2015 Indian CHIEFTAIN problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
2 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
27,700 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2015 model year. Data updated: . 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.
This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 2 complaints (50.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 100.0% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
Electrical System: 1; Service Brakes: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
2018: 1; 2021: 1
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11120989 · 2018-08-20 (August 20, 2018)
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 TIRE WHILE IN THE TURN. POC SHOWS BLOWBACK OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE DRIVE BELT GUARD RIGHT BESIDE THE REAR TIRE. THE ONLY WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN IS WITH AIR MOVEMENT, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BIKE TO NOT TURN OR REACT, CAUSING THE CRASH.
Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11120989 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11414900 · 2021-05-03 (May 3, 2021)
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.
Owner-reported narrative. 35,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 11414900 at NHTSA ↗
Vehicle analysis explorer
Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.
Data completeness
2 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.
Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.
Problems by model year
Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.
| Component | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 350.0%ODI 10650668 · 1,800 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE GEAR LEVER FAILED TO SHIFT PAST FIRST GEAR UNTIL THE SPEED DECREASED TO 5 MPH. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED IN COLD TEMPERATURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING TO SPECIFICATIONS AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE BE WARMED UP FOR TEN MINUTES. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11286720I'VE RECEIVED EMAILS FROM POLARIS INDICATING ACTIVE A RECALL BUT DO NOT SEE THE RECALL ON YOUR SITE WHEN SEARCHING BY VIN. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11418209Reference 19V-776 recall campaign 2014-2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c.I.) gear position switch. This switch was replaced under this recall in June 2020 at 250 miles. The same issue now is happening one year later at 15k miles. This fix from Indian was not effective. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Electrical System | 116.7%ODI 11593130While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you’re at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!! | 150.0%ODI 11414900 · 35,400 mi1) 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. | 1100.0%ODI 11032653 · 7,500 miMY 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. | 150.0%ODI 11286720I'VE RECEIVED EMAILS FROM POLARIS INDICATING ACTIVE A RECALL BUT DO NOT SEE THE RECALL ON YOUR SITE WHEN SEARCHING BY VIN. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Exterior Lighting | 233.3%ODI 11021332 · 17,800 miHEADLIGHT AND DRIVING LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING WHILE RIDING, THIS IS NOT A BURNED-OUT BULB. THE VCM WIRING CIRCUIT IS BURNED ON PIN #11. I READ OF AT THREE OTHER INDIAN'S WITH THIS ISSUE, READ ON: HTTP://WWW.CHIEFMOTORCYCLEFORUM.COM/INDEX.PHP?TOPIC=8205.30 | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11614395 · 27,660 miThe contact owns a 2017 Indian Chieftain Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the high beam indicator warning light illuminated. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V635000 (Exterior Lighting) in November 2022; however, the recall repair was not completed at the time. The contact stated that the motorcycle was only inspected for failu… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Engine | 116.7%ODI 11593130While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you’re at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!! | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11354916 · 17,800 miMULTIPLE TIME AFTER HAVING RECALL FOR 10A CIRCUIT BREAKER DONE BIKE HAS DIED ON THE FREEWAY AT SPEED AS IF OUT OF GAS ONCE I PULL OVER AND TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON BIKE ACTS FINE AS THOUGH NOTHING HAPPENED I HAVE TAKEN IT TO NORTH COUNT INDIAN WHER I BOUGHT IT AND SINCE THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO REPEAT THEY STATED FINE AND BLEW IT OFF BUT BIKE HAS DONE IT 3 TIMES SINCE I GOT IT BACK. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AS MY LIFE IS IN DANGER ON THE FREEWAY IF THE BIKE CUTS OFF AND I CAN GET OFF I COULD BE SERIOUSLY HURT INDIAN NEEDS TO FIX THIS ASAP! | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 116.7%ODI 11593130While operating the motorcycle, it will randomly go into limp mode no matter what speed you’re at the motorcycle will rapidly decelerate extremely quickly and without warning. No brake light to illuminate when this happens. I have contacted INDIAN motorcycles as well as dealerships with absolutely no help whatsoever. This is extremely dangerous and can get me killed!!!!! | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 1100.0%ODI 11427552The gear position indicator has been replaced multiple times, including the recall “fix” intended to remediate the incorrect readings. The continuing issue is that the indicator often senses neutral when the transmission is actually in 6th gear (the other gears are often incorrect but cause less of a safety issue), the result is that cruise control cannot be used in 6th gear without substantial risk, as the computer will automatically deactivate the cruise control when the indicator bounces from 6th gear to neutral. When this happens, the bike… | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Service Brakes | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11120989 · 20,000 miI 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 TIRE WHILE IN THE TURN. POC SHOWS BLOWBACK OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE DRIVE BELT GUARD RIGHT BESIDE THE REAR TIRE. THE ONLY WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN IS WITH AIR MOVEMENT, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BIKE TO NOT TURN OR REACT, CAUSING THE CRASH. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Structure:Motorcycle:Kickstand/Center Stand | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 133.3%ODI 11257606 · 6,519 miTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 INDIAN CHIEFTAIN. WHILE RIDING 40 MPH, THE KICKSTAND FAILED TO RETRACT WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE WAS STARTED AND PLACED INTO GEAR. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE FAILURE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SLIGHT LEFT TURN, THE KICKSTAND DUG INTO THE ROADWAY. AS A RESULT, THE MOTORCYCLE FLIPPED AROUND 180 DEGREES, STRUCK TWO MAILBOXES, DROVE THROUGH BRANCHES ON A PINE TREE, AND BECAME ENTANGLED IN A TELEPHONE POLE. THE CONTACT WAS THROWN FROM THE MOTORCYCLE AND SUSTAINED SEVERAL BRUISES ON THE RIGHT ELBOW AND CONTUSIONS ON THE LEG… | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
| Unknown Or Other | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 150.0%ODI 11286720I'VE RECEIVED EMAILS FROM POLARIS INDICATING ACTIVE A RECALL BUT DO NOT SEE THE RECALL ON YOUR SITE WHEN SEARCHING BY VIN. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 00.0%No examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. | 0UnavailableNo examples available for this selection. |
Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.
Failure mileage by component
Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.
| Component | Mileage range (25th–75th percentile) | Median | Usable records | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | Too few reports for a range | 35,400 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11414900 · 35,400 mi1) 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. |
| Service Brakes | Too few reports for a range | 20,000 mi | 1 (sparse) | ODI 11120989 · 20,000 miI 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 TIRE WHILE IN THE TURN. POC SHOWS BLOWBACK OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE DRIVE BELT GUARD RIGHT BESIDE THE REAR TIRE. THE ONLY WAY THIS CAN HAPPEN IS WITH AIR MOVEMENT, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BIKE TO NOT TURN OR REACT, CAUSING THE CRASH. |
Complaint and recall timeline
Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.
Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.
Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
| Month | Complaints | Campaigns announced | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2024-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-10 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-11 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2025-12 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-01 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-02 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-03 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-04 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-05 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-06 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-07 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-08 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-09 | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
| 2026-10 (partial) | 0 | None | No examples available for this selection. |
Emerging complaint spikes
Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.
This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.
No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.
Equal-age model-year comparison
Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.
2019: 3 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints
| Model year | Through age 0 | Through age 1 | Through age 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Date coverage across each selected cohort
| Year | Incident dates used | Filing date fallbacks | Excluded dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.
Components reported together
Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.
| Component | Electrical System | Service Brakes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | — | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 0 | — |
Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.
Recurring narrative patterns
Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.
0 patterns with matching reports.
No narratives match the published patterns.