2015 Indian Chieftain
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Indian › Chieftain › 2015
These records cover every 2015 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 2015 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 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.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
2 complaints1 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
1) pressed ignition botton to turn bike off and bike stayed on. 2) ABS indicator light stays on. 3) speedometer went to zero while riding. 4) radio just stopped working no indication on dashboard while riding.
- Service brakes
I had an accident with a passenger on the bike that I believe was caused by a leaking rear brake reservoir. I approached a sweeping right hand curve and the bike would not turn, we went head first into a guardrail at about 40mph. I believe the rear brake reservoir leaked brake fluid on the rear…
I had an accident with a passenger on the bike that I believe was caused by a leaking rear brake reservoir. I approached a sweeping right hand curve and the bike would not turn, we went head first into a guardrail at about 40mph. I believe the rear brake reservoir leaked brake fluid on the rear tire while in the turn. poc shows blowback of brake fluid on the drive belt guard right beside the rear tire. the only way this can happen IS with air movement, which also caused the bike to not turn or react, causing the crash.
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.
- 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.
- 10209965Indian Motorcycle identified that on Indian Scout Models there is a potential for damage to occur to electrical hardware or the vehicle harness if the battery ground cable and ground joint is not connected properly. Damage can occur during procedures that require the battery cable to be disconnected or during battery removal and installation.
- 10208642Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French.
- 10195280579.5 Notices, Bulletins, customer satisfaction campaigns, consumer advisories, and other communications for the month of November 2015
- 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.
- 10178846This Team Tip has been released to clearly define Indian Motorcycles expectations when filing a warranty claim related to shipping and / or concealed crate damage. In the event that damage occurs during the shipping process, or that damage is concealed under the shipping bag, it is critical to adhere to the claim steps outlined in this communication. Following the guidelines explained below will expedite repairs and allow Indian Motorcycle to seek carrier reimbursement when applicable.
- 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.