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2016 Indian Chieftain problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Indian Chieftain is electrical system. It has fewer complaints than a typical Chieftain model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
32
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2016 Indian Chieftain problems

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

  • Electrical
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    1

Recalls 4

Exterior lighting: lighting control module: softwareReported August 19, 2022 · 28,689 vehicles affected
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 systemReported October 29, 2019 · 52,745 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
Risk
If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.

Recall number 19V776000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust systemReported June 17, 2016 · 18,383 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
Risk
Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.

Recall number 16V446000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinderReported November 2, 2015 · 7,614 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and 2016 Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured January 2, 2015, to October 23, 2015. Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power.
Risk
A full or partial loss of rear braking power may lengthen the distance needed to slow or stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-15-04.

Recall number 15V721000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2016 Indian Chieftain

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Indian Chieftain 32

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

See all 32 bulletins for the 2016 Indian Chieftain

What 2016 Indian Chieftain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 10, 2017 · Electrical · 7,500 miles · AL

My 2016 indian chieftain that has @7500 miles display flickers. This happens when the throttle is operated in all conditions. I have been informed that numerous chieftains were in the shop for the same reason. It's been in the shop since september 29th.

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Questions about the 2016 Indian Chieftain

Is the 2016 Indian Chieftain reliable?

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2016 Indian Chieftain, fewer than a typical Chieftain model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Indian Chieftain?

Electrical system, with 1 complaint.

How many recalls does the 2016 Indian Chieftain have?

4 recalls, covering exterior lighting, electrical system and engine and engine cooling.

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