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1999 Indian ChiefProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 9 owner complaints about the 1999 Indian Chief, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints91 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem5Suspension

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 5, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Indian Chief has problems

9 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension50
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Steering31
Power train20
Engine and engine cooling20
Exterior lighting20
Electrical system10
Structure10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1999 Indian Chief recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Visibility: windshield

Recall 03V-191 · May 5, 2003 · 3,625 vehicles

Risk. BROKEN MOUNTING BOLTS COULD LEAD TO THE WINDSHIELD COMING LOOSE AND EVEN FALLING OFF THE BIKE, POTENTIALLY STRIKING THE RIDER OR OTHERWISE CAUSING THE RIDER TO…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator

Recall 03V-039 · Feb 10, 2003 · 7,947 vehicles

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REGULATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Steering: steering wheel/handle bar

Recall 02V-144 · May 30, 2002 · 4,765 vehicles

Risk. LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE COULD OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Indian.

Best & worst years

1999 vs. every other Chief year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Chief median. How we score

'99'00'01'02'03'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'22
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1999 Indian Chief, and the recalls they led to.

  1. REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSEPE01039 · closed Apr 30, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-124
  2. HANDLEBAR LOOSENINGPE02037 · closed May 24, 2002
    Led to recall 02V-144
In owners' words

What Chief owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

SHOCKS TEAR OUT OF FRAME WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP, REAR SWING ARM PIVOT SHAFT WANTS TO PULL IT FURTHER THAN THE SHOCK WILL ALLOW IT. *AK *SLC
Complaint 893454 · Aug 6, 2001
REAR SHOCK BOLTS ARE SHEARING OFF THE TOP. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND REPLACED SHOCKS ON EIGHT OCCASIONS. PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Complaint 890230 · Jun 12, 2001
MOTORCYCLE EXPERIENCING SEVERE SHAKING IN FRONT WHILE TRAVELING AT 50 MPH OR MORE, AND REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACE ON TWO OCCASIONS. BUT, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. *AK THE FRONT MASTERCYLINDER FAILED. REAR PADS NEEDED REPLACING. REPLACE HEAD LIGHT BULB. *YH
Complaint 890212 · Jun 12, 2001

Own a 1999 Chief?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.