Summary
The Indian Motorcycle Chieftain has 5 recalls spanning 2014 through 2023, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2023 models where a misrouted crankshaft position sensor wire can rub against the exhaust pipe, wear through, and cause the engine to stall without warning and refuse to restart. The 2014 model year also carries a fuel rail that can shift out of position, contact nearby components, chafe through, and leak fuel that can ignite in the presence of a heat source or spark. Also on 2014 models, the gear position switch can malfunction and show a neutral indicator on the display when the motorcycle is actually in gear, which can cause the bike to lurch forward unexpectedly during startup if the rider does not take extra precautions. A separate 2014 issue involves a poor electrical connection at the vehicle control module that can cause the headlight to flicker or go out entirely, with the high beam indicator flashing as the only warning. On 2019 models, the rear tail and running lights can exceed brightness limits, making it hard for drivers behind the motorcycle to distinguish between the running light state and the brake lights activating.
