The 2018 Indian Chief has 3 recalls, the most serious being a gear position switch that can misread as neutral when the bike is actually in gear, causing the motorcycle to lurch forward unexpectedly when started.
A corroded gear position switch contact can send a false neutral signal to the display, so a rider starting the bike while it sits in gear may have no warning before it moves. A related recall covers an unintended-start scenario where the motorcycle can start on its own; if this happens while the bike is parked in a garage or other enclosed space, carbon monoxide can build up to dangerous levels. On the lighting side, some of these motorcycles were fitted with a European-market halogen headlight assembly rather than the correct US-market unit. The two headlight types have different beam patterns and output levels, and the wrong one can reduce how well the motorcycle is seen by other drivers or can throw light in directions that do not illuminate the road ahead effectively.
At a glance
What can fail
The gear position switch contacts can oxidize, causing the display to incorrectly show neutral when the motorcycle is actually in gear.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the gear position switch at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion can develop inside the right combination switch, allowing the motorcycle to start unintentionally when the key fob is nearby and safety conditions are met.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the right hand combination switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some 2017-2018 Chief and Chieftain models may have a European-market halogen headlight assembly instead of a US-market one, which does not meet U.S. lighting safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
