1999 Indian Chief Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Indian Chief (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1999 Indian Chief. The part named most often is suspension, with 5 complaints (56% of the total), followed by brakes (3) and steering (3). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 5 technical service bulletins for this model year. Suspension complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign, 1 NHTSA investigation and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Suspension5 56%
- Brakes3 33%
- Steering3 33%
- Engine cooling2 22%
- Exterior lighting2 22%
- Electrical system1 11%
- Body and structure1 11%
Example complaints
Suspension: “Motorcycle experiencing severe shaking in front while traveling at 50 MPH or more, and rear shocks were replace on two occasions. But, problem still reoccurring. The front mastercylinder failed. Rear pads needed replacing. Replace head light bulb.”
NHTSA complaint #890212, filed 2001-06Brakes: “Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. Consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.”
NHTSA complaint #889553, filed 2001-06Steering: “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 2000-12Engine cooling: “At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. Vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. Tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. Rear turn signal lens collects moisture. Handle bar master bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #890209, filed 2001-06Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 03V191000May 5, 2003Visibility › WindshieldCovers: Indian Chief 1999–2003
Certain windshields that were sold as standard equipment on these motorcycles or sold as accessories for all other chief models may have defective brackets. The brackets that attach the windshield to the motorcycle are formed such that the mounting bolts are…
- 03V039000Feb 10, 2003Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulatorCovers: Indian Chief 1999–2001, Scout 1999–2001, Spirit 1999–2001 +1 more
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.
- 02V144000May 30, 2002Steering › Steering wheel/handle barCovers: Indian Chief 1999–2000
On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars.
- 02V124000May 3, 2002Suspension › RearCovers: Indian Chief 1999–2000
On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by sway-a-way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could break.
Recall details for the 1999 Indian Chief → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 5 on record; the latest 5 are shown.
- 10208642Feb 14, 2022Equipment, Electrical system. Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French.
- 10189626Mar 15, 2021Equipment. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
- 10030026Jul 22, 2009Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. Indian motorcycle: transmission oil level check. Model and model years not listed.
- 10030025Jul 22, 2009Suspension. Indian motorcycle: the rear shock absorber on the motorcycle can be adjusted for the weight the motorcycle is carrying. To adjust the shock absorber spring, you will need an appropriate spanner…
- 10030064Jul 1, 2009Engine cooling, Equipment. Indian motorcycle: engine oil level check. No model or model years listed.
Other model years of the Indian Chief
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 10 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2000 | 40 | 4,750 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 9 | — | 4 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Indian Chief have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1999 Indian Chief as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Indian Chief is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 5 complaints (56% of the total), followed by brakes with 3.
Has the 1999 Indian Chief been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.