2001 Indian Scout Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Indian Scout (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 2001 Indian Scout. The part named most often is exterior lighting, with 4 complaints (44% of the total), followed by suspension (4) and body and structure (3). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 4 technical service bulletins for this model year. Exterior lighting complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign and 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part. Suspension complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Exterior lighting4 44%
- Suspension4 44%
- Body and structure3 33%
- Electrical system2 22%
- Other or unknown1 11%
Example complaints
Exterior lighting: “The recall repairs on motorcycle had not been done because the manufacturer had gone out of business. The dealer had the parts, but would not repair the motorcycle because they would not get reimbursed. Recall numbers; 03v258000 (headlights), 03v039000 (voltage regulator), and 03v280000 (mounting bracket).”
NHTSA complaint #10040425, filed 2003-11Suspension: “My problem is this Indian motorcycle ride is unstable. I have not been able to locate exactly what the problem is. I have been reading on the www that this is very common place with a majority of Indian motorcycles. I noticed that other riders report that their motorcycles wobble or shimmy too. This unstability must be investigated. I believe from reading many reports from others motorcycle owners the issue lays in the frame assembly, wheels and tires. I read even one death has been reported. The Indian motorcycle company has failed to correct this problem and are very aware on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #754886, filed 2001-11Body and structure: “Recall 03 v 039 000/voltage regulator; 03 v 258 000/headlight bracket breakage, and recall 03 v 286 000/fender mount: consumer was unable to get the dealer, Indian motorcycle of north texas to honor the three recalls. Asking NHTSA to assist in this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #10041958, filed 2003-09Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Recalls and investigations
- 03V286000Aug 4, 2003Body and structureCovers: Indian Scout 2001–2003, Spirit 2001–2003
On certain motorcycles, the weld attaching the fender mount to the front fork may crack and break.
- 03V258000Jul 22, 2003Exterior lighting › HeadlightsCovers: Indian Scout 2001–2003, Spirit 2002–2003, Chief Vintage 2003
On certain motorcycles, the bracket used to support the teardrop headlight can crack, causing the bracket to break and the light to slip out of position or fall off.
- 03V039000Feb 10, 2003Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulatorCovers: Indian Scout 1999–2001, Chief 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.
- 02V311000Nov 15, 2002Visibility › WindshieldCovers: Indian Scout 2001–2003, Spirit 2001–2003
On certain motorcycles, the fasteners that bolt the windshield to the mounting clamps can break, causing the windshield to come partially or completely off the bike.
- 02V176000Jul 2, 2002Suspension › FrontCovers: Indian Scout 2001, Spirit 2001
On certain motorcycles, the pinch bolts that clamp the front forks to the axle may be 1/4" bolts or 5/16" bolts made of stainless steel. In both cases, these bolts may not be of sufficient strength over time to clamp the front fork to the axle tightly enough…
- 00V251000Sep 3, 2000Tires › TubeCovers: Indian Scout 2001
Vehicle description: motorcycles. The inner tube being used on the front tire was under-sized.
See all 7 recalls for the 2001 Indian Scout → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE03024Headlight separatesClosed · Jun 4, 2003
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. 4 on record; the latest 4 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, 2009Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. Indian motorcycle: transmission oil level check. Model and model years not listed.
- 10030064Jul 1, 2009Equipment, Engine cooling. Indian motorcycle: engine oil level check. No model or model years listed.
Other model years of the Indian Scout
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 6 | 1,613 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 8 | 1,092 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2002 | 6 | 6,300 | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 9 | — | 7 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Indian Scout have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 2001 Indian Scout as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Indian Scout is reported most often?
Exterior lighting is named most often, in 4 complaints (44% of the total), followed by suspension with 4.
Has the 2001 Indian Scout been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
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.