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Indian Chief Problems

The Indian Chief is a heavyweight cruiser motorcycle from the revived Indian Motorcycle brand now owned by Polaris. With 196 NHTSA complaints on file, this American V-twin motorcycle has documented issues primarily related to suspension, hydraulic service brakes, and engine cooling. The Chief line represents Indian's flagship cruiser offering.

196
Total Complaints
14
Total Recalls
14
Model Years
0
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2000 1999
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

2015 2017 2022

Common Problem Categories

Suspension 38
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 28
Engine And Engine Cooling 26
Electrical System 26
Steering 16

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2022 4 2 0 0 Good
2019 0 1 0 0 Good
2018 0 3 0 0 Good
2017 6 2 0 0 Good
2016 0 1 0 0 Good
2015 2 1 0 0 Good
2014 0 2 0 0 Good
2013 0 1 0 0 Good
2012 0 1 0 0 Good
2003 8 0 0 0 Average
2002 8 0 0 0 Average
2001 20 0 0 0 Average
2000 104 0 6 4 Avoid
1999 44 0 2 0 Avoid

Indian Chief Years to Avoid

2000, 1999, 2001

Best Indian Chief Years

2017, 2022, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common problems with the Indian Chief?

The most frequent issues involve suspension with 38 complaints, hydraulic service brakes with 28 complaints, and engine/cooling problems with 26 complaints.

Is the Indian Chief reliable?

The modern Indian Chief (post-Polaris acquisition) has shown improved reliability. Earlier 1999-2001 models from the previous ownership have higher complaint concentrations.

What years of the Indian Chief should I avoid?

The 2000, 1999, and 2001 model years have the highest complaint volumes from the earlier Indian Motorcycle company era. Modern Indians show better reliability.

How do older and newer Indian Chiefs compare?

Pre-2011 Indians were made by different owners with different manufacturing quality. Polaris-era Indians (2011+) benefit from established manufacturing and parts availability.