RecallRepo

2017 Indian Chief Recalls

Recalls on record Updated July 2026

The 2017 Indian Chief has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 54,841 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system. Last updated July 5, 2026.

Recall campaigns

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19V776000 2019-10-29 52,745 affected
Defect

Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.

Consequence

If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 17V682000 2017-10-27 2,096 affected
Defect

Indian Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, and Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be equipped with a…

Consequence

The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-17-03.

Complaints by component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
POWER TRAIN
1
SERVICE BRAKES
1
Total complaints3

What owners report

Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal information removed.

“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 indian chief. The contact stated that after the motorcycle was started and with the transmission in neutral, the motorcycle spontaneously accelerated and struck a side of the house. There was no police report filed. No injuries were reported. The motorcycle was taken to…”

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · reported 2019-06-29

“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 indian chief. The contact stated that after the motorcycle was started and with the transmission in neutral, the motorcycle spontaneously accelerated and struck a side of the house. There was no police report filed. No injuries were reported. The motorcycle was taken to…”

POWER TRAIN · reported 2019-06-29

“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 indian chief motorcycle. When decelerating, the motorcycle would vibrate violently. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Indian motorcycle of marietta and slingshot of marietta (1750 cobb pkwy se, marietta, ga 30060, [REDACTED]) diagnosed that the front brake…”

SERVICE BRAKES · reported 2019-04-01
Sources & methodology

Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL, FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2017 Indian Chief as of July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page contains ads and affiliate links. Full methodology.