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2019 Indian Chieftain problems

The most common problem on the 2019 Indian Chieftain is body and structure. It has 1.5 times the complaints of a typical Chieftain model year.

Typical year1.5x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
30
Worst area
Body

The worst 2019 Indian Chieftain problems

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

  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 3

Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakersReported December 11, 2019 · 5,474 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain, Vintage, Roadmaster, Dark Horse, Springfield, and FTR1200 motorcycles. A 10A circuit breaker may be defective, tripping unexpectedly and causing a sudden loss of power and an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Indian will notify owners and provide a new 10A circuit breaker and installation instructions. Owners may choose to have the part installed at a dealership, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-05.

Recall number 19V882000 · 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: tail lightsReported August 29, 2019 · 3,594 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain motorcycles. The tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed. 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
Due to increased brightness, other drivers may have difficulties discerning the brake light from the tail light, and thus may be unaware that the motorcycle is braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module software to correct the rear tail light's intensity, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1‑877‑204‑3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-04.

Recall number 19V638000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2019 Indian Chieftain

Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Indian Chieftain 30

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

See all 30 bulletins for the 2019 Indian Chieftain

What 2019 Indian Chieftain owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 23, 2021 · Transmission · TN

Reference 19V‑776 recall campaign 2014-2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c.I.) gear position switch. This switch was replaced under this recall in June 2020 at 250 miles. The same issue now is happening one year later at 15k miles. This fix from Indian was not effective.

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Engine · 17,800 miles · CA

Multiple time after having recall for 10a circuit breaker done bike has died on the freeway at speed as if out of gas once I pull over and turn it off and back on bike acts fine as though nothing happened I have taken it to north count indian wher I bought it and since they couldn't get it to repeat they stated fine and blew it off but bike has done it 3 times since I got it back. This is unacceptable as my life is in danger on the freeway if the bike cuts off and I can get off I could be seriously hurt indian needs to fix this asap!

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Body · 6,519 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 indian chieftain. While riding 40 MPH, the kickstand failed to retract when the motorcycle was started and placed into gear. The contact was unaware of the failure. While attempting to make a slight left turn, the kickstand dug into the roadway. As a result, the motorcycle flipped around 180 degrees, struck two mailboxes, drove through branches on a pine tree, and became entangled in a telephone pole. The contact was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained several bruises on the right elbow and contusions on the leg and elbows, which did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to ride the motorcycle away from the crash site. The motorcycle was taken to off road express (10320 wattsburg rd, erie, pa 16509, (814) 825-4747) to be inspected. The contact was informed by the dealer that they were awaiting guidance from the manufacturer on how to proceed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,519.

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Questions about the 2019 Indian Chieftain

Is the 2019 Indian Chieftain reliable?

Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2019 Indian Chieftain, 1.5 times a typical Chieftain model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Indian Chieftain?

Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is engine (1).

How many recalls does the 2019 Indian Chieftain have?

3 recalls, covering electrical system and exterior lighting.

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