Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2014 Indian Chieftain, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train3
- Exterior lighting2
- Electrical system1
- Engine1
- Vehicle speed control1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
2014
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
22V635000 · Exterior lighting19 Aug 2022 · 28,689 vehicles
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.
19V776000 · Electrical system29 Oct 2019 · 52,745 vehicles
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
19V339000 · Exterior lighting1 May 2019 · 6,487 vehicles
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief and Chieftain motorcycles. Due to a problem within the Vehicle Control Module (VCM), all of the front lights, including the headlight, may go out while riding.
16V446000 · Electrical system17 Jun 2016 · 18,383 vehicles
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Indian told its dealers about the 2014 Indian Chieftain: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10235789 | This communication provides information regarding the inspection and tension adjustment of the Drive Belt on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles. |
| 10235788 | This communication provides information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the Clutch Lever on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles. |
| 10235785 | This communication provides information regarding the inspection and maintenance of the brake system on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles. |
| 10235784 | This article contains information regarding battery removal and installation on MY2014+ Indian Chieftain vehicles. |
| 10219495 | Indian Motorcycle has determined that an electrical defect may exist in 2014-2020 Heavyweight Air Cooled Indian Motorcycles, resulting in the unexpected loss of forward lighting. This defect may also cause heat damage to the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) and Pin 11 of the center VCM connector. Indian Motorcycle has released this bulletin with instructions to inspect the VCM connector for damage, update the VCM software, and replace the VCM and pin 11 connector if damaged. |
| 10208642 | Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French. |
| 10189626 | EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice. |
| 10189624 | Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 FullSize (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM), and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Mentioned devices operate in restricted in Japan frequency of 433Hhz. |
| 10189623 | Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 FullSize (111 c.i. / 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM), and Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). Mentioned devices operate in restricted in Japan frequency of 433Hhz. |
| 10185171 | Indian Motorcycle has identified a potential calibration issue affecting some 111/116 c.i. motorcycles. When active, the P1530 fault causes the motorcycle to operate in a reduced power (limp) mode. |
| 10185170 | This Team Tip has been released by Indian Motorcycle to provide information regarding odometer maintenance and address concerns about correct odometer value. |
| 10178896 | Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a change in resistance values resulting in the rider display indicating an incorrect gear. Incorrect gear indication during start-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 10178895 | Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a change in resistance values resulting in the rider display indicating an incorrect gear. Incorrect gear indication during start-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 10178894 | Indian Motorcycle has determined the gear position switch used on 2014-2019 (111 c.i.) motorcycles may provide an inaccurate signal, which can lead to an incorrect gear being displayed. Oxidation on the contacts of the gear position switch may cause a change in resistance values resulting in the rider display indicating an incorrect gear. Incorrect gear indication during start-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 10178891 | Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2017 111ci motorcycles equipped with Stage 2 Performance Cams, Part Number 2881676, may experience intermittent drivability issues. |
| 10178882 | Indian Motorcycle is actively investigating a potential concern affecting 111 ci engines that have been equipped with the Thunder Stroke 116 ci Stage 3 Big Bore accessory kit. Investigation is currently planned to conclude by 5/7/18, and at that time this communication will be re-issued with additional information. In the interim, Big Bore Kits and vehicles equipped with kits should not be sold. |
| 10178880 | Indian Motorcycle has identified three separate calibration concerns currently affecting 2017 and 2018 full-size Indian Motorcycles. The Indian Motorcycle engineering team has released updated ECM and cluster calibrations to correct these concerns. Gear Position Fault, Coil Driver Fault, and Battery Drain issues will all be resolved with this reflash. Refer to Team Tip I-17-11-01 for more details. |
| 10178866 | This Team Tip has been released to assist dealers when servicing vehicles that have, or are suspected to have, aftermarket (non-OEM) modifications. It is critical for expedient and accurate diagnosis of a motorcycle, to identify and disclose all existing modifications to Indian Technical Service. Use of aftermarket components can create operating characteristics and sensor feedback that do not align with factory parameters. These cases can send our technicians down the wrong path and result in longer diagnostic time and a poor customer experience. |
| 10178865 | This Team Tip is designed to inform dealers about updated information regarding gear position switches for all 2014- 2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c. i.) models. Updated information has been added to the Service Manual to provide dealers with clear direction on how to properly maintain and service gear position switches. We have also updated the maintenance interval chart to include the inspection and cleaning of the gear position switch at 10,000 mile intervals. |
| 10178858 | 2014-2018 Indian Motorcycles utilize Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries which are selected for their superior vibration resistance, weight savings, and high output. This Team Tip is being released to provide the Indian dealer network with specific recommendations to help maintain and restore the AGM type batteries used in Indian Motorcycles. |
| 10178848 | This Team Tip is being released to provide dealers with an advanced understanding of Indian Motorcycle key fob operation, alarm compatibility, battery life expectations and troubleshooting. 2014-2016 Indian Chief, Chieftain and Roadmaster motorcycles utilize a keyless ignition system (Key Fob) for vehicle startup and operation. The Key Fob acts as a two-way transmitter which provides an authentication signal to the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) located on the motorcycle. When the Key Fob is detected, the ignition system is enabled and the motorcycle becomes operational. |
| 10178845 | Indian Motorcycles has determined that certain Phone Mount Kits P/N 2880043 may be missing a required hinge spacer P/N 5139174. |
| 10178841 | Indian Motorcycles has determined the reprogramming (reflash) procedure may be negatively affected if performed with a device connected to the USB connector. It is important to disconnect all devices from the USB connector prior to performing an ECU, VCM, ABS Controller, Instrument Cluster or Audio System reprogramming (reflash) procedure. A technician should be familiar with Digital Wrench and computer operation in general before attempting any reprogramming (reflash) procedure. Refer to the appropriate Indian Motorcycle Service Manual for additional information. |
| 10178839 | Indian Motorcycle has released a software update for some 2014-2015 Indian Classic / Vintage / Chieftain motorcycles to address customer concerns with Brake-Throttle Override (BTO) functionality. The BTO system will temporarily close the throttle plate and, in some cases, illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) if the brakes and throttle are applied at the same time while the vehicle is in motion. While this operation is normal, it is not always compatible with each individual riding style. |
| 10167641 | Updated information has been added to all Indian Motorcycle Service Manuals to provide dealers with clear directions when servicing the fuel system. Be sure to reference the applicable Service Manual for the most accurate information. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)