Menu

2003 Indian ChiefProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2003 Indian Chief, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

–
CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage3kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 16, 2004. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Indian Chief has problems

2 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
Electrical system10
Equipment10
Power train10
Service brakes, hydraulic10

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

2 recalls

2003 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 →

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

2003 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
In owners' words

What Chief owners report

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

IGNITION SWITCH FAILS CAUSING ENGINE TO BACK FIRE AND QUIT. SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH OEM SWITCH 3 TIMES WITH SAME RESULT! FRONT BRAKE LEAVER HAS EXCESSIVE TRAVEL AT TIMES LIMITING BRAKING POTENTIAL ON FRONT TIRE. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT. REAR DRIVE BELT IS WEARING REAR PULLEY EXCESSIVELY…
Complaint 10054260 · Jan 16, 2004 · 2,500 miles

Own a 2003 Chief?

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