2015 Indian Chieftain Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 22, 2022 · 2 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Chieftain years
Not enough data 3rd of 8 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Indian Chieftain. That ranks 3rd out of 8 Chieftain model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 50%), typically at around 35,400 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 2 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2015 Indian Chieftain problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System1 · ~35,400 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~20,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System150%35,400——
Service Brakes150%20,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2018, with 1 complaints
2018: 1201812021: 120211

n = 2 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2015 Indian Chieftain recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Exterior lighting:lighting control module:software; exterior lighting:headlightsAug 19, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V635000 · 28,689 vehicles

Problem: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.

Risk: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-339.

Electrical system; power train:manual transmissionOct 29, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V776000 · 52,745 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Electrical system:ignition; engine and engine cooling:exhaust systemJun 17, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V446000 · 18,383 vehicles

Problem: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Dark Horse, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Springfield, and Chieftain Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to June 16, 2015. In the event of an engine misfire, unburned fuel may pass through parts of the exhaust system, raising the exhaust temperatures.

Risk: Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. The recall began July 2016. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-16-02.

Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinderNov 2, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V721000 · 7,614 vehicles

Problem: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and 2016 Dark Horse motorcycles manufactured January 2, 2015, to October 23, 2015. Due to a problem with the rear brake master cylinder, the motorcycles may have a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power.

Risk: A full or partial loss of rear braking power may lengthen the distance needed to slow or stop the motorcycle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-15-04.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

1) pressed ignition botton to turn bike off and bike stayed on. 2) abs indicator light stays on. 3) speedometer went to zero while riding. 4) radio just stopped working no indication on dashboard while riding.

Electrical System · received May 3, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11414900

I had an accident with a passenger on the bike that i believe was caused by a leaking rear brake reservoir. I approached a sweeping right hand curve and the bike would not turn, we went head first into a guardrail at about 40mph. I believe the rear brake reservoir leaked brake fluid on the rear…

Service Brakes · received Aug 20, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11120989

Other Indian Chieftain years

← 2014 Chieftain · 2016 Chieftain →

See all Indian Chieftain problems by year, every Indian model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Indian Chieftain?

Owners most often report electrical system, service brakes problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.

Was there a recall on the 2015 Indian Chieftain?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2015 Indian Chieftain a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Chieftain model years, the 2015 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.