2000 Indian Chief Problems
- Complaints
- 40filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 4,750miles, 2 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Indian Chief (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 40 consumer complaints for the 2000 Indian Chief. The part named most often is suspension, with 11 complaints (28% of the total), followed by engine cooling (6) and exterior lighting (5). 2 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 4,750 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, 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. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
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.
- Suspension11 28%
- Engine cooling6 15%
- Exterior lighting5 13%
- Steering5 13%
- Brakes4 10%
- Electrical system4 10%
- Body and structure4 10%
- Equipment2 5.0%
- Other or unknown2 5.0%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Fuel system (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Suspension: “Motorcycle rear wheel locked up at 40 MPH went into a skid and I was almost hit by the vehicle behind me. Transmission failed. Indian motorcycle replaced trans to correct problem. New trans installed and does not shift properly....front suspension dives when braking and wobbles left to right at 65-70 MPH in gradual turns unstable and I have to slow down to regain control of the motorcycle. This problem has been in for repair 5 times and has not been corrected. …”
NHTSA complaint #765042, filed 2002-08Engine cooling: “When driving 60 MPH rear suspension steel plate broke and snapped in half, which damaged tire. Also, fender got so hot that the heat damaged motorcycle seat. Consumer has contacted dealer. Consumer states motor blew both head gaskets and burnt both jugs, consumer checked that there was a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #893871, filed 2001-08Exterior lighting: “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 milesSteering: “Consumer had found handle bar loose. When trying to drive it was impossible due to no control on steering. Then, took vehicle to dealer where they said that problem was with tripple bar that needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the triple bar with aluminium bar instead of the one that factory had installed.”
NHTSA complaint #882008, filed 2001-03Mileage when problems were reported
100% of the 2 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,500 and 6,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
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 2000 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 2000 Indian Chief have?
NHTSA recorded 40 consumer complaints for the 2000 Indian Chief as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Indian Chief is reported most often?
Suspension is named most often, in 11 complaints (28% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 6.
Has the 2000 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.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Indian Chief reported?
Among the 2 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 4,750 miles and the middle half falls between 3,500 and 6,000 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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.