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2000 Indian Chief suspension problems

11 complaints (28% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
11
of this car's complaints
28%
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Rear
    4
  • Rear: axle: non-powered axle assembly
    1
  • Front: shock absorber
    1
  • Front
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Indian Chief suspension problems in other years

199920002001

Related recalls

Suspension: rearReported May 3, 2002 · 4,590 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by sway-a-way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could break.
Risk
This could result in the collapse of the rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rear shock absorbers and replace them if necessary. Owner notification is expected to begin during may 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact indian at 1‑408‑846‑7228.

Recall number 02V124000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Rear suspension collapseOpened November 21, 2001, closed April 30, 2002

Six manufacturer incidents of broken rear suspension shock absorber mounting brackets and forty-two of broken shock bolts.the original sway-away rear shock absorbers (identified by a black housing) are not adequate for the subject bikes' gvwr.shock bottoming (I.e., coil bind) consequently occurs at the upper range of the machine's weight carrying capacity and the resulting loads break the shock mounting brackets and/or bolts.indian is recalling the subject motorcycles to install shock absorbers from progressive suspension.the progressives have a greater load carrying capabilty and may be identified by the gold color.with indian's recall, odi is closing this pe.

PE01039

What 2000 Indian Chief owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 30, 2002 · Suspension · OR

Consumer received recall 02v124000 for shock absorbers. When he took it in on or about july 2, 2002, was told by mechanic that they did not have the part to repair recall. Then left, and returned again for the second time on or about aug 16, 02, and was also told that they did not have the part to repair the recall. Also, was told by mechanic that he did not know when would be receiving the part. Dealer, indian motor of portland on 13844 s.e mcloughlin blvd. Milwaukee, or 97222 (503) 654 1017.

Filed Aug 1, 2002 · Suspension, Transmission · IL

Motorcycle rear wheel locked up at 40 MPH went into a skid and I was almost hit by the vehicle behind me. Transmission failed. Indian motorcycle replaced trans to correct problem. New trans installed and does not shift properly....front suspension dives when braking and wobbles left to right at 65-70 MPH in gradual turns unstable and I have to slow down to regain control of the motorcycle. This problem has been in for repair 5 times and has not been corrected. Vehicle is unsafe to drive.kickstand has been replaced 4 times.kick stand and floorboards are mounted too low on this motorcycle kickstand hits pavement on shallow left turns causing the bike to jump upright and control of the turn is lost. Floorboard is too low on right side of bike causing the same problem as described for kickstand in right turns.I would like these control and transmission designs investigated the geometry of this bike is wrong and indian authorized dealers have not been able to correct these problems.

Filed Aug 1, 2002 · Suspension, Transmission · IL

Motorcycle rear wheel locked up at 40 MPH went into a skid almost hit by vehicle behind me transmission replaced to correct problem. New trans installed and does not shift properly indian motorcycle company replaced trans under warranty with a different type of transmission -------- front suspension dives when braking has been repaired 5 times.still has this problem even worse is that the front end wobbles left to right at 65-70mph in gradual turns unstable have to slow down to regain control of motorcycle.

Filed Jul 11, 2002 · Suspension · MO

The motorcycle "wobbles" so bad it goes out of control.

Filed Jun 25, 2002 · Suspension · KY

Consumer first contacted dealer in may of 2002, concerning recall o2v124000. Manufacturer has not sent parts to dealer. Consumer has called indian co. Numerous times, will not return his calls.

Filed Apr 3, 2002 · Suspension · NJ

Indian is aware of these problems but fails to react to them. No safety defect listed.

Filed Dec 1, 2001 · Suspension · MO

Front end wobbles to the point of loss of control. Fast speed, or curves make it worse.

Filed Sep 27, 2001 · Suspension · NC

The swing arm shock mount broke at 65mph and I nearly went down.

Filed Aug 8, 2001 · Engine, Suspension · MN · fire

When driving 60 MPH rear suspension steel plate broke and snapped in half, which damaged tire. Also, fender got so hot that the heat damaged motorcycle seat. Consumer has contacted dealer. Consumer states motor blew both head gaskets and burnt both jugs, consumer checked that there was a fire.

Filed Apr 6, 2001 · Suspension · TX

The shocks have failed five times, 1 leaked, 3 broke at the weld connecting the eye bolt, 1 bolt broke off releasing the shock, shock failure at speeds over 35 MPH causes instability. Nlm

Questions about the 2000 Indian Chief suspension

Does the 2000 Indian Chief have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 11 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Indian Chief, 28% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2000 Indian Chief suspension problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Indian Chief suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V124000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

Other 2000 Indian Chief problems

Engine 6Lights 5Steering 5Body 4Brakes 4Electrical 4Transmission 2Visibility 2Acceleration 1Fuel system 1

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