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2017 Indian Chieftain problems

The most common problem on the 2017 Indian Chieftain is electrical system. Its complaint count is close to a typical Chieftain model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
36
Worst area
Electrical

The worst 2017 Indian Chieftain problems

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

  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 3

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

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported October 27, 2017 · 2,096 vehicles affected
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

See all 3 recalls for the 2017 Indian Chieftain

Technical service bulletins for the 2017 Indian Chieftain 36

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

See all 36 bulletins for the 2017 Indian Chieftain

What 2017 Indian Chieftain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 13, 2024 · Lights · 27,660 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2017 Indian Chieftain Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the high beam indicator warning light illuminated. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V635000 (Exterior Lighting) in November 2022; however, the recall repair was not completed at the time. The contact stated that the motorcycle was only inspected for failure at the time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,660.

Filed Dec 3, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · WA

I've received emails from polaris indicating active a recall but do not see the recall on your site when searching by VIN.

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Other model years

201420152016201720182019

Questions about the 2017 Indian Chieftain

Is the 2017 Indian Chieftain reliable?

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2017 Indian Chieftain, close to a typical Chieftain model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Indian Chieftain?

Electrical system, with 1 complaint. Next is lights (1).

How many recalls does the 2017 Indian Chieftain have?

3 recalls, covering exterior lighting and electrical system.

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