AI Damage2016 Indian Chief Vintage: common problems
The maker issued 27 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 27
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 12 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Fuel system | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Indian Motorcycle has determined that an electrical defect may exist in 2014-2020 Heavyweight Air Cooled…
Indian Motorcycle has determined that an electrical defect may exist in 2014-2020 Heavyweight Air Cooled Indian Motorcycles, resulting in the unexpected loss of forward lighting. This defect may also cause heat damage…
- Indian Motorcycle identified that on Indian Scout Models there is a potential for damage to occur to…
Indian Motorcycle identified that on Indian Scout Models there is a potential for damage to occur to electrical hardware or the vehicle harness if the battery ground cable and ground joint is not connected properly…
- Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and…
Best practices for gauges, speedometers, and tachometers providing information regarding how to clean and maintain. The version has been translated into French.
- 579.5 Notices, Bulletins, customer satisfaction campaigns, consumer advisories, and other communications…
579.5 Notices, Bulletins, customer satisfaction campaigns, consumer advisories, and other communications for the month of November 2015
- EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
STOP SALE on affected motorcycle(s) identified in your inventory until further notice.
- Indian Motorcycle has determined that some 2014-2020 FullâSize (111 c.i
/ 116 c.i.) and 2020 Challenger models sold in Japan show compliance concerns due to operating range frequency of key fob, Vehicle Control Module (VCM) or Wireless Control Module (WCM), and Tire Pressure Monitor System…
- During the paint process, the device used to mask the fuel fill port allowed clear coat to be applied…
During the paint process, the device used to mask the fuel fill port allowed clear coat to be applied where exposure to fuel vapor is possible. If this occurs, fuel vapor can get under the clear coat, causing the base…
- Indian Motorcycle has identified a potential calibration issue affecting some 111/116 c.i
motorcycles. When active, the P1530 fault causes the motorcycle to operate in a reduced power (limp) mode.
- This Team Tip has been released by Indian Motorcycle to provide information regarding odometer maintenance…
This Team Tip has been released by Indian Motorcycle to provide information regarding odometer maintenance and address concerns about correct odometer value.
- At Polaris, we are committed to the safety of our customers and riders
Through product design, dedicated safety engineering, and increased consumer awareness, Polaris continues to work toward a safe riding experience and proper operation of our products. The following information can be…
- There is no doubt that for a Polaris customer the process of picking up a brand new vehicle is one of the…
There is no doubt that for a Polaris customer the process of picking up a brand new vehicle is one of the most exciting times in the ownership experience. To ensure that all Polaris dealers are equipped to deliver a…
- PCDX is an online and mobile interface for providing a consistent dealer setup and customer delivery…
PCDX is an online and mobile interface for providing a consistent dealer setup and customer delivery experience. The interface walks the dealer and the customer through a standardized online form that includes the PDI…
NHTSA lists 27 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Indian Chief Vintage?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 27 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 Indian Chief Vintage?
NHTSA lists 27 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 Indian Chief Vintage from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.