2002 Indian Chief, 2002 Indian Scout, 2002 Indian Spirit Recall: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR AXLES ARE MADE OF A MATERIAL WITH A LOWER…
NHTSA campaign 02V180000 · Suspension · filed Jul 8, 2002 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE REAR AXLES ARE MADE OF A MATERIAL WITH A LOWER THAN DESIRABLE YIELD STRENGTH.
The risk
UNDER REPEATED HEAVY LOADS, THE REAR AXLE COULD DEFORM CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS POTENTIALLY LEADING TO OVERHEATING AND SEIZING OF THE BEARINGS, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
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 NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN AT 1-408-846-7228.
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More Indian Chief recalls
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- 2014 Indian Chief and 7 other models — Electrical connection for the Vehicle Control Module (VCM)…
- 2014–2019 Indian Chief and 3 other models — Gear position switch contacts may oxidize, causing the gear…
- 2018 Indian Chief and 14 other models — Corrosion may develop within the right combination switch…
Other campaigns involving Indian vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 02V180000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.