2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
8
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
5
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN
The 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN has received a total of 8 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 5 technical service bulletins have been issued by Indian Motorcycle Company for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Train (3 complaints), Exterior Lighting (2 complaints), and Electrical System (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN
NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN, potentially affecting up to 206,121 vehicles.
Recall 22V635000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
| 28,689 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 front lights, including the headlight.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 22V635000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
| 28,689 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 front lights, including the headlight.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 19V776000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
| 52,745 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 19V776000 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
| 52,745 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 19V339000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING
| 6,487 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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...
View full details →Recall 16V446000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
| 18,383 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 temperatures.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Recall 16V446000 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
| 18,383 vehicles affected
Defect: 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 temperatures.
Consequence: 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.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN
8 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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.
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.
Safety Rating for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN
Indian Motorcycle Company has issued 5 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
IND-04.10.23 — POWER TRAIN
This communication provides information regarding the inspection and tension adjustment of the Drive Belt on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
IND-04.06.2023 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This article contains information regarding battery removal and installation on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
IND-04-06-2023-2 — SERVICE BRAKES
This communication provides information regarding the inspection and maintenance of the brake system on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
IND-04-06-2023-2 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This communication provides information regarding the inspection and maintenance of the brake system on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
IND-04.06.2023-3 — POWER TRAIN
This communication provides information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the Clutch Lever on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the INDIAN CHIEFTAIN
- 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN (current)
- 2015 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN — 2 complaints
- 2016 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN — 1 complaint
- 2017 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN — 4 complaints
- 2018 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN — 1 complaint
- 2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN — 3 complaints
Other INDIAN Models
- INDIAN CHIEF — 98 total complaints
- INDIAN SCOUT — 65 total complaints
- INDIAN ROADMASTER — 33 total complaints
- INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE — 18 total complaints
- INDIAN SPIRIT — 15 total complaints
- INDIAN CHIEF DARK HORSE — 13 total complaints
- INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER — 12 total complaints
- INDIAN CHIEFTAIN DARK HORSE — 10 total complaints