2001 Indian Chief
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Indian › Chief › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Indian Chief. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2001 Indian Chief. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
10 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states while traveling 60 mph and without any indication vehicle stalled. *Ak
- Electrical system
Consumer noticed an electrical short in vehicle causing damage to battery. Dealer has been notified. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield
The dealer refused to honor the recall for the windshield. *nlm
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
No summary listed for above mentioned motorcycle. *ak
- Suspension › Front
Front fork seals were leaking, repaired under warranty.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Rear brakes wore out at 1800 miles, dealer replaced rotors. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Primary case IS blowing out oil. Dealer cannot remedy. *ak
- Suspension
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.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Rear brakes went out on motorcycle. Brake pads were completely woren out.*ak
- Suspension › Front
Fork seals were leaking. Shock absorbers for front end of motorcycle. contact dealer. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10208642Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French.
- 10189626EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
- 10030064Indian motorcycle: engine oil level check. No model or model years listed.
- 10030026Indian motorcycle: transmission oil level check. Model and model years not listed.
- 10030025Indian motorcycle: the rear shock absorber on the motorcycle can be adjusted for the weight the motorcycle IS carrying. To adjust the shock absorber spring, you will need an appropriate spanner wrench. No model or model years listed.
- 10001068Damper kit for rear fender.
Every Indian Chief model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.