Does the 2017 Indian Chief have recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2017 Indian Chief, including Electrical System; Exterior Lighting › Headlights. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2017 Indian Chief problems?

Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (1), electrical system (1), service brakes (1).

How much does a 2017 Indian Chief cost to own for 5 years?

About $16,531 over 5 years ($276/month) at an estimated $8,250 purchase price and 4,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2017 Indian Chief

The 2017 Indian Chief earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 72/100. Expect about $16,531 to own it for five years, or $276 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 2 complaints.

Recalls: 2
Complaints: 2
5-yr cost: $17k
MPG (EPA): —

Strong

Ownership Score

Looking at a specific Chief?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

2 recalls may apply

For the 2017 Indian Chief. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Chief, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Springfield motorcycles. The gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear position display to inaccurately show that the motorcycle is in neutral when it is actually in gear.
Risk: If the transmission is not in neutral when the motorcycle is started, the motorcycle may move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2020. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian's number for this recall is I-19-03.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history

Get a history report

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $8,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 4,000 mi/yr.

$16,531

$276/month · $0.83/mile

Depreciation	$1,447
Insurance (national avg.)	$3,500
Fuel / charging	$1,490
Maintenance	$3,590
Repairs	$3,000
Loan interest	$2,309
Taxes & fees	$1,195

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

2 complaints

Power Train1
Electrical System1
Service Brakes1

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

NHTSA doesn't crash-test motorcycles. Gear up: ABS and a good helmet matter most.

What to check on a used 2017 Indian Chief

Not enough owner reports to rank this model year, so here are the basics.

Paperwork
- Ask for service records and the title. Compare the VIN on the car, the paper and our report.
- Check the odometer against the wear on the pedals and seat.
Test drive
- Drive on a highway and in town. Listen for noises and watch the temperature gauge.
- Pay for an independent mechanic's inspection before you commit.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2017 Indian Chief problems

Cheaper alternatives

2017 Kawasaki Ninja 400
Same year, known for low running costs
5-yr $13k · ↘ $3.3k less
2017 Honda Rebel 500
Same year, known for low running costs
5-yr $14k · ↘ $2.9k less

FAQ

Is the 2017 Indian Chief a good motorcycle to buy?: The 2017 Indian Chief earns a strong Throttlebook Ownership Score of 72/100. Expect about $16,531 to own it for five years, or $276 a month. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 2 complaints.
Does the 2017 Indian Chief have recalls?: NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2017 Indian Chief, including Electrical System; Exterior Lighting › Headlights. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2017 Indian Chief problems?: Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are power train (1), electrical system (1), service brakes (1).
How much does a 2017 Indian Chief cost to own for 5 years?: About $16,531 over 5 years ($276/month) at an estimated $8,250 purchase price and 4,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.