2002 Indian Chief
Only 4 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 4 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 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 4 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
MASTER CYLINDER IS LEAKING FLUID, CAUSING VEHICLE TO WOBBLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020510
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING A NOISE WAS HEARD. MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE MISALIGNED DRIVE PULLEYS AND BELTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030828
1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL STALL AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030707
1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO START MOTORCYCLE. TOOK VEHICE TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE STARTER. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURHTER. *PH
NHTSA ODI report, 20030912
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR AXLES ARE MADE OF A MATERIAL WITH A LOWER THAN DESIRABLE YIELD STRENGTH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLES ON THESE MOTORCYCLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO N
Campaign 02V180000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER COULD CONTACT THE ROTOR AS A RESULT OF A MISALIGNMENT OF THE CALIPER CARRIER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MOTORCYCLE TO ENSURE THAT THE REAR BRAKE CALIPER AND ROTOR ARE CORRECTLY POSITIONED. IF THEY ARE NOT, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE SWING ARM AND REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY. OWNER N
Campaign 02V246000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, DUE TO THE POSITIONING OF THE GAS TANK VENT TUBE, THE VENT TUBE CAN BECOME CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS, PARTICULARLY IN WET WEATHER. VENT TUBE CLOGGING CAN CAUSE INTERRUPTION OF FUEL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT VENT TUBE WITH A LONGER TUBE REPOSITIONED TO PREVENT CLOGGING. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN A
Campaign 03V173000 — 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
2002 Indian Chief — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V180000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V246000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V173000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V191000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 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 2002 Indian Chief?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 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.