AI Damage2018 Indian Chieftain: common problems
The maker issued 34 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 34
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Equipment | 0 | 0 | 20 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Engine and cooling | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 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.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This Indian Motorcycle help center article contains information regarding the inspection and adjustment of…
This Indian Motorcycle help center article contains information regarding the inspection and adjustment of the clutch lever on 2014+ Chieftain motorcycles.
- This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding removal and installation of the…
This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding removal and installation of the battery on 2014+ Chieftain motorcycles.
- This Indian Motorycle help center article provides information regarding inspection and tension adjustment…
This Indian Motorycle help center article provides information regarding inspection and tension adjustment of the drive belt on 2014+ Chieftain motorcycles.
- This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding brake inspection and maintenance…
This Indian Motorcycle help center article provides information regarding brake inspection and maintenance regarding 2014+ Indian Chieftain motorcycles.
- 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.
- 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…
- 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.
- Digital Wrench version 3.9 is now available for download
Updating to version 3.9 is required to update the base Digital Wrench software version from 3.8 to 3.9 to allow for future MY18 vehicle support.
NHTSA lists 34 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 2018 Indian Chieftain?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 34 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2018 Indian Chieftain?
NHTSA lists 34 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 2018 Indian Chieftain 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 2018 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.