While riding the motorcycle the windshield adjustment motor failed to raise the windshield from a lowered position to a raised position resulting in exposing my head to road hazards. The worm gear carrier that articulates the windshield is made of weak plastic.
The worst 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
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 Chieftain Dark Horse 32
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding brake inspection and maintenance...
- 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...
See all 32 bulletins for the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
What 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I am in cruise control 6th gear and it turns off and the bike is in neutral. I have to shift to 5th. The gear indicator is also slow to change to what gear I am in. I had the gear sensor replaced under a recall but it seems to be the cause of this.
I have had this motorcycle for less than 1 year and the kickstand spring broke into two pieces. Luckily I was not riding when it happened because the kickstand will not stay up and if I was riding and made a left turn without knowing it was down I could have been thrown from the bike and killed
Compare the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Other model years
Questions about the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse
Is the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, close to a typical Chieftain Dark Horse model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 1 complaint. Next is visibility (1).
How many recalls does the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse have?
3 recalls, covering exterior lighting and electrical system.
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