2017 Indian Chief problems & recalls
NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Indian Chief.
Recalls
Exterior Lighting #17V682000 · 2017 · 2,096 units
Problem: Indian motorcycles company (indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 chief, chief classic, chief dark horse, chief vintage, chieftain, chieftain classic, cheiftain dark horse, chieftain elite, chieftain limited, springfield, and springfield dark horse motorcycles. these motorcycles may be equipped with a european-market, not us-market, halogen headlight assembly. as such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) number 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk: The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. the recall began on december 6, 2017. owners may contact indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. indian's number for this recall is i-17-03.
Electrical System, Power Train #19V776000 · 2019 · 52,745 units
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recalls can cover only some VINs. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners complain about
Components named in 2 NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified.
Want the full repair deets? Get the service manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2017 Chief.
Motorcycle-specific service manuals with step-by-step procedures (Clymer is part of Haynes).
Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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Specs
Specs coming soon. We only publish specs taken from the manufacturer's own spec sheets.
Other years
FAQ
Does the 2017 Indian Chief have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Indian Chief. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if a fix is still open.
What are the most common 2017 Indian Chief problems?
In 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-named area is service brakes.