2018 Indian Chieftain Limited
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Indian › Chieftain Limited › 2018
These records cover every 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited. 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 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the motorcycle starts unintentionally and is parked in an enclosed space, exposure to carbon monoxide may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right hand combination switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-18-04.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
2 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Exterior lighting
Loss of front lighting (headlight,Auxiliary lights). High Beam Indicator in dash blinking. Happened numerous times on trip. Would have been extremely dangerous in the dark. Being a motorcycle it makes it hard for other drivers to see me. The motorcycle is available for inspection and I will contact dealer on next day of business . Error codes open circuit high beam and open circuit low beam.
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2018 indian chieftain limited motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding approximately 70 mph, the motorcycle suddenly shut-off without warning. The contact stated that on two occasions he coasted to the shoulder and restarted the motorcycle. The motorcycle was not…
TL* the contact owns a 2018 indian chieftain limited motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding approximately 70 mph, the motorcycle suddenly shut-off without warning. The contact stated that on two occasions he coasted to the shoulder and restarted the motorcycle. The motorcycle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 19v882000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 20,000. ## vin passed ## indian motorcycle 2018 chieftan limited ##
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.
- 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.
- 10179198Digital Wrench version 3.9 is now available for download. Updating to version 3.9 is required to update the base Digital Wrench software version from 3.8 to 3.9 to allow for future MY18 vehicle support.
- 10179073At the dealer show in July, we launched the new MY18 Indian Motorcycle line-up! On top of key product enhancements across the entire line, we also introduced the all new Scout Bobber, Springfield Dark Horse, Chieftain Dark Horse with Ride Command, and Roadmaster Elite.
- 10179072At Polaris, we are committed to the safety of our customers and riders. Through product design, dedicated safety engineering, and increased consumer awareness, Polaris continues to work toward a safe riding experience and proper operation of our products. The following information can be used to help identify and report Product Safety Concerns.
- 10179071Polaris has released Team Tip G-16-10-01 to inform dealers that Polaris Mobile Digital Wrench (PMDW) version 3.28 or later requires dealers to enter a valid 10-digit Digital Wrench serial number to operate the app. The serial number requirement has been added to improve visibility to app downloads and usage.
- 10179070There is no doubt that for a Polaris customer the process of picking up a brand new vehicle is one of the most exciting times in the ownership experience. To ensure that all Polaris dealers are equipped to deliver a world-class experience that matches the high quality and excitement of the products, PCDX was developed to create a mobile streamlined dealership delivery experience. PCDX combines the setup, registration, and delivery process into one easy to use application.
- 10179069PCDX is an online and mobile interface for providing a consistent dealer setup and customer delivery experience. The interface walks the dealer and the customer through a standardized online form that includes the PDI (pre-delivery inspection), general warnings, assembly and inspection, safety bulletins, test ride, customer information, customer walkaround and discussion, and customer acceptance. This application has been proven in dealerships to automate document retention, streamline vehicle setup, and provide a consistent, professional customer experience. Vehicles shipped after 11/1/2015 no longer include a paper PDI form with the vehicle setup material; instead dealers should complete the vehicle setup and PDI using the PCDX application, which can be located on the Dealer Website under Service and Warranty PCDX.
- 10179068This Team Tip is being released to dealers to provide information regarding the required transition to online PCDX and PCDX training.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10178881Indian Motorcycle has identified that some 2018 111 ci motorcycles have been manufactured with a clutch lever that does not meet quality standards. Affected clutch levers may cause an interference between the clutch cable and lever while cycling, potentially causing fatigue at the lever side of the cable.
- 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.
- 10178879Indian 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.
- 10178864Indian Motorcycle has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command display. Dealers should encourage Indian Motorcycle riders using Ride Command to bring their bikes in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verify the map version and update as necessary. The software update takes approximately 5 minutes to complete, while updating the map files may take up to 2 hours depending on PC configuration and internet speed. Ensure the staff is aware of, and has practiced both update processes so they can provide a positive customer experience.
- 10178863Indian Motorcycle has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command display. Dealers should encourage Indian Motorcycle riders using Ride Command to bring their bikes in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verify the map version and update as necessary. The software update takes approximately 5 minutes to complete, while updating the map files may take up to 2 hours depending on PC configuration and internet speed. Ensure the staff is aware of, and has practiced both update processes so they can provide a positive customer experience.
- 10178862Indian Motorcycle has introduced new software and map updates for the Ride Command display. Dealers should encourage Indian Motorcycle riders using Ride Command to bring their bikes in to receive the software update. At this time, dealers should also verify the map version and update as necessary. The software update takes approximately 5 minutes to complete, while updating the map files may take up to 2 hours depending on PC configuration and internet speed. Ensure the staff is aware of, and has practiced both update processes so they can provide a positive customer experience.
- 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.
- 10178856The Purpose of this Team Tip is to call attention to the importance of keeping Ride Command software updated to utilize the continuous improvements being made.
- 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 Limited model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.