2001 Indian Chief
Only 10 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 10 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 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 10 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
FORK SEALS WERE LEAKING. SHOCK ABSORBERS FOR FRONT END OF MOTORCYCLE. CONTACT DEALER. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010706
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL FOR THE WINDSHIELD. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030423
1 of 10 total reports mentions: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
AT 75 AND 80 MPH MOTORCYCLE WILL BEGIN TO WOBBLE. HERE WAS NO CONTROL, AND CONSUMER HAD TO SLOW IT DOWN TO STOP SHAKING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010814
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
REAR BRAKES WENT OUT ON MOTORCYCLE. BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY WOREN OUT.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20010809
1 of 10 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
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
2001 Indian Chief — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V039000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V191000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 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 2001 Indian Chief?
The most-reported component is suspension:front, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Indian Chief have?
2 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.