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2016 Indian ChieftainProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 1 owner complaint about the 2016 Indian Chieftain, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-635 the manufacturer reports only 38% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Lowest repair rate 38%Owner complaints10 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage8kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 19, 2022. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 Indian Chieftain has problems

1 complaint 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

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

4 recalls

2016 Indian Chieftain 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.

38%repaired · 2024 Q2

Exterior lighting: headlights

Recall 22V-635 · Aug 19, 2022 · 28,689 vehicles · 10,933 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

64%repaired · 2022 Q1

Electrical system

Recall 19V-776 · Oct 29, 2019 · 52,745 vehicles · 33,738 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

100%repaired · 2018 Q1

Electrical system: ignition

Recall 16V-446 · Jun 17, 2016 · 18,383 vehicles · 18,312 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

92%repaired · 2017 Q3

Foundation components: master cylinder

Recall 15V-721 · Nov 2, 2015 · 7,614 vehicles · 6,973 repaired

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.

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

2016 vs. every other Chieftain 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 Chieftain median. How we score

'14'15'16'17'18'19'23'24
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Chieftain owners report

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

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.
Complaint 11032653 · Oct 10, 2017 · 7,500 miles

Own a 2016 Chieftain?

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