Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2001 Indian Scout with NHTSA between 2001 and 2003.
The largest single group is the suspension.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 4 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 — 57
Against the median year of the Indian Scout. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% 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.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2001 Indian Scout
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Lights
428.6%
Suspension
428.6%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
321.4%
Electrical System
214.3%
Other & Unspecified
17.1%
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.
Nov 2001peak 9Sep 2003
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 Indian Scout
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.
PE03024Opened 4 Jun 2003Closed 11 Aug 2003EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHT SEPARATES
ODI AND INDIAN RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 6 REPORTS ALLEGING THE TEARDROP-SHAPED HEADLIGHT WAS SEPARATING FROM ITS RETAINING BRACKET ON THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES.SHORTLY AFTER OPENING THIS PE, INDIAN RECALLED THE VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.ODI HAS CONFIRMED INDIAN'S CLAIM THAT THIS PROBLEM RELATES ONLY TO THOSE MODELS WITH TEARDROP HEADLIGHT BUCKET.
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 2001 Indian Scout
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200331138 units in Canada
Wheels
On certain motorcycles, the inner tire tube used in the front wheel was under-sized. This condition could cause possible deflation of the tube, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Recall 200330611 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain motorcycles, the pinch bolts that clamp the front forks to the axle may be 1/4" or 5/16" stainless steel bolts. In both cases, these bolts may not be of sufficient strength to clamp the front fork to the axle tightly enough to prevent axle rotation. If the axle is allowed to rotate, the axle could come out of the right front fork, collapsing the front end, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Recall 200330329 units in Canada
Other
On certain motorcycles, the fasteners that bolt the windshield to the mounting clamps can break, causing the windshield to come partially or completely off the bike. If this happens while the motorcycle is in use, the rider could be injured by the windshield. 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.
Recall 200329878 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain motorcycles, the bracket used to support the teardrop headlight can crack and/or break causing the light to slip out of position or fall off. This could result in a loss of visibility to the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Recall 200329751 units in Canada
Structure
On certain motorcycles, the weld attaching the fender mount to the front fork may crack and break. This could cause the fender to come into contact with the wheel, resulting in the rider losing control and increasing the risk of a crash. 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.
Waterloo, ALCrash
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE TRAVELING 50-55 MPH AND MAKING A TURN REAR OF VEHICLE TRAVELED OUT OF CONTROL, TOSSING CONSUMER OFF TO THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, SWING ARM BOWED WAS OUT 8 SPOKES ,SNAPPED IN RIM.
NHTSA complaint #10024135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mckinney, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
RECALL 03 V 039 000/VOLTAGE REGULATOR; 03 V 258 000/HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKAGE, AND RECALL 03 V 286 000/FENDER MOUNT: CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER, INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF NORTH TEXAS TO HONOR THE THREE RECALLS. ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10041958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V286000 CONCERNING FENDER MOUNTS, AND RECALL 03V258000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKAGE. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10041967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mahopac, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THREE RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 2001, INDIAN, MOTORCYCLE(S); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALLS CANNOT BE HONORED BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. *AK *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10041979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
RECALL 03 V 039 000/VOLTAGE REGULATOR; 03 V 258 000/HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKAGE, AND RECALL 03 V 286 000/FENDER MOUNT: CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER, INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF NORTH TEXAS TO HONOR THE THREE RECALLS. ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10041958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V286000 CONCERNING FENDER MOUNTS, AND RECALL 03V258000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKAGE. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALLS.
NHTSA complaint #10041967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
RECALL 03 V 039 000/VOLTAGE REGULATOR; 03 V 258 000/HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKAGE, AND RECALL 03 V 286 000/FENDER MOUNT: CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER, INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF NORTH TEXAS TO HONOR THE THREE RECALLS. ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER.
NHTSA complaint #10041958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE RECALL REPAIRS ON MOTORCYCLE HAD NOT BEEN DONE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. THE DEALER HAD THE PARTS, BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT GET REIMBURSED. *AK RECALL NUMBERS; 03V258000 (HEADLIGHTS), 03V039000 (VOLTAGE REGULATOR), AND 03V280000 (MOUNTING BRACKET). *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10040425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE RECALL REPAIRS ON MOTORCYCLE HAD NOT BEEN DONE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. THE DEALER HAD THE PARTS, BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT GET REIMBURSED. *AK RECALL NUMBERS; 03V258000 (HEADLIGHTS), 03V039000 (VOLTAGE REGULATOR), AND 03V280000 (MOUNTING BRACKET). *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10040425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mckinney, TX
STRUCTURE
THE RECALL REPAIRS ON MOTORCYCLE HAD NOT BEEN DONE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. THE DEALER HAD THE PARTS, BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT GET REIMBURSED. *AK RECALL NUMBERS; 03V258000 (HEADLIGHTS), 03V039000 (VOLTAGE REGULATOR), AND 03V280000 (MOUNTING BRACKET). *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10040425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterloo, ALCrash
SUSPENSION:REAR
WHILE TRAVELING 50-55 MPH AND MAKING A TURN REAR OF VEHICLE TRAVELED OUT OF CONTROL, TOSSING CONSUMER OFF TO THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, SWING ARM BOWED WAS OUT 8 SPOKES ,SNAPPED IN RIM.
NHTSA complaint #10024135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS FELL OFF MOTORCYCLE WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8018880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Peabody, MA
SUSPENSION
RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE AT NORMAL SPEEDS, THERE IS A SUBSTANTIALLY DANGEROUS "WOBBLE" FELT. IT FEELS AS IF THE MOTORCYCLE WILL COME OUT FROM UNDER NEATH YOU.
NHTSA complaint #760203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
SUSPENSION:REAR
THE SWING ARM THTA HOLDS THE REAR TIRE IN PLACE WOBBLES EXCESIVELY IN TURNS AT 45MPH OR HIGHER, THE MANUFACTURER CHANGED THE SWING ARM IN THE NEXT MODEL YEAR CITING FAILURE OF WELDS, BUT HAS NOT RESPONDED TO REQUESTS TO REPLACE CURRENT SWING ARMS.
NHTSA complaint #760259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CA
SUSPENSION
MY PROBLEM IS THIS INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RIDE IS UNSTABLE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE BEEN READING ON THE WWW THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON PLACE WITH A MAJORITY OF INDIAN MOTORCYCLES. I NOTICED THAT OTHER RIDERS REPORT THAT THEIR MOTORCYCLES WOBBLE OR SHIMMY TOO. THIS UNSTABILITY MUST BE INVESTIGATED. I BELIEVE FROM READING MANY REPORTS FROM OTHERS MOTORCYCLE OWNERS THE ISSUE LAYS IN THE FRAME ASSEMBLY, WHEELS AND TIRES. I READ EVEN ONE DEATH HAS BEEN REPORTED. THE INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY HAS FAILED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND ARE VERY AWARE ON IT. THE COMPANY HAS MADE DESIGN CHANGES ON THEIR 2002 MODEL TO AVOID FUTURE ISSUES, BUT THAT DOES NOTHING FOR THOSE WITH THE CURRENT PROBLEM.*AK (DOT NUMBER: AT3FC4200 TIRESIZE: 4.10H19)
NHTSA complaint #754886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.