Consumer states while traveling 60 MPH and without any indication vehicle stalled.
The worst 2001 Indian Chief problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Suspension3
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Suspension3
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
Visibility: windshield
- 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/regulator
- 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 collapse
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.
- Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and...
- EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
- Indian motorcycle: the rear shock absorber on the motorcycle CAN be adjusted for the weight the motorcycle...
- Indian motorcycle: transmission oil level check. model and model years not listed.
- Indian motorcycle: engine oil level check. no model or model years listed.
- Damper kit for rear fender. tt
What 2001 Indian Chief owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Consumer noticed an electrical short in vehicle causing damage to battery. Dealer has been notified.
The dealer refused to honor the recall for the windshield.
No summary listed for above mentioned motorcycle.
Front fork seals were leaking, repaired under warranty.
Rear brakes wore out at 1800 miles, dealer replaced rotors.
Primary case is blowing out oil. Dealer cannot remedy.
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.
Rear brakes went out on motorcycle. Brake pads were completely woren out.
Fork seals were leaking. Shock absorbers for front end of motorcycle. Contact dealer.
Compare the 2001 Indian Chief
Other model years
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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