Indian Chief 1999
Model Chief made in 1999 by Indian got 22 consumer complains, 2 investigations there are 4 recalls as well as 5 service bulletins. Consumer complaints with reference, among others things, to electrical system, engine and engine cooling and exterior lighting. Technical service bulletines regarding engine and engine cooling, equipment and power train. The car had some investigations: structure, suspension. There were some recalls concerningelectrical system, steering and suspension.
Model 1999
Recalls
| Campaign | Manufacturer | Manufacturing date | Type | # of units affected | Date Owner notified Mfg | Recall Initiated by | Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products | Report Recieved Date | Record Creation Date | Regulation Part Number | FMVSS Number | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | ||||||||||||||||
| 03V039000 | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | from 03/01/1999 to 05/20/2001 | V (Vehicle) | 7947 | 02/14/2003 | MFR | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | 02/10/2003 | 02/12/2003 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain motorcycles equipped with compufire brand series type voltage regulators, if damaged, the voltage regulator can become stuck in an open mode that allows battery voltage to flow back through the regulator. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This condition can potentially cause the regulator to catch on fire. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will inspect the motorcycle and, if necessary, replace the regulator. owner notification began february 14, 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 | Indian motorcycle recall bulletin no. imcsb-045. customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration | |||||||||||||||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | ||||||||||||||||
| 02V144000 | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | from 03/01/1999 to 08/30/2000 | V (Vehicle) | 4765 | 05/31/2002 | ODI | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | 05/30/2002 | 06/03/2002 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | Loss of control of the motorcycle could occur, increasing the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will fit the motorcycles with a new riser top clamp. owner notification began may 31, 2002. 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 1-408-846-7228. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Indian motorcycle recall bulletin no. imcsb-040. customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | ||||||||||||||||
| 02V124000 | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | from 06/01/1999 to 10/31/2000 | V (Vehicle) | 4590 | 05/08/2002 | ODI | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | 05/03/2002 | 05/14/2002 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | On certain motorcycles equipped with rear shock absorbers made by sway-a-way, the bolts that mount the rear shock absorbers to the swing arm could break. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | This could result in the collapse of the rear suspension, increasing the risk of a crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will inspect the rear shock absorbers and replace them if necessary. owner notification is expected to begin during may 2002. 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 at 1-408-846-7228. | |||||||||||||||
| Notes | Indian motorcycle recall bulletin no. imcsb-039. also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236). | |||||||||||||||
| VISIBILITY - WINDSHIELD | ||||||||||||||||
| 03V191000 | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | from 07/01/2000 to 03/03/2003 | V (Vehicle) | 3625 | 05/30/2003 | MFR | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | 05/05/2003 | 05/22/2003 | |||||||
| Defect Summary | Certain windshields that were sold as standard equipment on these motorcycles or sold as accessories for all other chief models may have defective brackets. the brackets that attach the windshield to the motorcycle are formed such that the mounting bolts are not flush with the bracket. this could place excessive stress on the bolts causing them to break. | |||||||||||||||
| Consequence Summary | 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 lose control of the motorcycle and crash. | |||||||||||||||
| Corrective Summary | Dealers will replace the brackets and bolts on the windshield. owner notification began may 30, 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 | |||||||||||||||
Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| SB-040901 | 07/01/2009 | 10030064 | Indian motorcycle: engine oil level check. no model or model years listed. *pe | 07/29/2009 | |
| EQUIPMENT - OTHER - OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL | |||||
| SB-040901 | 07/01/2009 | 10030064 | Indian motorcycle: engine oil level check. no model or model years listed. *pe | 07/29/2009 | |
| TSB-040902 | 07/22/2009 | 10030026 | Indian motorcycle: transmission oil level check. model and model years not listed. *pe | 07/22/2009 | |
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION - LUBRICANT | |||||
| TSB-040902 | 07/22/2009 | 10030026 | Indian motorcycle: transmission oil level check. model and model years not listed. *pe | 07/22/2009 | |
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||||
| TSB-040903 | 07/22/2009 | 10030025 | Indian motorcycle: the rear shock absorber on the motorcycle can be adjusted for the weight the motorcycle is carrying. to adjust the shock absorber spring, you will need an appropriate spanner wrench. no model or model years listed. * | 07/22/2009 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | ||||||
| PE02037 | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | 03/26/2002 | 05/24/2002 | HANDLEBAR LOOSENING | 02V144000 | |
| Alleged that the handlebar loosens while operating motorcycle | ||||||
| SUSPENSION | ||||||
| PE01039 | INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY | 11/21/2001 | 04/30/2002 | REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE | 02V124000 | |
| Allege swing-arm shock mount fractures and rear suspension collapses | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 09/28/2000 | 7 | 08/24/2000 | |
| Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. *ak consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.*jb | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| 09/28/2000 | 7 | 08/24/2000 | |
| Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. *ak consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.*jb | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 09/28/2000 | 7 | 08/24/2000 | |
| Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. *ak consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.*jb | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - TURN SIGNAL | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| POWER TRAIN - CLUTCH ASSEMBLY | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION | |||
| 05/11/2001 | |||
| 5 speed transmission is leaking fluid. dealer notified, and problem still reoccurring. feel free to provide us with any further information concerning this matter . *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 3 | ||
| Motorcycle experiencing severe shaking in front while traveling at 50 mph or more, and rear shocks were replace on two occasions. but, problem still reoccurring. *ak the front mastercylinder failed. rear pads needed replacing. replace head light bulb. *yh | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 09/28/2000 | 7 | 08/24/2000 | |
| Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. *ak consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.*jb | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER | |||
| 09/28/2000 | 7 | 08/24/2000 | |
| Oil leakages; vehicle been in dealer's shop on seven occasions, and problem still occurring. *ak consumer had front and rear brakes service, front master cylinder rebuilt on several occasions, front rocker cover leking, head lights and driving lights have been adjusted, oil leaking at push rods.*jb | |||
| STEERING - WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR | |||
| 05/01/2002 | |||
| Consumer states has not been able to have 2 recalls on bike repaired since 05/02. recall ids: 02v144000 and 02v124000. consumer has contacted dealer several times and was repeatedly advised waiting on parts. consumer finally spoke with owner who blamed delay on certain employees no longer working for dealership. owner advised would order parts and consumer has been waiting now for 3.5 weeks. ts | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| 12/21/2000 | 1 | 10/01/2000 | |
| Handle bars will pivot up or down without excessive force being used. all hand controls are out of reach of the rider, and the rider can not steer the motorcycle. if they slip downward, as was my case, the riders legs can be pinned by either thier own arms or the handle bars. this is a defect known to the manufacturer and the dealship i bought the bike from. *ak | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| SUSPENSION | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 2 | 09/10/1999 | |
| At 4,000 miles front brakes would fade intermittently when applied. vehicle been in dealer shop on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. *ak problems with the master cylinder cause brake lights to flash, front brakes have locked up the front wheel on two occasions, rear brakes have failed completely three occasions, front rotor warped, rear master cylinder has been replaced, front master cylinder replaced, rear brake pads replaced. tapping noise in engine, drive belt noisy, oil leak, engine backfires. rear turn signal lens collects moisture. handle bar master bad. blown clutch due to assembled wrong in factory. fuel tanks replaced due to cracks around mounting brackets caused fuel to leak on the hot engine. shocks squeak. ignition switch replaced. *slc | |||
| 03/06/2001 | 3 | ||
| Motorcycle experiencing severe shaking in front while traveling at 50 mph or more, and rear shocks were replace on two occasions. but, problem still reoccurring. *ak the front mastercylinder failed. rear pads needed replacing. replace head light bulb. *yh | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR | |||
| 1 | 11/01/1999 | ||
| Shocks tear out of frame when going over a bump, rear swing arm pivot shaft wants to pull it further than the shock will allow it. *ak *slc | |||
| SUSPENSION - REAR - SHOCK ABSORBER | |||
| 05/08/2002 | |||
| Consumer states that there is a recall for the shock absorber, dealer is charging for recall. mr | |||
| 06/15/2000 | |||
| Rear shock bolts are shearing off the top. dealer was notified and replaced shocks on eight occasions. problem still reoccurring. feel free to provide any further details.*ak | |||