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Vehicle recall 03V173000 · May 5, 2003

Indian Chief and Chief Vintage

On certain motorcycles, due to the positioning of the gas tank vent tube, the vent tube can become clogged with debris, particularly in wet weather.

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

Summary
On certain motorcycles, due to the positioning of the gas tank vent tube, the vent tube can become clogged with debris, particularly in wet weather. Vent tube clogging can cause interruption of fuel flow to the carburetor, causing the motorcycle to stop. A clogged vent tube may also cause pressure to build up in the gas tank and push a small amount of gas out of the fuel filler cap seal.
Consequence
Fuel leakage in the present of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the current vent tube with a longer tube repositioned to prevent clogging. Owner notification began may 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact indian motorcycle at 1-888-899-2997.
Notes
Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign
03V173000
Reported to NHTSA
May 5, 2003
Filed by
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY
Owner notification
May 13, 2003
Vehicles potentially affected
1,979
Initiated by
the manufacturer
Components
Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 03V173000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

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.