18V228000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- Indian Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, and Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be equipped with a European-market, not US-market, halogen headlight assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
- Risk
- The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-17-03.
Recall number 17V682000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Indian Chief Vintage 28
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Exterior lighting
- Indian Motorcycle identified that on Indian Scout Models there is a potential for damage to occur to...
- Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and...
- Electrical system
- EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
- This Team Tip has been released by Indian Motorcycle to provide information regarding odometer maintenance...
- Indian Motorcycle has identified a potential calibration issue affecting some 111/116 c.i. motorcycles
- Power train: automatic transmission: internal: gears
- This Team Tip identifies differences between crankcases used throughout Indian Motorcycle 111 C.I. engine...
- Updated information has been added to all Indian Motorcycle Service Manuals to provide dealers with clear...
What 2018 Indian Chief Vintage owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 2018 Indian Chief Vintage
Is the 2018 Indian Chief Vintage reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2018 Indian Chief Vintage, close to a typical Chief Vintage model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Indian Chief Vintage?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2018 Indian Chief Vintage have?
3 recalls, covering exterior lighting and electrical system.
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