1999 Indian Chief Recalls, Complaints & Specs
4 safety recalls list the 1999 Indian Chief, and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.
4 safety recalls for the 1999 Indian Chief
Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.
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Windshield (visibility)
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…
Remedy: 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…
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Alternator/generator/regulator (electrical system)
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.
Remedy: 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…
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Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)
On certain motorcycles, the handle bar riser top clamp could allow excessive movement of the handle bars.
Remedy: 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…
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Suspension: rear
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.
Remedy: 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…
9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Owners of the 1999 Indian Chief have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash. Complaints peaked in 2001 with 6 filed that year.
Most-reported components
What owners are reporting
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, October 17, 2002 · Steering
“Consumer states that there is a recall for the shock absorber, dealer is charging for recall. Mr”
Owner complaint to NHTSA, October 16, 2002 · Suspension
Compare Indian Chief model years
Recall and complaint counts for every Indian Chief model year in NHTSA's database.
Checking a specific 1999 Indian Chief
How do I know if my 1999 Indian Chief has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 4 campaigns currently list the 1999 Indian Chief; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Indian dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 02V124000).
What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?
A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.
Other Indian models
- Scout40 complaints
- Roadmaster21 complaints
- Chieftain15 complaints
- Chief Vintage13 complaints
- Spirit12 complaints
- Scout Bobber10 complaints
- Challenger Dark Horse9 complaints
- Chieftain Dark Horse7 complaints
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.