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2001 Indian Chief problems

The most common problem on the 2001 Indian Chief is suspension. It has 5.0 times the complaints of a typical Chief model year.

Typical year5.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
6
Worst area
Suspension

The worst 2001 Indian Chief problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Suspension
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Suspension
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 2

Visibility: windshieldReported May 5, 2003 · 3,625 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain windshields that were sold as standard equipment on these motorcycles or sold as accessories for all other chief models may have defective brackets. The brackets that attach the windshield to the motorcycle are formed such that the mounting bolts are not flush with the bracket. This could place excessive stress on the bolts causing them to break.
Risk
Broken mounting bolts could lead to the windshield coming loose and even falling off the bike, potentially striking the rider or otherwise causing the rider to lose control of the motorcycle and crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brackets and bolts on the windshield. Owner notification began may 30, 2003. 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 motorcycle at 1‑888‑899‑2997.

Recall number 03V191000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported February 10, 2003 · 7,947 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain motorcycles equipped with compufire brand series type voltage regulators, if damaged, the voltage regulator can become stuck in an open mode that allows battery voltage to flow back through the regulator.
Risk
This condition can potentially cause the regulator to catch on fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the motorcycle and, if necessary, replace the regulator. Owner notification began february 14, 2003. 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 motorcycle at 1‑888‑899‑2997.

Recall number 03V039000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2001 Indian Chief

Defect 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

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 Indian Chief 6

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2001 Indian Chief owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 25, 2003 · Engine · CA

Consumer states while traveling 60 MPH and without any indication vehicle stalled.

Filed Jun 25, 2003 · Electrical · CA

Consumer noticed an electrical short in vehicle causing damage to battery. Dealer has been notified.

Filed Apr 23, 2003 · Visibility · MI

The dealer refused to honor the recall for the windshield.

Filed Jun 19, 2002 · Fuel system · CA

No summary listed for above mentioned motorcycle.

Filed Nov 8, 2001 · Suspension · CA

Front fork seals were leaking, repaired under warranty.

Filed Nov 8, 2001 · Brakes · CA

Rear brakes wore out at 1800 miles, dealer replaced rotors.

Filed Nov 8, 2001 · Engine · CA

Primary case is blowing out oil. Dealer cannot remedy.

Filed Aug 14, 2001 · Suspension · IL

At 75 and 80 MPH motorcycle will begin to wobble. Here was no control, and consumer had to slow it down to stop shaking. Please provide any further information.

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Brakes · CA

Rear brakes went out on motorcycle. Brake pads were completely woren out.

Filed Jul 6, 2001 · Suspension · WA

Fork seals were leaking. Shock absorbers for front end of motorcycle. Contact dealer.

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Questions about the 2001 Indian Chief

Is the 2001 Indian Chief reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2001 Indian Chief, 5.0 times a typical Chief model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Indian Chief?

Suspension, with 3 complaints. Next is brakes (2).

How many recalls does the 2001 Indian Chief have?

2 recalls, covering visibility and electrical system.

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