Owners have filed 52 complaints
about the 2000 Indian Chief with NHTSA between 2000 and 2003.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 93
Against the median year of the Indian Chief. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 79
15.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR
522.7%
Gasoline
418.2%
Rear
418.2%
Alternator/Generator/Regulator
29.1%
Engine
29.1%
Windshield
29.1%
Manual Transmission
29.1%
Concealment Devices
14.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2000peak 5Oct 2003
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 Indian Chief
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE02037Opened 26 Mar 2002Closed 24 May 2002STRUCTURE
HANDLEBAR LOOSENING
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION AFTER RECEIVING ONE OWNER COMPLAINT REGARDING TWO INSTANCES OF HANDLEBAR LOOSENING ON A 2000 INDIAN CHIEF MODEL MOTORCYCLE.THIS WAS OCCURRING BECAUSE THE HANDLEBAR RISER CLAMP MATERIAL WAS TWW SOFT RESULTING IN INSUFFICIENT CLAMPING FORCE NECESSARY TO FULLY SECURE THE HANDLEBAR IN CERTAIN FORESEEABLE MANEUVERS.INDIAN IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO REPLACE THE INFERIOR RISER CLAMP WITH ANOTHER OF MORE ROBUST MATERIAL.
PE01039Opened 21 Nov 2001Closed 30 Apr 2002SUSPENSION
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
SIX MANUFACTURER INCIDENTS OF BROKEN REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING BRACKETS AND FORTY-TWO OF BROKEN SHOCK BOLTS.THE ORIGINAL SWAY-AWAY REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS (IDENTIFIED BY A BLACK HOUSING) ARE NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE SUBJECT BIKES' GVWR.SHOCK BOTTOMING (I.E., COIL BIND) CONSEQUENTLY OCCURS AT THE UPPER RANGE OF THE MACHINE'S WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY AND THE RESULTING LOADS BREAK THE SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKETS AND/OR BOLTS.INDIAN IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES TO INSTALL SHOCK ABSORBERS FROM PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION.THE PROGRESSIVES HAVE A GREATER LOAD CARRYING CAPABILTY AND MAY BE IDENT...
Recalls on the 2000 Indian Chief
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
03V191000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CERTAIN WINDSHIELDS THAT WERE SOLD AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON THESE MOTORCYCLES OR SOLD AS ACCESSORIES FOR ALL OTHER CHIEF MODELS MAY HAVE DEFECTIVE BRACKETS. THE BRACKETS THAT ATTACH THE WINDSHIELD TO THE MOTORCYCLE ARE FORMED SUCH THAT THE MOUNTING BOLTS ARE NOT FLUSH WITH THE BRACKET. THIS COULD PLACE EXCESSIVE STRESS ON THE BOLTS CAUSING THEM TO BREAK.
Risk: BROKEN MOUNTING BOLTS COULD LEAD TO THE WINDSHIELD COMING LOOSE AND EVEN FALLING OFF THE BIKE, POTENTIALLY STRIKING THE RIDER OR OTHERWISE CAUSING THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE AND CRASH.
03V039000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH COMPUFIRE BRAND SERIES TYPE VOLTAGE REGULATORS, IF DAMAGED, THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR CAN BECOME STUCK IN AN OPEN MODE THAT ALLOWS BATTERY VOLTAGE TO FLOW BACK THROUGH THE REGULATOR.
Risk: THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REGULATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE.
02V144000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE HANDLE BAR RISER TOP CLAMP COULD ALLOW EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE HANDLE BARS.
Risk: LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
02V124000
SUSPENSION:REAR
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS MADE BY SWAY-A-WAY, THE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS TO THE SWING ARM COULD BREAK.
Risk: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE COLLAPSE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20033086 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by Sway-A-Way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could break. This could result in the collapse of the rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Recall 20033075 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars. Loss of control of the motorcycle could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Recall 200330268 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain motorcycles equipped with Compufire brand series type voltage regulators, if damaged, the voltage regulator can become stuck in an open mode that allows battery voltage to flow back through the regulator. This condition can potentially cause the regulator to catch on fire. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 3,500 milesMedford, ORCrash2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE TURN SIGNALS FLASH THREE TIMES. WHILE THEY ARE FLASHING, THE TURN SIGNALS CAN NOT BE TURNED ON WHICH CAUSED ME TO BE STRUCK IN THE SIDE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN.
NHTSA complaint #10016418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, MNFire
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHEN DRIVING 60 MPH REAR SUSPENSION STEEL PLATE BROKE AND SNAPPED IN HALF, WHICH DAMAGED TIRE. ALSO, FENDER GOT SO HOT THAT THE HEAT DAMAGED MOTORCYCLE SEAT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. CONSUMER STATES MOTOR BLEW BOTH HEAD GASKETS AND BURNT BOTH JUGS, CONSUMER CHECKED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #893871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, MNFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
WHEN DRIVING 60 MPH REAR SUSPENSION STEEL PLATE BROKE AND SNAPPED IN HALF, WHICH DAMAGED TIRE. ALSO, FENDER GOT SO HOT THAT THE HEAT DAMAGED MOTORCYCLE SEAT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. CONSUMER STATES MOTOR BLEW BOTH HEAD GASKETS AND BURNT BOTH JUGS, CONSUMER CHECKED THAT THERE WAS A FIRE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #893871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ADA, MNCrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY
MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 65 OR MORE MPH. MOTORCYCLE HAS BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. *AK THE MOTORCYCLE DEVELOPED A SEVERE HEAD SHAKE CAUSING ININJURIES TO THE DRIVER.
NHTSA complaint #876318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennewich, WACrash1 injured
STRUCTURE
GOING AROUND A LEFT HAND CORNER AT 50 MPH THE LEFT FLOOR BOARD SCRAPED ON GROUND CONSISTANTLY LOOSE CONTROL SENDING BIKE TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA complaint #9001776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 6,000 milesPomona, CA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
HORN DOESNT WORK,CHARGING SYSTEM DOESNT WORK,WINDSHIELD COMES LOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10041630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesPomona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
HORN DOESNT WORK,CHARGING SYSTEM DOESNT WORK,WINDSHIELD COMES LOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10041630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesPomona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HORN DOESNT WORK,CHARGING SYSTEM DOESNT WORK,WINDSHIELD COMES LOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10041630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomona, CA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEM S. THE WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE /THE CHARGER WILL NOT CHARGE AT ALL/BATTERY HAS LOW CELL, AND BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10040434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEM S. THE WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE /THE CHARGER WILL NOT CHARGE AT ALL/BATTERY HAS LOW CELL, AND BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10040434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomona, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEM S. THE WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE /THE CHARGER WILL NOT CHARGE AT ALL/BATTERY HAS LOW CELL, AND BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10040434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomona, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEM S. THE WINDSHIELD IS LOOSE /THE CHARGER WILL NOT CHARGE AT ALL/BATTERY HAS LOW CELL, AND BRAKES WILL NOT HOLD AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10040434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vista, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER STATES THAT T BRAKES HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED.
NHTSA complaint #10031487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crittenden, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE #03V039000 SUBJECT: VOLTAGE REGULATOR. THE CONSUMER CALLED KERRY FORD ON 4/28/2003 WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS HAD TO BE ORDERED. THE CONSUMER HAD NOT RECEIVED A CALL FROM KERRY FORD ON THE DATE WHEN THE RECALLED PARTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10020475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,500 milesMedford, ORCrash2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE TURN SIGNALS FLASH THREE TIMES. WHILE THEY ARE FLASHING, THE TURN SIGNALS CAN NOT BE TURNED ON WHICH CAUSED ME TO BE STRUCK IN THE SIDE WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN.
NHTSA complaint #10016418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shepherdstown, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR. THE CONSUMER STATED HE RECEIVED POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10014973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waldorf, MD
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED LAST YEAR FOR A LEAK, THE PROBLEM RECURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10014791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, NM
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL PERFORMED REGARDING THE WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR.
NHTSA complaint #10009469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Holly, MI
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
THE CONSUMER IS CONCERN HE RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICED FOR THE HANDLE BAR. MAY 31 2001. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO PARTS AVAILABLE. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE 200 EAST TENTH STREET GILROY CA 95020 #FOR JUDY WOODS 408 846 7228 COMPANY 408 846 7228. MR
NHTSA complaint #8021158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY DIED. TOOK TO DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE BULB. DEALER STATED THERE IS A SHORTAGE IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THREE WEEKS LATER LIGHTS SHORTED OUT AGAIN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. MR
NHTSA complaint #8021163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY DIED. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER STATED THERE WAS A SHORTAGE. MR
NHTSA complaint #8021155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WAITING 4 MONTHS FOR DEALERS OF INDIAN TO "GET PARTS FROM INDIAN" - STILL HAVE NOT RECEIVED NOTICE.. NOTIFIED INDIAN PERSONEL IN GILROY, NO CALL BACK YET. TS
NHTSA complaint #767820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clackamas, OR
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SHOCK ABSORBER
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 02V124000 FOR SHOCK ABSORBERS. WHEN HE TOOK IT IN ON OR ABOUT JULY 2, 2002, WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART TO REPAIR RECALL. THEN LEFT, AND RETURNED AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME ON OR ABOUT AUG 16, 02, AND WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PART TO REPAIR THE RECALL. ALSO, WAS TOLD BY MECHANIC THAT HE DID NOT KNOW WHEN WOULD BE RECEIVING THE PART. DEALER, INDIAN MOTOR OF PORTLAND ON 13844 S.E MCLOUGHLIN BLVD. MILWAUKEE, OR 97222 (503) 654 1017.
NHTSA complaint #8017717 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homewood, IL
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 40 MPH WENT INTO A SKID ALMOST HIT BY VEHICLE BEHIND ME TRANSMISSION REPLACED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. NEW TRANS INSTALLED AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY REPLACED TRANS UNDER WARRANTY WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION -------- FRONT SUSPENSION DIVES WHEN BRAKING HAS BEEN REPAIRED 5 TIMES.STILL HAS THIS PROBLEM EVEN WORSE IS THAT THE FRONT END WOBBLES LEFT TO RIGHT AT 65-70MPH IN GRADUAL TURNS UNSTABLE HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #765040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homewood, IL
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 40 MPH WENT INTO A SKID AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. TRANSMISSION FAILED. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE REPLACED TRANS TO CORRECT PROBLEM. NEW TRANS INSTALLED AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY....FRONT SUSPENSION DIVES WHEN BRAKING AND WOBBLES LEFT TO RIGHT AT 65-70 MPH IN GRADUAL TURNS UNSTABLE AND I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR 5 TIMES AND HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.KICKSTAND HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES.KICK STAND AND FLOORBOARDS ARE MOUNTED TOO LOW ON THIS MOTORCYCLE KICKSTAND HITS PAVEMENT ON SHALLOW LEFT TURNS CAUSING THE BIKE TO JUMP UPRIGHT AND CONTROL OF THE TURN IS LOST. FLOORBOARD IS TOO LOW ON RIGHT SIDE OF BIKE CAUSING THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED FOR KICKSTAND IN RIGHT TURNS.I WOULD LIKE THESE CONTROL AND TRANSMISSION DESIGNS INVESTIGATED THE GEOMETRY OF THIS BIKE IS WRONG AND INDIAN AUTHORIZED DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #765042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homewood, IL
SUSPENSION
MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 40 MPH WENT INTO A SKID ALMOST HIT BY VEHICLE BEHIND ME TRANSMISSION REPLACED TO CORRECT PROBLEM. NEW TRANS INSTALLED AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY REPLACED TRANS UNDER WARRANTY WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF TRANSMISSION -------- FRONT SUSPENSION DIVES WHEN BRAKING HAS BEEN REPAIRED 5 TIMES.STILL HAS THIS PROBLEM EVEN WORSE IS THAT THE FRONT END WOBBLES LEFT TO RIGHT AT 65-70MPH IN GRADUAL TURNS UNSTABLE HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA complaint #765040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homewood, IL
SUSPENSION:REAR
MOTORCYCLE REAR WHEEL LOCKED UP AT 40 MPH WENT INTO A SKID AND I WAS ALMOST HIT BY THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME. TRANSMISSION FAILED. INDIAN MOTORCYCLE REPLACED TRANS TO CORRECT PROBLEM. NEW TRANS INSTALLED AND DOES NOT SHIFT PROPERLY....FRONT SUSPENSION DIVES WHEN BRAKING AND WOBBLES LEFT TO RIGHT AT 65-70 MPH IN GRADUAL TURNS UNSTABLE AND I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIR 5 TIMES AND HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE.KICKSTAND HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES.KICK STAND AND FLOORBOARDS ARE MOUNTED TOO LOW ON THIS MOTORCYCLE KICKSTAND HITS PAVEMENT ON SHALLOW LEFT TURNS CAUSING THE BIKE TO JUMP UPRIGHT AND CONTROL OF THE TURN IS LOST. FLOORBOARD IS TOO LOW ON RIGHT SIDE OF BIKE CAUSING THE SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED FOR KICKSTAND IN RIGHT TURNS.I WOULD LIKE THESE CONTROL AND TRANSMISSION DESIGNS INVESTIGATED THE GEOMETRY OF THIS BIKE IS WRONG AND INDIAN AUTHORIZED DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THESE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #765042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sheridan, WY
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR RECALL 02V144000 REPAIRS TO BE DONE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8014127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dittmer, MO
SUSPENSION
THE MOTORCYCLE "WOBBLES" SO BAD IT GOES OUT OF CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #764098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Broken BOW, NE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS MOTORCYCLE WOULD STALL OUT AND DIE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED MOTORCYCLE. *AK THE REAR CYLINDER WAS DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE ENGINE MISFIRED AND STALL OUT SEVERAL TIMES AND THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE.
NHTSA complaint #8013596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.