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MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 3 safety recall campaigns for the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, spanning 2 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

Distinct campaigns3not VIN-specific
Component groups2distinct top-level categories
Latest recordAugust 19, 2022report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse recall campaigns

The 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse report contains 3 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 22V635000 dated August 19, 2022.
Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Report received
August 19, 2022
Potential units
28,689campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014 Chief, 2015 Chief Classic, 2014-2018 Chieftain, 2015-2020 Chief Vintage, 2016-2018 Chieftain Darkhorse, 2016-2020 Springfield, 2017-2018 Chieftain Limited, and 2018-2019 Chieftain Classic motorcycles. The electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) may fail, causing a loss of the front lights, including the headlight.

Why it matters: The loss of lighting can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the electrical connection and VCM, as necessary. Dealers will update the VCM software, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-02. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-339.

Owner notification: September 27, 2022 · Filing manufacturer: Indian Motorcycle Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 18V228000

Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Report received
April 10, 2018
Potential units
3,341campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2018 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, Springfield Dark Horse, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, and Roadmaster Classic motorcycles. Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch, potentially resulting in the motorcycle starting without the user's intent if the key fob is near the motorcycle and the required safety interlock conditions are met.

Why it matters: If the motorcycle starts unintentionally and is parked in an enclosed space, exposure to carbon monoxide may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right hand combination switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-18-04.

Owner notification: April 20, 2018 · Filing manufacturer: Indian Motorcycle Company

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 17V682000

Component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Report received
October 27, 2017
Potential units
2,096campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Indian Motorcycles Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Cheiftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Elite, Chieftain Limited, Springfield, and Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be equipped with a European-market, not US-market, halogen headlight assembly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".

Why it matters: The light output from the incorrect headlight can affect the motorcycle's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Indian will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the motorcycle and replace any incorrect headlight assembly, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2017. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-17-03.

Owner notification: December 6, 2017 · Filing manufacturer: Indian Motorcycle Company

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse?

The most frequent component groups in 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse campaign records are Exterior Lighting (2), Electrical System (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Exterior Lighting2
Electrical System1

03 / MODEL-YEAR CONTEXT

How the 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse compares across model years

RecallRoad publishes 1 model-year reports for the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, spanning 2018–2018; each year keeps its NHTSA campaign count separate.
Open the complete Indian Chieftain Dark Horse model history →