2016 Indian Chieftain Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Chieftain years
- Not enough data 5th of 8 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 4 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA about the 2016 Indian Chieftain. That ranks 5th out of 8 Chieftain model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (1 complaints, 100%), typically at around 7,500 miles. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 1owner complaints
- 4safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 0complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2016 Indian Chieftain problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 100% | 7,500 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2016 Indian Chieftain recalls (4)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Exterior lighting:lighting control module:software; exterior lighting:headlights
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 transmission
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 system
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 cylinder
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.
My 2016 indian chieftain that has @7500 miles display flickers. This happens when the throttle is operated in all conditions. I have been informed that numerous chieftains were in the shop for the same reason. It's been in the shop since september 29th.
Other Indian Chieftain years
← 2015 Chieftain · 2017 Chieftain →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Chieftain | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 Chieftain | 0 | 1 |
| 2019 Chieftain | 3 | 3 |
| 2018 Chieftain | 1 | 4 |
| 2017 Chieftain | 2 | 3 |
| 2016 | 1 | 4 |
| 2015 Chieftain | 2 | 4 |
| 2014 Chieftain | 6 | 4 |
See all Indian Chieftain problems by year, every Indian model, or the VIN decoder.
Similar Indian models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Indian Chieftain?
Owners most often report electrical system problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 1 complaint.
Was there a recall on the 2016 Indian Chieftain?
Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 2016 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 2016 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.