Indian Chieftain Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 6 consumer complaints across the 1 model years of the Indian Chieftain (2014–2014) that have at least 5 complaints. 2014 has the most, with 6. Across all years, the part named most often is transmission and drivetrain (3 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Chieftain model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 6 | 20,900 | 4 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Transmission and drivetrain3 38%
- Exterior lighting2 25%
- Vehicle speed control1 13%
- Engine1 13%
- Electrical system1 13%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2014: “Gear indicator does not always show correct gear that you are in. When bike is in neutral indicator in showing 2 nd gear. Indicator was showing neutral so I hit the started switch, it was in first gear, didn't have may hands on the handle bars, bike started and took off, about threw me off. Reading the forums this seems to be a common problem, but yet no recall on this”
NHTSA complaint #11120608, filed 2018-08, 24,000 milesOther Indian models
59 complaintsIndian Scout
29 complaintsIndian Roadmaster
9 complaintsIndian Chief Vintage
6 complaintsIndian Challenger Dark Horse
6 complaintsIndian Spirit
5 complaints
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. Methodology