Owners have filed 12 complaints
about the 2015 Indian Scout with NHTSA between 2015 and 2025.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 49
Against the median year of the Indian Scout. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Indian Scout
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
433.3%
Median failure at 3,875 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
325.0%
Median failure at 600 miles
Brakes
216.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 566 mi
Tires
18.3%
Median failure at 1,500 miles
Electrical System
18.3%
Median failure at 600 miles
Engine & Cooling
18.3%
Median failure at 3,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
650.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
541.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
18.3%
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.
Mar 2015peak 5Mar 2025
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 449 milesBelle Fourche, SDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW QUICKLY AND THE REAR BRAKE WAS INOPERABLE. THE FRONT BRAKE LOCKED AND I SKIDDED INTO A GRASSY DITCH. THE BIKE LAID DOWN ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THERE WAS COSMETIC DAMAGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BIKE BUT THE REAR BRAKE LEVER MOVES FREELY AND WHEN ACTIVATED, THE LEVER STICKS WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. PER THE DEALERSHIP, THE ROD PULLED THROUGH THE WASHER. THE DEALERSHIP SENT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM- MASTER CYLINDER, CALIPER, LINES, AND PEDAL- TO THE COMPANY AT THEIR REQUEST. THE COMPANY SAFETY DEPARTMENT CLAIMED THAT SINCE THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BIKE, THE PEDAL WAS DAMAGED AND NOT FAULTY. THE DEALERSHIP HAD PERFORMED THE RECALL PREVIOUSLY AND IT HAD PASSED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S STANDARDS. THE DEALERSHIP HAD AT LEAST ONE OTHER CASE WITH THE SAME ISSUE- THE ROD PULLED THROUGH THE WASHER.
NHTSA complaint #10734986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 684 milesMiddleburg, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
HAD JUST MADE A TURN ON TO SR 26 MELROSE, FL, TOWARD OCALA, FL ON MARCH 14, 2015 AT 1:00PM. WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I DID AN EMERGENCY STOP BUT THE ENGINE STALLED AN THE REAR TIRE LOCKED. ASSUMING THAT IF THE REAR TIRE LOCKS. IT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL. I FEEL THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED AN CAUSED THE BIKE TO LOSE CONTROL. I COULDN'T MAINTAIN CONTROL. AN IN THE END DUMPED THE BIKE. I NOW AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE 3 BROKEN BONES IN MY LEFT WRIST NOW. ALONG WITH THE BIKE IN THE INDIAN OF OCALA'S SERVICE SHOP. PENDING A REPAIR COST OF $5000 DOLLARS. WHICH WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER. NOW SEEING THIS CURRENT RECALL. I FEEL POLARIS SHOULD REPLACE THE PARTS OR THE BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10701272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 1,500 milesRockmart, GA
TIRES
The contact owns a 2015 Indian Scout motorcycle equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Commander 2, Tire Size: 150/80/60, DOT Number: W8F700BX2623. The contact stated that while riding at speeds between 50 - 60 MPH, the motorcycle experienced a light hopping and became slightly unstable. The contact measured the tires and determined that the front tire was out of round. The contact stated that the tire was a replacement tire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,500. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11648102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN DECELERATING FOR NORMAL STOPS, TURNS, OR SLOW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE WILL DECREASE RPMS UNTIL IT REACHES ABOUT 2300 RPM, THEN IT EITHER HANGS AT THAT RPM OR SURGES INTO AN UNCONTROLLED RPM CHANE OF 1700 TO 2400. THIS UP AAND DOWN RPM CHANGE HAS LASTED FOR 30-45 SECONDS SOMETIMES EVEN LONGER. THE RPM WILL ALSO REMAIN AT HIGH IDLE APX 1500 BEFORE RETURNING TO IDLE OF 1100 RPM. THIS OCCURS DURING EVERY RIDE. GIVING THE THROTTLE A QUICK TWIST WILL NOT NECESSARILY DECREASE SPEED THIS CONDITION IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN THE RIDER BEING FORCED TO TAKE A TURN WIDER THAN EXPECTED (POSSIBLY BEING FORCED INTO AN ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE), REAR END COLLISION WITH A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU, OR PERHAPS LOSING CONTROL AND LAYING MOTORCYCLE DOWN IN TRAFFIC AND BEING STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE.THIS ERRATIC THROTTLE IS MORE NOTICEABLE WHILE RIDING ON CITY STREETS WHERE YOU ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING ENGINE RPM AND SHIFTING INTO THE LOWER GEARS. OBVIOUSLY THESE CONDITIONS WILL NOT BE NOTICED DURING HIGHWAY SPEED. AS TO THE POSSIBLE PROBLEM, FUEL CONTROL, COMPUTER AND SENSORS. NEVERTHELESS POLARIS NEEDS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE AND FIX IT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS CONDITION FOR ANY RIDER TO BE FACED WITH. THERE IS NO EXCUSS FOR POLARIS TO IGNOR THESE COMPLAINTS AND ACT LIKE THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED ON THE INDIAN FORUM BY OTHER OWNERS. NOTE: OTHER REPORT IS WHERE MOST OF THIS REPORT IS FROM. IT EXPLAINS THE ISSUE EXTREMELY WELL. ALL OWNERS SHOULD BE NOTIFIED ABOUT THIS UNSAFE CONDITION AND REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY I HAVE A VIDEO OF THIS OCCURING
NHTSA complaint #11074594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesAmes, IA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FOR OVER A YEAR NOW MY SCOUT WILL UNCONTROLLABLY REV IN LOW GEARS AFTER GETTING HOT. THIS HAPPENS AT STOPS AND GOING INTO TURNS MOST COMMONLY. MULTIPLE TIMES IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK AND IF I WERE A LESS EXPERIENCED RIDER I WOULD HAVE. I HAVE CONTACTED MULTIPLE DEALERS TO ATTEMPT AN UNDER WARRANTY FIX AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY HAVE FIX AND THAT THEY ARENT EVEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10870222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesAmes, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FOR OVER A YEAR NOW MY SCOUT WILL UNCONTROLLABLY REV IN LOW GEARS AFTER GETTING HOT. THIS HAPPENS AT STOPS AND GOING INTO TURNS MOST COMMONLY. MULTIPLE TIMES IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK AND IF I WERE A LESS EXPERIENCED RIDER I WOULD HAVE. I HAVE CONTACTED MULTIPLE DEALERS TO ATTEMPT AN UNDER WARRANTY FIX AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY HAVE FIX AND THAT THEY ARENT EVEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10870222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 600 milesAmes, IA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FOR OVER A YEAR NOW MY SCOUT WILL UNCONTROLLABLY REV IN LOW GEARS AFTER GETTING HOT. THIS HAPPENS AT STOPS AND GOING INTO TURNS MOST COMMONLY. MULTIPLE TIMES IT HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO WRECK AND IF I WERE A LESS EXPERIENCED RIDER I WOULD HAVE. I HAVE CONTACTED MULTIPLE DEALERS TO ATTEMPT AN UNDER WARRANTY FIX AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY HAVE FIX AND THAT THEY ARENT EVEN AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10870222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,750 milesSpring Valley, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN DECELERATING FOR NORMAL STOPS, TURNS, OR SLOW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE WILL DECREASE RPMS UNTIL IT REACHES ABOUT 2300 RPM, THEN IT EITHER HANGS AT THAT RPM OR SURGES TO ABOUT 2600-2700 RPM AND HANGS THERE FOR UP TO 30 SECONDS. IF I BLIP THE THROTTLE RAPIDLY 2-3 TIMES (TWIST IT OPEN AND LET IT GO REPEATEDLY) THE ENGINE SPEED WILL "UNSTICK" AND THE ENGINE WILL DECREASE SPEED IS NORMAL.M THIS CONDITION IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT OCCURS WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD RESULT IN THE RIDER BEING FORCED TO TAKE A TURN WIDER THAN EXPECTED (POSSIBILTY OF BEING FORCED INTO AN ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE), REAR END COLLISION WITH A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU, OR PERHAPS LOSING CONTROL AND LAYING E MOTORCYCLE DOWN IN TRAFFIC AND BEING STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DESCRIBED CONDITION IS INTERMITTENT, BUT SEEMS TO OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY IN WARMER CONDITIONS, AFTER RIDING AT HIGHWAY SPEED FOR EXTENDED PERIODS THEN SLOWING INTO LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD OR SIDE STREET TRAFFIC (ELEVATED ENGINE HEAT CONDITION), AND FREQUENTLY FOR ME WHEN DOWNSHIFTING FROM 4TH TO 3RD GEAR OR 3RD TO 2ND GEAR AS THE MOTORCYCLE PASSES THROUGH THE 25-35 MPH SPEED RANGE. THIS IS A THROTTLE BY WIRE FUEL CONTROL DESIGN, AND I SUSPECT EITHER A FAULTY ECU WHERE THE PROBLEM IS HEAT SENSITIVE, OR PERHAPS FAULTY O2 SENSORS WHICH PROVIDE IMPROPER DATA TO THE PORTION OF THE ECU THAT MONITORS FUEL/AIR MIX AND ADJUSTS FUEL QUANTITY BEING SUPPLIED TO THE INJECTION SYSTEM. I HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM ON TWO OCCASIONS TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP BUT THEY ARE UNABLE TO PINPOINT A CAUSE. I KNOW OF AT LEAST FOUR OTHER RIDERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE SAME MAKE/MODEL/YEAR MOTORCYCLE SO THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED OCCURRENCE.
NHTSA complaint #10865917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 300 milesAlhambra, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCES REPEATED THROTTLE SURGES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DECELERATE. PROBLEM WORSENS WITH INCREASED AMBIENT TEMPS DURING SUMMER MONTHS. SURGES ARE MOST EVIDENT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW TO A STOP OR INITIATE A TURN.
NHTSA complaint #10865471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesCumming, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN COMING TO A STOP , THE ENGINE SPEED OR RPM WILL HANG UP AT AROUND 2500 RPM FOR SEVERAL SECONDS,,,INSTEAD OF GOING TO IDLE RPM SPEED.THIS CAUSES THE OPERATOR TO HAVE TO PULL IN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE MORE AGGRESIVLY THAN NORMAL...ONE DAY THIS IS GOING TO KIL SOMEONE. NORMALY A MOTORCYCLE ENGINE WILL GO TO IDLE SPPED WHEN CLOSING THE THROTTLE IN COMING TO A STOP. MY 2015 INDIAN SCOUT WILL HOLD THE THROTTLE AT ABOVE IDLE SPEED,,,AROUND 2500 RPM , WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A STOP. MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP,,,, UNLES I PULL IN THE CLUTCH,, WHICH NEGATES THE ENGINES ABOVE NRMAL THROTTLE POSITION. THE THROTTLE HAS NO CABLES,,, THIS IS A "FLY BY WIRE " THROTTLE SYSTEM...SOMETHING IN THE SOFTWARE IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. I AM A LONG TIME MOTORCYCLE OWNER AND OPERATOR WITH 50 { FIFTY } YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND 4 MOTORCYCLE IN MY GARAGE. THIS NEEEDS THE ATTENTION OF THE MANUFACTURE////I INDIAN !!
NHTSA complaint #10766686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesCumming, GA
ENGINE
WHEN COMING TO A STOP , THE ENGINE SPEED OR RPM WILL HANG UP AT AROUND 2500 RPM FOR SEVERAL SECONDS,,,INSTEAD OF GOING TO IDLE RPM SPEED.THIS CAUSES THE OPERATOR TO HAVE TO PULL IN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE MORE AGGRESIVLY THAN NORMAL...ONE DAY THIS IS GOING TO KIL SOMEONE. NORMALY A MOTORCYCLE ENGINE WILL GO TO IDLE SPPED WHEN CLOSING THE THROTTLE IN COMING TO A STOP. MY 2015 INDIAN SCOUT WILL HOLD THE THROTTLE AT ABOVE IDLE SPEED,,,AROUND 2500 RPM , WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A STOP. MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP,,,, UNLES I PULL IN THE CLUTCH,, WHICH NEGATES THE ENGINES ABOVE NRMAL THROTTLE POSITION. THE THROTTLE HAS NO CABLES,,, THIS IS A "FLY BY WIRE " THROTTLE SYSTEM...SOMETHING IN THE SOFTWARE IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. I AM A LONG TIME MOTORCYCLE OWNER AND OPERATOR WITH 50 { FIFTY } YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND 4 MOTORCYCLE IN MY GARAGE. THIS NEEEDS THE ATTENTION OF THE MANUFACTURE////I INDIAN !!
NHTSA complaint #10766686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesCumming, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN COMING TO A STOP , THE ENGINE SPEED OR RPM WILL HANG UP AT AROUND 2500 RPM FOR SEVERAL SECONDS,,,INSTEAD OF GOING TO IDLE RPM SPEED.THIS CAUSES THE OPERATOR TO HAVE TO PULL IN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE MORE AGGRESIVLY THAN NORMAL...ONE DAY THIS IS GOING TO KIL SOMEONE. NORMALY A MOTORCYCLE ENGINE WILL GO TO IDLE SPPED WHEN CLOSING THE THROTTLE IN COMING TO A STOP. MY 2015 INDIAN SCOUT WILL HOLD THE THROTTLE AT ABOVE IDLE SPEED,,,AROUND 2500 RPM , WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO COME TO A STOP. MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO STOP,,,, UNLES I PULL IN THE CLUTCH,, WHICH NEGATES THE ENGINES ABOVE NRMAL THROTTLE POSITION. THE THROTTLE HAS NO CABLES,,, THIS IS A "FLY BY WIRE " THROTTLE SYSTEM...SOMETHING IN THE SOFTWARE IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. I AM A LONG TIME MOTORCYCLE OWNER AND OPERATOR WITH 50 { FIFTY } YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND 4 MOTORCYCLE IN MY GARAGE. THIS NEEEDS THE ATTENTION OF THE MANUFACTURE////I INDIAN !!
NHTSA complaint #10766686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 449 milesBelle Fourche, SDCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW QUICKLY AND THE REAR BRAKE WAS INOPERABLE. THE FRONT BRAKE LOCKED AND I SKIDDED INTO A GRASSY DITCH. THE BIKE LAID DOWN ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THERE WAS COSMETIC DAMAGE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BIKE BUT THE REAR BRAKE LEVER MOVES FREELY AND WHEN ACTIVATED, THE LEVER STICKS WITHOUT APPLYING THE BRAKE. PER THE DEALERSHIP, THE ROD PULLED THROUGH THE WASHER. THE DEALERSHIP SENT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM- MASTER CYLINDER, CALIPER, LINES, AND PEDAL- TO THE COMPANY AT THEIR REQUEST. THE COMPANY SAFETY DEPARTMENT CLAIMED THAT SINCE THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BIKE, THE PEDAL WAS DAMAGED AND NOT FAULTY. THE DEALERSHIP HAD PERFORMED THE RECALL PREVIOUSLY AND IT HAD PASSED TO THE MANUFACTURER'S STANDARDS. THE DEALERSHIP HAD AT LEAST ONE OTHER CASE WITH THE SAME ISSUE- THE ROD PULLED THROUGH THE WASHER.
NHTSA complaint #10734986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 684 milesMiddleburg, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
HAD JUST MADE A TURN ON TO SR 26 MELROSE, FL, TOWARD OCALA, FL ON MARCH 14, 2015 AT 1:00PM. WHEN A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I DID AN EMERGENCY STOP BUT THE ENGINE STALLED AN THE REAR TIRE LOCKED. ASSUMING THAT IF THE REAR TIRE LOCKS. IT COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL. I FEEL THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED AN CAUSED THE BIKE TO LOSE CONTROL. I COULDN'T MAINTAIN CONTROL. AN IN THE END DUMPED THE BIKE. I NOW AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE 3 BROKEN BONES IN MY LEFT WRIST NOW. ALONG WITH THE BIKE IN THE INDIAN OF OCALA'S SERVICE SHOP. PENDING A REPAIR COST OF $5000 DOLLARS. WHICH WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER. NOW SEEING THIS CURRENT RECALL. I FEEL POLARIS SHOULD REPLACE THE PARTS OR THE BIKE.
NHTSA complaint #10701272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.