1999 Indian Chief Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 56%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 5 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Indian Chief, 56% of the 9 complaints for this model year. 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.
“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 2001-06“Rear shock bolts are shearing off the top. Dealer was notified and replaced shocks on eight occasions. Problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #890230, filed 2001-06“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
- 02V124000May 3, 2002On 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.Covers: Indian Chief 1999–2000
Related service bulletins
- 10030025Jul 22, 2009Indian 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…
Suspension: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Indian Chief
3 complaintsSteering
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 29, 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