NHTSA Complaint #11522014 — 2019 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issue reported to NHTSA

Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report

Complaint Details

ODI Number 11522014
Vehicle 2019 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER
Component ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Date of Incident
Date Filed
Mileage N/A miles
Crash No
Fire No
Injuries 0
Deaths 0
Vehicle Towed No
State MD

Consumer Description

I was almost killed when my gear indicator switch suddenly went from 6th gear to neutral, therefore disengaging the cruise control. This caused a sudden decrease in speed due to engine braking which almost resulted in me getting rear ended. I could hear tires chirping behind me but luckily, I was able to regain my speed. This issue happens without warning and I have previously tried to get this fixed 3 times. All they do for the "fix" is clean the switch. This only lasts for about 8k miles. This is the same switch that was previously recalled due to a potential startup in 2nd gear. It is still "oxidizing" as stated in the original recall. IMO, they have made the issue even worse where the issue now occurs at speed. It also causes the bike to indicate 2nd gear when you are indeed, in neutral. Indian knows about this and has come up with a fix for mid 2019 models and subsequent. The crankcase and gear shift part numbers were changed and the gear indicator switch is clearly different. But it is apparently, not retrofittable to 2014 through early 2019 bikes. This is gross misconduct, IMO, and Indian is knowingly putting riders at risk. I am including an Indian forum thread to show that I am not the only one with this problem, https://www.indianmotorcycles.net/threads/gear-indicator-issue.338723/ There are many more threads on this issue besides this one. Please investigate this matter. I don't think I should have to call Indian or let them call this a maintenance item I have to pay for every 8k miles. This amounts to twice a year for me. That is very excessive. It is also rewarding them for their defective part. The "maintenance" is not easy or cheap. Multiple parts have to come off the bike to even get to the switch. It also takes me two months to get an appointment at my dealer so it is not getting fixed promptly. Mine, and others, safety is at risk. Please help. Thanks - [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Related Complaints for the 2019 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER

Other ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Complaints

#11521350 The contact owns a 2019 Indian Chief Roadmaster Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding 60 MPH with the crui...
#11419512 The gear position sensor will go from 6th gear to neutral causing you to either drop out of cruise control (if engage...

Recent Complaints for the 2019 INDIAN CHIEF ROADMASTER

#11521350 POWER TRAIN The contact owns a 2019 Indian Chief Roadmaster Motorcycle. The contact stated that while riding 60 MPH with the crui...
Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report