2001 Indian Scout
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 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 9 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2019 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 9 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 9 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
HEADLIGHTS FELL OFF MOTORCYCLE WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020917
2 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE TRAVELING 50-55 MPH AND MAKING A TURN REAR OF VEHICLE TRAVELED OUT OF CONTROL, TOSSING CONSUMER OFF TO THE GROUND. VEHICLE WAS SERVICED, SWING ARM BOWED WAS OUT 8 SPOKES ,SNAPPED IN RIM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030616
THE SWING ARM THTA HOLDS THE REAR TIRE IN PLACE WOBBLES EXCESIVELY IN TURNS AT 45MPH OR HIGHER, THE MANUFACTURER CHANGED THE SWING ARM IN THE NEXT MODEL YEAR CITING FAILURE OF WELDS, BUT HAS NOT RESPONDED TO REQUESTS TO REPLACE CURRENT SWING ARMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020408
2 of 9 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
RIDING THIS MOTORCYCLE AT NORMAL SPEEDS, THERE IS A SUBSTANTIALLY DANGEROUS "WOBBLE" FELT. IT FEELS AS IF THE MOTORCYCLE WILL COME OUT FROM UNDER NEATH YOU.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020408
MY PROBLEM IS THIS INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RIDE IS UNSTABLE. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE EXACTLY WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I HAVE BEEN READING ON THE WWW THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON PLACE WITH A MAJORITY OF INDIAN MOTORCYCLES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20011127
2 of 9 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 9 total reports mentions: structure.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. POSSIBLE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CHAFFING CAN CAUSE THE CABLE TO GROUND TO FRAME, ALLOWING POSSIBLE INTERRUPTION TO THE IGNITION SYSTEM. MOTORCYCLE CAN CRANK, BUT N
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL INSULATION ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE.
Campaign 00V214000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE INNER TUBE BEING USED ON THE FRONT TIRE WAS UNDER-SIZED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE EXISTING INNER FRONT TIRE TUBE WITH A LARGER TUBE.
Campaign 00V251000 — check if this car was fixed
REAR SUSPENSION COLLAPSE
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE PINCH BOLTS THAT CLAMP THE FRONT FORKS TO THE AXLE MAY BE 1/4" BOLTS OR 5/16" BOLTS MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL. IN BOTH CASES, THESE BOLTS MAY NOT BE OF SUFFICIENT STRENGTH
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT FORKS TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE PINCH BOLTS ARE 1/4" OR 5/16" BOLTS MADE OF STAINLESS STEEL. IF THE FORKS ARE CLAMPED WITH 1/4" BOLTS, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE FORKS
Campaign 02V176000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE FASTENERS THAT BOLT THE WINDSHIELD TO THE MOUNTING CLAMPS CAN BREAK, CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO COME PARTIALLY OR COMPLETELY OFF THE BIKE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 16, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE R
Campaign 02V311000 — 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
HEADLIGHT SEPARATES
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE BRACKET USED TO SUPPORT THE TEARDROP HEADLIGHT CAN CRACK, CAUSING THE BRACKET TO BREAK AND THE LIGHT TO SLIP OUT OF POSITION OR FALL OFF.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW BRACKET. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT IMC AT 1-888-899-2997.
Campaign 03V258000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WELD ATTACHING THE FENDER MOUNT TO THE FRONT FORK MAY CRACK AND BREAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL BOLT A BRACKET ONTO EACH FRONT FORK. THIS BRACKET WILL HOLD THE FENDER MOUNT IN PLACE EVEN IF THE WELD FAILS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2003. OWNERS SHOULD
Campaign 03V286000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Indian Scout — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 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 00V214000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V251000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V176000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 02V311000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V039000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V258000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V286000 (structure) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2001 Indian Scout 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 Scout?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting:headlights, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Indian Scout have?
7 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.