Owners have filed 13 complaints
about the 2002 Indian Scout with NHTSA between 2002 and 2010.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 53
Against the median year of the Indian Scout. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.1% 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 2002 Indian Scout
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Lights
538.5%
Median failure at 6,300 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
215.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Body & Structure
215.4%
Brakes
215.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 5,800 mi
Suspension
17.7%
Median failure at 5,800 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
17.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
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.
Dec 2002peak 5Mar 2010
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 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 2002 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 20033101 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain motorcycles, the fuel tank venting system may have become clogged during production. This clogging prevents the venting system from allowing the pressure to escape from the fuel tank, which could result in gas flowing back into the carburetor and possibly spilling onto the ground. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Recall 20033091 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain motorcycles, fractures can occur on either the left or right of the fuel tank at the top of the joint where the bracket is welded to the tank back plate. Fuel can escape from the tank, increasing the risk of a fire. Correction: Since Indian Motorcycles is no longer in business, no correction is available.
Recall 200330519 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain motorcycles, the rear axle is made of a material with a lower than desirable yield strength. Under repeated heavy loads, the rear axle could deform causing excessive wear in the rear wheel bearings potentially leading to overheating and seizing of the bearings, 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 200330117 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain motorcycles, the gas tank vent tube can become clogged with debris and could cause an interruption of fuel flow to the carburetor and the engine to stop. A clogged vent tube may also cause pressure to build up in the gas tank and push a small amount of gas out of the fuel filler cap seal. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a 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.
Kingston, PACrash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND GAS TANK VENT TUBE. *MR 05/15/03 MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE GAS TANK VENT TUBE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC OVERLOOKED THE MOTORCYCLE AND STATED IT WAS FINE. 05/24/03 ENGINE FAILED IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE-MOTORCYCLE AT 60 MPH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. 08/30/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER THREE MONTHS WITHOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE RECALL WAS WHY THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH, THEY LENGTHEN THE TUBE WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT BECAME PINCHED IN THE WIRE TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN THE BIKE STALLING AND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS CAP. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION SPILLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLUID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. 09/02/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO MORE RECALLS REGARDING THE FENDER AND HEADLIGHT FALLING OFF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT KNOWN ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALLS. *PH *JB
NHTSA complaint #10041858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, PACrash
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND GAS TANK VENT TUBE. *MR 05/15/03 MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE GAS TANK VENT TUBE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC OVERLOOKED THE MOTORCYCLE AND STATED IT WAS FINE. 05/24/03 ENGINE FAILED IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE-MOTORCYCLE AT 60 MPH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. 08/30/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER THREE MONTHS WITHOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE RECALL WAS WHY THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH, THEY LENGTHEN THE TUBE WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT BECAME PINCHED IN THE WIRE TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN THE BIKE STALLING AND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS CAP. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION SPILLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLUID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. 09/02/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO MORE RECALLS REGARDING THE FENDER AND HEADLIGHT FALLING OFF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT KNOWN ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALLS. *PH *JB
NHTSA complaint #10041858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND GAS TANK VENT TUBE. *MR 05/15/03 MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE GAS TANK VENT TUBE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC OVERLOOKED THE MOTORCYCLE AND STATED IT WAS FINE. 05/24/03 ENGINE FAILED IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE-MOTORCYCLE AT 60 MPH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. 08/30/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER THREE MONTHS WITHOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE RECALL WAS WHY THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH, THEY LENGTHEN THE TUBE WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT BECAME PINCHED IN THE WIRE TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN THE BIKE STALLING AND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS CAP. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION SPILLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLUID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. 09/02/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO MORE RECALLS REGARDING THE FENDER AND HEADLIGHT FALLING OFF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT KNOWN ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALLS. *PH *JB
NHTSA complaint #10041858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 6,800 milesHofman Estates, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INDIAN SCOUT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH THE FRONT EXTERIOR HEADLIGHT MOUNTING BRACKET FELL FROM THE MOTORCYCLE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE SHOP WHERE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS WELDED BACK ONTO THE MOTORCYCLE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. LATER, THE HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE A RECALL ONLINE PERTAINING TO THE SAME TYPE OF FAILURE FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V258000: EXTERIOR LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS), HOWEVER THE MANUFACTURER STATED THE COMPANY WAS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY RECALL REPAIRS. THEY ADVISED MAKING THE REPAIRS AT HIS OWN EXPENSE. TO DATE, THE CONTACT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THE CORRECT REPAIRS MADE UNDER THE ABOVE MENTIONED RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 6,800. UPDATED 06/25/10.8JB
NHTSA complaint #10319224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTERS 03V286000 AND 03V258000 FROM INDIAN MOTORCYCLES. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THESE RECALLS. MANUFACTURER FILED BANKRUPTCY.
NHTSA complaint #10042655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, KY
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTERS 03V286000 AND 03V258000 FROM INDIAN MOTORCYCLES. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THESE RECALLS. MANUFACTURER FILED BANKRUPTCY.
NHTSA complaint #10042655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, PACrash
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND GAS TANK VENT TUBE. *MR 05/15/03 MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE GAS TANK VENT TUBE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC OVERLOOKED THE MOTORCYCLE AND STATED IT WAS FINE. 05/24/03 ENGINE FAILED IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE-MOTORCYCLE AT 60 MPH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. 08/30/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER THREE MONTHS WITHOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE RECALL WAS WHY THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH, THEY LENGTHEN THE TUBE WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT BECAME PINCHED IN THE WIRE TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN THE BIKE STALLING AND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS CAP. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION SPILLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLUID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. 09/02/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO MORE RECALLS REGARDING THE FENDER AND HEADLIGHT FALLING OFF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT KNOWN ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALLS. *PH *JB
NHTSA complaint #10041858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, PACrash
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND GAS TANK VENT TUBE. *MR 05/15/03 MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE GAS TANK VENT TUBE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC OVERLOOKED THE MOTORCYCLE AND STATED IT WAS FINE. 05/24/03 ENGINE FAILED IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE-MOTORCYCLE AT 60 MPH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. 08/30/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER THREE MONTHS WITHOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE RECALL WAS WHY THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH, THEY LENGTHEN THE TUBE WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT BECAME PINCHED IN THE WIRE TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN THE BIKE STALLING AND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS CAP. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION SPILLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLUID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. 09/02/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO MORE RECALLS REGARDING THE FENDER AND HEADLIGHT FALLING OFF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT KNOWN ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALLS. *PH *JB
NHTSA complaint #10041858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, PACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE FAILURE AND GAS TANK VENT TUBE. *MR 05/15/03 MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE GAS TANK VENT TUBE RECALL PERFORMED. THE MECHANIC OVERLOOKED THE MOTORCYCLE AND STATED IT WAS FINE. 05/24/03 ENGINE FAILED IN THE RAIN AT HIGHWAY SPEED ON A BUSY INTERSTATE-MOTORCYCLE AT 60 MPH. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS AGAIN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. 08/30/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED THE MOTORCYCLE AFTER THREE MONTHS WITHOUT THE RECALL BEING PERFORMED. AFTER THE CONSUMER INSISTED THAT THE RECALL WAS WHY THE ENGINE FAILED AND CAUSED THE CRASH, THEY LENGTHEN THE TUBE WITH INFERIOR MATERIALS THAT BECAME PINCHED IN THE WIRE TIRES. THIS RESULTED IN THE BIKE STALLING AND FUEL LEAKING FROM THE GAS CAP. AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONSUMER AFTER THREE MONTHS, THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE TRANSMISSION SPILLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF FLUID DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE REAR TIRE. 09/02/03 THE CONSUMER RECEIVED TWO MORE RECALLS REGARDING THE FENDER AND HEADLIGHT FALLING OFF, HOWEVER THE DEALER STATED THEY DID NOT KNOWN ANYTHING ABOUT THE RECALLS. *PH *JB
NHTSA complaint #10041858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Connersville, IN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
THE CONSUMER WENT TO A INDIAN DEALERSHIP TO TAKE CARE OF RECALLS FOR THE HEADLAMP AND GASOLINE BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALLS DUE TO THE FACT THAT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WAS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. *AK THE FRONT FENDER HAD THE POTENTIAL TO FALL. *SCC *JB
NHTSA complaint #10040485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Connersville, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE CONSUMER WENT TO A INDIAN DEALERSHIP TO TAKE CARE OF RECALLS FOR THE HEADLAMP AND GASOLINE BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALLS DUE TO THE FACT THAT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WAS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. *AK THE FRONT FENDER HAD THE POTENTIAL TO FALL. *SCC *JB
NHTSA complaint #10040485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Connersville, IN
STRUCTURE
THE CONSUMER WENT TO A INDIAN DEALERSHIP TO TAKE CARE OF RECALLS FOR THE HEADLAMP AND GASOLINE BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT HONOR THE RECALLS DUE TO THE FACT THAT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE WAS GOING OUT OF BUSINESS. *AK THE FRONT FENDER HAD THE POTENTIAL TO FALL. *SCC *JB
NHTSA complaint #10040485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
DEALERSHIP WAS REFUSING TO HONOR RECALL 03V258000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKING. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY DIDN'T PERFORM ANY INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RECALL REPAIRS.
NHTSA complaint #10040428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,800 milesDesert Hills, AZ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CONSUMER NOTICED A CRACK IN THE VEHICLES HEAD LIGHT, WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PART, BUT IT CRACKED AGAIN. TS THE HEAD LIGHT BRACKET CONTINUOUSLY BREAKS. THE BRAKE DUST BOOT HAD FALLEN OFF, AND THE REAR SHOCKS LEAKED. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10001636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,800 milesDesert Hills, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER NOTICED A CRACK IN THE VEHICLES HEAD LIGHT, WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PART, BUT IT CRACKED AGAIN. TS THE HEAD LIGHT BRACKET CONTINUOUSLY BREAKS. THE BRAKE DUST BOOT HAD FALLEN OFF, AND THE REAR SHOCKS LEAKED. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10001636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,800 milesDesert Hills, AZ
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER
CONSUMER NOTICED A CRACK IN THE VEHICLES HEAD LIGHT, WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PART, BUT IT CRACKED AGAIN. TS THE HEAD LIGHT BRACKET CONTINUOUSLY BREAKS. THE BRAKE DUST BOOT HAD FALLEN OFF, AND THE REAR SHOCKS LEAKED. SCC
NHTSA complaint #10001636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.