2000 Indian Chief Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 28%of 40 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the suspension of the 2000 Indian Chief, 28% of the 40 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“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 2002-08“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 2001-08“Motorcycle experiencing problem with severe vibration when traveling at highway speed of 65 or more MPH. Motorcycle has been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still occurring. The motorcycle developed a severe head shake causing ininjuries to the driver.”
NHTSA complaint #876318, filed 2000-12“Consumer first contacted dealer in may of 2002, concerning recall o2v124000. Manufacturer has not sent parts to dealer. Consumer has called Indian co. Numerous times, will not return his calls.”
NHTSA complaint #8012602, filed 2002-06“Motorcycle rear wheel locked up at 40 MPH went into a skid almost hit by vehicle behind me transmission replaced to correct problem. New trans installed and does not shift properly Indian motorcycle company replaced trans under warranty with a different type of transmission -------- front suspension dives when braking has been repaired 5 times.still has this problem even worse is that the front end wobbles left to right at 65-70mph in gradual turns unstable have to slow down to regain control of motorcycle.”
NHTSA complaint #765040, filed 2002-08Related 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 2000 Indian Chief
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 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