The 2016 Indian Chieftain has 4 recalls, the most serious involving both a rear brake master cylinder that can lose braking power and a gear position switch that can falsely show neutral, causing the motorcycle to lurch forward on startup.
On the brake side, reduced or total loss of rear braking force extends stopping distance and raises crash risk. The gear position issue stems from oxidized switch contacts that feed the wrong signal to the display, so the bike may be in gear when the rider believes it is safe to start. There is also a fire risk: an engine misfire can push unburned fuel through the exhaust system, raising exhaust temperatures to the point where ignition is possible. A fourth recall covers the electrical connector for the vehicle control module, which can fail and cut power to the front lights, including the headlight, leaving the rider without forward illumination.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical connection to the Vehicle Control Module may fail, causing the front lights and headlight to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and Vehicle Control Module as needed, and update the software.
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Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
At a glance
What can fail
When the engine misfires, unburned fuel flows into the exhaust system and raises exhaust temperatures abnormally.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module software at no charge to prevent misfires.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear brake master cylinder may fail, causing reduced or complete loss of rear braking power.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
