1999 Indian Chief
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 9 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 9 |
| 2000 | 40 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 0 |
| 2014 | 0 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 9 total reports mention: steering.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
HANDLE BARS WILL PIVOT UP OR DOWN WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE BEING USED. ALL HAND CONTROLS ARE OUT OF REACH OF THE RIDER, AND THE RIDER CAN NOT STEER THE MOTORCYCLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010118
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 PARTS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20021017
2 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SHOCK ABSORBER, DEALER IS CHARGING FOR RECALL. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021016
2 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
2 of 9 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
2 of 9 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
OIL LEAKAGES; VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON SEVEN OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20010601
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
HANDLEBAR LOOSENING
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 A
Campaign 02V124000 — check if this car was fixed
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 R
Campaign 02V144000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 S
Campaign 03V039000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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
Campaign 03V191000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Indian Chief — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V124000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V144000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V039000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V191000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1999 Indian Chief reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Indian Chief?
The most-reported component is steering: steering wheel/handle bar, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Indian Chief have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.