Indian Chief Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the Indian Chief (1999–2001) that have at least 5 complaints. 2000 has the most, with 40. Across all years, the part named most often is suspension (19 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Chief model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 10 | — | 2 | 5 | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 40 | 4,750 | 4 | 5 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 9 | — | 4 | 5 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Suspension19 28%
- Engine cooling10 15%
- Brakes9 13%
- Steering8 12%
- Exterior lighting7 10%
- Electrical system6 8.8%
- Body and structure5 7.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain4 5.9%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2000: “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, filed 2003-04, 3,500 miles1999: “Handle bars will pivot up or down without excessive force being used. All hand controls are out of reach of the rider, and the rider can not steer the motorcycle. If they slip downward, as was my case, the riders legs can be pinned by either thier own arms or the handle bars. This is a defect known to the manufacturer and the dealship I bought the bike from.”
NHTSA complaint #738157, filed 2000-122001: “At 75 and 80 MPH motorcycle will begin to wobble. Here was no control, and consumer had to slow it down to stop shaking. Please provide any further information.”
NHTSA complaint #894297, filed 2001-08Other Indian models
29 complaintsIndian Roadmaster
9 complaintsIndian Chief Vintage
6 complaintsIndian Chieftain
6 complaintsIndian Challenger Dark Horse
6 complaintsIndian Spirit
5 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology