CHIEFTAIN
Data · NHTSA & EPA
2016–2026 · 11 model years
Updated Jun 21, 2026
3.5 ★★★★★★★★★★ ForCar Score

Indian Motorcycle Chieftain — Recalls, Reliability, Specs & VIN Decoder

Everything on the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain — 17 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Quick answer

The Indian Motorcycle Chieftain spans 2016–2026 with 17 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2019, 2017, 2018 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2020, 2021, 2022. It delivers competitive fuel economy and NHTSA-rated safety.

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2016–2026
Years
17
Recalls
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
7
Complaints
3.5/5
★★★★★★★★★★
ForCar Reliability Score
Our editorial rating · 11 model years
Safety (NHTSA)3.5
Recall record4.5
Complaint severity3.0

How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.

Overview

The Indian Motorcycle Chieftain is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2016 to 2026 across multiple generations.

VIN

Decode or check a Indian Motorcycle Chieftain by VIN

Enter a 17-digit VIN to decode this Indian Motorcycle Chieftain — trim, engine, plant and full specs — and instantly pull its open recalls, safety ratings and original window sticker.

✓ Specs & features✓ Open recalls✓ Safety ratings✓ Window sticker✓ Paint code✓ Free
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How to read a Indian Motorcycle Chieftain VIN — every digit explained

Every Indian Motorcycle Chieftain carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.

1–3 · WMI4T1
4–8 · VDSBF1FK
9 · Check5
10 · YearH
11 · PlantU
12–17 · Serial123456
  • WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. 4T1 = Toyota, built in the USA.
  • VDS (4–8) — model line, body style, engine & restraint system.
  • Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
  • Model year (10) — the year it was built. H = 2017.
  • Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Chieftain.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.

Model-year code (10th digit)

The 10th character is the model year. It cycles through letters and numbers, skipping I, O, Q, U, Z and 0 to avoid confusion:

H2017 J2018 K2019 L2020 M2021 N2022 P2023 R2024 S2025 T2026

Where to find your Chieftain VIN

  • Dashboard — driver's side, visible through the windshield from outside.
  • Driver's door jamb — on the manufacturer sticker when you open the door.
  • Paperwork — vehicle registration, title and insurance card.
  • Engine bay & frame — stamped on the firewall or chassis on many models.

How many recalls does the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain have?

The Indian Motorcycle Chieftain has 17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2016–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

2024 Indian Motorcycle Chieftain recalls 2

Suspension:rear24V550000

What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2024 Chieftain, Challenger, Pursuit, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. Please refer to the recall report for a complete list of model names. The rear suspension pushrod may buckle under load.

Risk. A rear suspension pushrod that buckles may pinch the main chassis harness, damage the coolant reservoir, damage the rear tire, or cause the motorcycle to bottom out under load. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix. Dealers will replace the rear suspension pushrod, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 22, 2024. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-24-07.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:crank/camshaft Position Sensor23V829000

What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2023 Chieftain Elite, 2023-2024 Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Dark Horse Icon, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain, Roadmaster Limited, Roadmaster Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, and 2024 Roadmaster Elite motorcycles. The crankshaft position sensor may have been routed improperly, which can result in an engine stall.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix. Dealers will inspect and reroute, or replace the crankshaft position sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2023. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-23-07.

2023 Indian Motorcycle Chieftain recalls 1

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:crank/camshaft Position Sensor23V829000

What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2023 Chieftain Elite, 2023-2024 Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Dark Horse Icon, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain, Roadmaster Limited, Roadmaster Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, and 2024 Roadmaster Elite motorcycles. The crankshaft position sensor may have been routed improperly, which can result in an engine stall.

Risk. An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix. Dealers will inspect and reroute, or replace the crankshaft position sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 22, 2023. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-23-07.

2019 Indian Motorcycle Chieftain recalls 3

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights19V638000

What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain motorcycles. The tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed. 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. Due to increased brightness, other drivers may have difficulties discerning the brake light from the tail light, and thus may be unaware that the motorcycle is braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix. Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module software to correct the rear tail light's intensity, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-04.

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers19V882000

What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain, Vintage, Roadmaster, Dark Horse, Springfield, and FTR1200 motorcycles. A 10A circuit breaker may be defective, tripping unexpectedly and causing a sudden loss of power and an engine stall.

Risk. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix. Indian will notify owners and provide a new 10A circuit breaker and installation instructions. Owners may choose to have the part installed at a dealership, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-05.

Electrical System19V776000

What's wrong. 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.

2018 Indian Motorcycle Chieftain recalls 4

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software22V635000

What's wrong. 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.

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

Fix. 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.

Electrical System18V228000

What's wrong. Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch, potentially resulting in the motorcycle starting without the user's intent if the key fob is near the motorcycle and the required safety interlock conditions are met.

Risk. If the motorcycle starts unintentionally and is parked in an enclosed space, exposure to carbon monoxide may increase the risk of injury.

Fix. Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right hand combination switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-18-04.

Exterior Lighting:headlights17V682000

What's wrong. 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 System19V776000

What's wrong. 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.

2017 Indian Motorcycle Chieftain recalls 3

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software22V635000

What's wrong. 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.

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

Fix. 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.

Exterior Lighting:headlights17V682000

What's wrong. 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 System19V776000

What's wrong. 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.

2016 Indian Motorcycle Chieftain recalls 4

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software22V635000

What's wrong. 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.

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

Fix. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder15V721000

What's wrong. 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.

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.

Fix. 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System16V446000

What's wrong. 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.

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

Fix. 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.

Electrical System19V776000

What's wrong. 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.

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Best and worst years for the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 11 tracked years, the worst years are 2019, 2017, 2018 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2020, 2021, 2022.

ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.

YearOwner complaintsTop issueVerdict
2016 Chieftain1Electrical SystemAverage
2017 Chieftain2Exterior LightingAvoid
2018 Chieftain1Vehicle Speed ControlAvoid
2019 Chieftain3Power TrainAvoid
2020 Chieftain0Best
2021 Chieftain0Best
2022 Chieftain0Best
2023 Chieftain0Average
2024 Chieftain0Average
2025 Chieftain0Average
2026 Chieftain0Average
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What are the most common Indian Motorcycle Chieftain problems?

The most-reported Indian Motorcycle Chieftain problems are Engine (1 reports), Structure (1 reports) and Power Train (2 reports) — out of 7 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:

1
involved a crash
0
involved a fire
1
injuries reported
0
deaths reported

Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:

Power Train 29% 2 Read
2019 Chieftain

Reference 19V-776 recall campaign 2014-2019 Indian Motorcycle (111 c.I.) gear position switch. This switch was replaced under this recall in June 2020 at 250 miles. The same issue now is happening one year later at 15k miles. This fix from Indian was not effective.

2017 Chieftain

I've received emails from polaris indicating active a recall but do not see the recall on your site when searching by vin.

Electrical System 29% 2 Read
2017 Chieftain

I've received emails from polaris indicating active a recall but do not see the recall on your site when searching by vin.

2016 Chieftain

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.

Engine 14% 1 Read
2019 Chieftain

Multiple time after having recall for 10a circuit breaker done bike has died on the freeway at speed as if out of gas once i pull over and turn it off and back on bike acts fine as though nothing happened i have taken it to north count indian wher i bought it and since they couldn't get it to repeat they stated fine and blew it off but bike has done it 3 times since i got it back. This is unacceptable as my life is in danger on the freeway if the bike cuts off and i can get off i could be seriously hurt indian needs to fix this asap!

Structure 14% 1 Read
2019 Chieftain

Tl* the contact owns a 2019 indian chieftain. While riding 40 mph, the kickstand failed to retract when the motorcycle was started and placed into gear. The contact was unaware of the failure. While attempting to make a slight left turn, the kickstand dug into the roadway. As a result, the motorcycle flipped around 180 degrees, struck two mailboxes, drove through branches on a pine tree, and became entangled in a telephone pole. The contact was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained several bruises on the right elbow and contusions on the leg and elbows, which did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The contact was able to ride the motorcycle away from the crash site. The motorcycle was taken to off road express (10320 wattsburg rd, erie, pa 16509, (814) 825-4747) to be inspected. The contact was informed by the dealer that they were awaiting guidance from the manufacturer on how to proceed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,519.

Vehicle Speed Control 14% 1 Read
2018 Chieftain

The gear position indicator has been replaced multiple times, including the recall “fix” intended to remediate the incorrect readings. The continuing issue is that the indicator often senses neutral when the transmission is actually in 6th gear (the other gears are often incorrect but cause less of a safety issue)—the result is that cruise control cannot be used in 6th gear without substantial risk, as the computer will automatically deactivate the cruise control when the indicator bounces from 6th gear to neutral. When this happens, the bike quickly decelerates and can lurch, causing an extremely hazardous situation—this is especially concerning at highway speeds and/or in heavy traffic.

Exterior Lighting 14% 1 Read
2017 Chieftain

The contact owns a 2017 Indian Chieftain Motorcycle. The contact stated while riding the motorcycle at an undisclosed speed, the high beam indicator warning light illuminated. The motorcycle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. The contact stated that an appointment was scheduled. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V635000 (Exterior Lighting) in November 2022; however, the recall repair was not completed at the time. The contact stated that the motorcycle was only inspected for failure at the time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,660.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Indian Motorcycle Chieftain specifications & dimensions

The 2026 Indian Motorcycle Chieftain. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN.

Specs cache warming…

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

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Indian Motorcycle Chieftain cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the Chieftain holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.

Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim.

Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Indian Motorcycle Chieftain tire size, oil type & owner specs

The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.

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What MPG does the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain get?

MPG cache warming… reload in a moment.

What engines does the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain have? Power & range

Powertrain data warming… reload in a moment.

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How much does a Indian Motorcycle Chieftain cost to own?

A Indian Motorcycle Chieftain depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.

80%
Value @ 1 yr
61%
Value @ 3 yrs
46%
Value @ 5 yrs
Est. 5-yr fuel
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 180%
Year 270%
Year 361%
Year 453%
Year 546%

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Chieftain loses about 54% of its value over five years.
  • Fuel — based on EPA economy at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
  • Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Chieftain ages.
  • Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.

Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.

Is the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Chieftain yet.

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How many miles does a Indian Motorcycle Chieftain last?

A well-maintained Indian Motorcycle Chieftain typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.

CHIEFTAIN

Decode your Indian Motorcycle Chieftain’s window sticker & build

Original options, specs, recalls and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Decode VIN →

All Indian Motorcycle Chieftain model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2026 Chieftain 0
2025 Chieftain 0
2024 Chieftain 2 recalls
2023 Chieftain 1 recall
2022 Chieftain 0
2021 Chieftain 0
2020 Chieftain 0
2019 Chieftain 3 recalls
2018 Chieftain 4 recalls
2017 Chieftain 3 recalls
2016 Chieftain 4 recalls

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the Chieftain?

By owner-complaint volume, 2019, 2017, 2018 drew the most reports. 2020, 2021, 2022 have the cleanest records.

How many recalls does the Chieftain have?

17 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2016–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.

How many miles does a Chieftain last?

A well-maintained Chieftain typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the Chieftain reliable?

Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Chieftain is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.

What's the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain warranty?

New Indian Motorcycle models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Indian Motorcycle dealer.

Where is the Indian Motorcycle Chieftain made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Chieftain's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Indian Motorcycle may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.

How much ground clearance does the Chieftain have?

Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jun 2026. — ForCar Editorial
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