2014 Indian Chieftain
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Indian › Chieftain › 2014
These records cover every 2014 Indian Chieftain. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2014 Indian Chieftain. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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 NHTSA recall number 19V-339.
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 and remedy
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.
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief and Chieftain motorcycles. Due to a problem within the Vehicle Control Module (VCM), all of the front lights, including the headlight, may go out while riding.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) connector and update the VCM software. If the VCM connector is damaged, a new connector and VCM will be installed, free of charge. The recall began April 1, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-635.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
6 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you’re at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!!
- Power train
Clutch cables appears to failing at what may be considered a high rate. Loss of clutch could lead to rider being unable to operate the motorcycle safely. My particular motorcycle in unaffected by this but I'm seeing reports on various web sites that IS it IS occurring at a high frequency.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2014 indian chieftain. The contact stated that the daytime running lamps and headlights started to fail intermittently. Eventually, the lights completely failed to operate. The contact drove to indian motorcycle boise (2374 e cinema dr, #106, meridian, ID 83642, 208-887-3450)…
TL* the contact owns a 2014 indian chieftain. The contact stated that the daytime running lamps and headlights started to fail intermittently. Eventually, the lights completely failed to operate. The contact drove to indian motorcycle boise (2374 e cinema dr, #106, meridian, ID 83642, 208-887-3450) where he was informed that the vehicle was included in a recall; however, the parts were unavailable for the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they still did not have the parts available for the recall. A vin search showed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 19v339000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 24,000.
- Power train
Gear indicator does not always show correct gear that you are in. When bike IS in neutral indicator in showing 2 nd gear. Indicator was showing neutral so I hit the started switch, it was in first gear, didn't have may hands on the handle bars, bike started and took off, about threw me off. Reading the forums this seems to be a common problem, but yet no recall on this
- Exterior lighting
Headlight and driving lights stopped working while riding, this IS not a burned-out bulb. The vcm wiring circuit IS burned on pin #11. I read of at three other indian's with this issue, read on: http://www.chiefmotorcycleforum.com/index.php?topic=8205.30
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2014 indian chieftain motorcycle. While driving 30 mph, the gear lever failed to shift past first gear until the speed decreased to 5 mph. The contact mentioned that the failure only occurred in cold temperatures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed…
TL* the contact owns a 2014 indian chieftain motorcycle. While driving 30 mph, the gear lever failed to shift past first gear until the speed decreased to 5 mph. The contact mentioned that the failure only occurred in cold temperatures. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the vehicle was working to specifications and recommended that the vehicle be warmed up for ten minutes. The failure persisted and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 1,800.
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.
- 10235789This communication provides information regarding the inspection and tension adjustment of the Drive Belt on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
- 10235788This communication provides information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the Clutch Lever on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
- 10235785This communication provides information regarding the inspection and maintenance of the brake system on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
- 10235784This article contains information regarding battery removal and installation on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
- 10219495Indian Motorcycle has determined that an electrical defect may exist in 2014-2020 Heavyweight Air Cooled Indian Motorcycles, resulting in the unexpected loss of forward lighting. This defect may also cause heat damage to the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) and Pin 11 of the center VCM connector. Indian Motorcycle has released this bulletin with instructions to inspect the VCM connector for damage, update the VCM software, and replace the VCM and pin 11 connector if damaged.
- 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.
- 10189624Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 FullSize (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM), and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Mentioned devices operate in restricted in Japan frequency of 433Hhz.
- 10189623Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 FullSize (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM), and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Mentioned devices operate in restricted in Japan frequency of 433Hhz.
- 10185171Indian Motorcycle has identified a potential calibration issue affecting some 111/116 c.i. motorcycles. When active, the P1530 fault causes the motorcycle to operate in a reduced power (limp) mode.
- 10185170This Team Tip has been released by Indian Motorcycle to provide information regarding odometer maintenance and address concerns about correct odometer value.
- 10178896Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a change in resistance values resulting in the rider display indicating an incorrect gear. Incorrect gear indication during start-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- 10178895Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a change in resistance values resulting in the rider display indicating an incorrect gear. Incorrect gear indication during start-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- 10178894Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a change in resistance values resulting in the rider display indicating an incorrect gear. Incorrect gear indication during start-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- 10178891Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2017 111ci motorcycles equipped with Stage 2 Performance Cams, Part Number 2881676, may experience intermittent drivability issues.
- 10178882Indian Motorcycle is actively investigating a potential concern affecting 111 ci engines that have been equipped with the Thunder Stroke 116 ci Stage 3 Big Bore accessory kit. Investigation is currently planned to conclude by 5/7/18, and at that time this communication will be re-issued with additional information. In the interim, Big Bore Kits and vehicles equipped with kits should not be sold.
- 10178880Indian Motorcycle has identified three separate calibration concerns currently affecting 2017 and 2018 full-size Indian Motorcycles. The Indian Motorcycle engineering team has released updated ECM and cluster calibrations to correct these concerns. Gear Position Fault, Coil Driver Fault, and Battery Drain issues will all be resolved with this reflash. Refer to Team Tip I-17-11-01 for more details.
- 10178866This Team Tip has been released to assist dealers when servicing vehicles that have, or are suspected to have, aftermarket (non-OEM) modifications. It is critical for expedient and accurate diagnosis of a motorcycle, to identify and disclose all existing modifications to Indian Technical Service. Use of aftermarket components can create operating characteristics and sensor feedback that do not align with factory parameters. These cases can send our technicians down the wrong path and result in longer diagnostic time and a poor customer experience.
- 10178865This Team Tip is designed to inform dealers about updated information regarding gear position switches for all 2014- 2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c. i.) models. Updated information has been added to the Service Manual to provide dealers with clear direction on how to properly maintain and service gear position switches. We have also updated the maintenance interval chart to include the inspection and cleaning of the gear position switch at 10,000 mile intervals.
- 101788582014-2018 Indian Motorcycles utilize Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries which are selected for their superior vibration resistance, weight savings, and high output. This Team Tip is being released to provide the Indian dealer network with specific recommendations to help maintain and restore the AGM type batteries used in Indian Motorcycles.
- 10178848This Team Tip is being released to provide dealers with an advanced understanding of Indian Motorcycle key fob operation, alarm compatibility, battery life expectations and troubleshooting. 2014-2016 Indian Chief, Chieftain and Roadmaster motorcycles utilize a keyless ignition system (Key Fob) for vehicle startup and operation. The Key Fob acts as a two-way transmitter which provides an authentication signal to the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) located on the motorcycle. When the Key Fob is detected, the ignition system is enabled and the motorcycle becomes operational.
- 10178845Indian Motorcycles has determined that certain Phone Mount Kits P/N 2880043 may be missing a required hinge spacer P/N 5139174.
- 10178841Indian Motorcycles has determined the reprogramming (reflash) procedure may be negatively affected if performed with a device connected to the USB connector. It is important to disconnect all devices from the USB connector prior to performing an ECU, VCM, ABS Controller, Instrument Cluster or Audio System reprogramming (reflash) procedure. A technician should be familiar with Digital Wrench and computer operation in general before attempting any reprogramming (reflash) procedure. Refer to the appropriate Indian Motorcycle Service Manual for additional information.
- 10178839Indian Motorcycle has released a software update for some 2014-2015 Indian Classic / Vintage / Chieftain motorcycles to address customer concerns with Brake-Throttle Override (BTO) functionality. The BTO system will temporarily close the throttle plate and, in some cases, illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) if the brakes and throttle are applied at the same time while the vehicle is in motion. While this operation is normal, it is not always compatible with each individual riding style.
- 10167641Updated information has been added to all Indian Motorcycle Service Manuals to provide dealers with clear directions when servicing the fuel system. Be sure to reference the applicable Service Manual for the most accurate information.
- 10167640This Team Tip identifies differences between crankcases used throughout Indian Motorcycle 111 C.I. engine production, and introduces a new service crankcase for 2014-2020 models.
Every Indian Chieftain model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.