IllustrationTHREE RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THE 2001, INDIAN, MOTORCYCLE(S); HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE RECALLS CANNOT BE HONORED BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. *AK *SCC *JB
2001 Indian Scout
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Scout years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 0 of 9 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
9 reportsTHE RECALL REPAIRS ON MOTORCYCLE HAD NOT BEEN DONE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. THE DEALER HAD THE PARTS, BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT GET REIMBURSED. *AK RECALL NUMBERS; 03V258000 (HEADLIGHTS), 03V039000 (VOLTAGE REGULATOR), AND 03V280000 (MOUNTING BRACKET). *SCC *…
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THE RECALL REPAIRS ON MOTORCYCLE HAD NOT BEEN DONE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER HAD GONE OUT OF BUSINESS. THE DEALER HAD THE PARTS, BUT WOULD NOT REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE THEY WOULD NOT GET REIMBURSED. *AK RECALL NUMBERS; 03V258000 (HEADLIGHTS), 03V039000 (VOLTAGE REGULATOR), AND 03V280000 (MOUNTING BRACKET). *SCC *JB
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 03V286000 CONCERNING FENDER MOUNTS, AND RECALL 03V258000 CONCERNING HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKAGE. DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALLS.*AK
RECALL 03 V 039 000/VOLTAGE REGULATOR; 03 V 258 000/HEADLIGHT BRACKET BREAKAGE, AND RECALL 03 V 286 000/FENDER MOUNT: CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE DEALER, INDIAN MOTORCYCLE OF NORTH TEXAS TO HONOR THE THREE RECALLS. ASKING NHTSA TO ASSIST IN THIS MATTER. *AK
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
HEADLIGHTS FELL OFF MOTORCYCLE WHILE DRIVING 55-60 MPH. DEALER CONTACTED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
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. *AK
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
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. I NOTICED THAT OTHER RIDERS REPORT THAT THEIR MOTORCYCLES WOBBLE OR SHIMMY TOO. THIS UNSTABILITY MUST BE INVESTIGA…
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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. I NOTICED THAT OTHER RIDERS REPORT THAT THEIR MOTORCYCLES WOBBLE OR SHIMMY TOO. THIS UNSTABILITY MUST BE INVESTIGATED. I BELIEVE FROM READING MANY REPORTS FROM OTHERS MOTORCYCLE OWNERS THE ISSUE LAYS IN THE FRAME ASSEMBLY, WHEELS AND TIRES. I READ EVEN ONE DEATH HAS BEEN REPORTED. THE INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY HAS FAILED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AND ARE VERY AWARE ON IT. THE COMPANY HAS MADE DESIGN CHANGES ON THEIR 2002 MODEL TO AVOID FUTURE ISSUES, BUT THAT DOES NOTHING FOR THOSE WITH THE CURRENT PROBLEM.*AK (DOT NUMBER: AT3FC4200 TIRESIZE: 4.10H19)
Official recalls
703V286000 · Structure
Aug 4, 2003
ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE WELD ATTACHING THE FENDER MOUNT TO THE FRONT FORK MAY CRACK AND BREAK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE FENDER MOUNT TO FAIL RESULTING IN THE FENDER COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL, RESULTING IN THE RIDER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE MOTORCYCLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 CONTACT INDIAN AT 1-888-899-2997.
03V258000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights
Jul 22, 2003
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
03V039000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator
Feb 10, 2003
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 THE REGULATOR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE REGULATOR TO CATCH ON FIRE.
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 SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-888-899-2997.
02V311000 · Visibility:windshield
Nov 15, 2002
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE IS IN USE, THE RIDER COULD BE INJURED BY THE WINDSHIELD.
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 REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE AT 1-888-899-2997.
02V176000 · Suspension:front
Jul 2, 2002
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 OVER TIME TO CLAMP THE FRONT FORK TO THE AXLE TIGHTLY ENOUGH TO PREVENT AXLE ROTATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE AXLE IS ALLOWED TO ROTATE, THE AXLE COULD COME OUT OF THE RIGHT FRONT FORK, COLLAPSING THE FRONT END, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 WITH FORKS DESIGNED WITH 5/16" BOLTS. IF THE FORKS ARE CLAMPED WITH 5/16" STAINLESS STEEL PINCH BOLTS, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE BOLTS WITH 5/16" BOLTS MADE OF ZINC PLATED STEEL. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 9, 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.
00V251000 · Tires:tube
Sep 3, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MOTORCYCLES. THE INNER TUBE BEING USED ON THE FRONT TIRE WAS UNDER-SIZED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE POSSIBLE DEFLATION OF THE TUBE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE EXISTING INNER FRONT TIRE TUBE WITH A LARGER TUBE.
00V214000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
Aug 7, 2000
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 NOT START.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: WITHOUT THE ADDITIONAL INSULATION, THE MOTORCYCLE POSES A RISK TO SAFETY, WITH POSSIBLE INTERRUPTION OF THE IGNITION SYSTEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL INSULATION ON THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE03024 · Headlight Separates
Opened Jun 4, 2003 · Closed Aug 11, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
ODI AND INDIAN RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 6 REPORTS ALLEGING THE TEARDROP-SHAPED HEADLIGHT WAS SEPARATING FROM ITS RETAINING BRACKET ON THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES.SHORTLY AFTER OPENING THIS PE, INDIAN RECALLED THE VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.ODI HAS CONFIRMED INDIAN'S CLAIM THAT THIS PROBLEM RELATES ONLY TO THOSE MODELS WITH TEARDROP HEADLIGHT BUCKET.
PE01039 · Rear Suspension Collapse
Opened Nov 21, 2001 · Closed Apr 30, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
SIX MANUFACTURER INCIDENTS OF BROKEN REAR SUSPENSION SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING BRACKETS AND FORTY-TWO OF BROKEN SHOCK BOLTS.THE ORIGINAL SWAY-AWAY REAR SHOCK ABSORBERS (IDENTIFIED BY A BLACK HOUSING) ARE NOT ADEQUATE FOR THE SUBJECT BIKES' GVWR.SHOCK BOTTOMING (I.E., COIL BIND) CONSEQUENTLY OCCURS AT THE UPPER RANGE OF THE MACHINE'S WEIGHT CARRYING CAPACITY AND THE RESULTING LOADS BREAK THE SHOCK MOUNTING BRACKETS AND/OR BOLTS.INDIAN IS RECALLING THE SUBJECT MOTORCYCLES TO INSTALL SHOCK ABSORBERS FROM PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION.THE PROGRESSIVES HAVE A GREATER LOAD CARRYING CAPABILTY AND MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY THE GOLD COLOR.WITH INDIAN'S RECALL, ODI IS CLOSING THIS PE.