2003 Indian Chief
Only 2 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 2 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 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
IGNITION SWITCH FAILS CAUSING ENGINE TO BACK FIRE AND QUIT. SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH OEM SWITCH 3 TIMES WITH SAME RESULT! FRONT BRAKE LEAVER HAS EXCESSIVE TRAVEL AT TIMES LIMITING BRAKING POTENTIAL ON FRONT TIRE. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040116
1 of 2 total reports mentions: power train.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: equipment.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL 2002 AND 2003 CHIEF MODELS HAVE A KICK STAND THAT DOES NOT HAVE A LOCKING MECHANISM LIKE PRIOR YEAR MODELS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030807
1 of 2 total reports mentions: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
IGNITION SWITCH FAILS CAUSING ENGINE TO BACK FIRE AND QUIT. SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH OEM SWITCH 3 TIMES WITH SAME RESULT! FRONT BRAKE LEAVER HAS EXCESSIVE TRAVEL AT TIMES LIMITING BRAKING POTENTIAL ON FRONT TIRE. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040116
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2003 Indian Chief — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for equipment issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V173000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V191000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 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 2003 Indian Chief?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 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.