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2016 Indian Chieftain recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2016 Indian Chieftain. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Indian been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Indian dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2016 Indian Chieftain recalls, newest first

August 19, 2022NHTSA 22V63500028,689 vehicles potentially affected

Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software

Summary
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.
Consequence
The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy
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.
Components
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software; Exterior lighting › Headlights

This recall on nhtsa.gov

October 29, 2019NHTSA 19V77600052,745 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical system

Summary
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.
Consequence
If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Components
Electrical system; Power train › Manual transmission

This recall on nhtsa.gov

June 17, 2016NHTSA 16V44600018,383 vehicles potentially affected

Electrical system › Ignition

Summary
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.
Consequence
Elevated exhaust temperatures may result in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy
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.
Components
Electrical system › Ignition; Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 2, 2015NHTSA 15V7210007,614 vehicles potentially affected

Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder

Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2016 Indian Chieftain with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Electrical system1

Other Indian Chieftain years

Other 2016 Indian models

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Questions

Does the 2016 Indian Chieftain have any recalls?
4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: exterior lighting, electrical system, power train, engine and engine cooling, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2016 Indian Chieftain recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Indian dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2016 Indian Chieftain?
1 complaint filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.