1999 Indian Chief Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 33%of 9 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Indian Chief, 33% of the 9 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 2000-12“Consumer states has not been able to have 2 recalls on bike repaired since 05/02. Recall ids: 02v144000 and 02v124000. Consumer has contacted dealer several times and was repeatedly advised waiting on parts. Consumer finally spoke with owner who blamed delay on certain employees no longer working for dealership. Owner advised would order parts and consumer has been waiting now for 3.5 weeks. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8021048, filed 2002-10“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 2001-06Related recalls
- 02V144000May 30, 2002On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars.Covers: Indian Chief 1999–2000
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 5 | 13% |
| 1999 | 3 | 33% |
Other parts of the 1999 Indian Chief
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Indian Chief
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology