Recall 11V343 affects 699 2009-2011 Indian motorcycles because the BCM can shut off the headlight. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
Indian is recalling 699 2009-2011 motorcycles, including Vintage, Roadmaster, and Classic models, because the body control module can shut off the headlight when the rider moves between high and low beam. Unexpected loss of headlight function can impair visibility and increase the risk of a crash; the Indian dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The body control module, or BCM, is an electronic controller that helps manage lighting circuits on the 2009-2011 Indian motorcycles covered by this recall. The headlight switch sends the rider's high-beam or low-beam selection to that controller, and the BCM keeps the correct beam powered while protecting the circuit from excess electrical load.
On affected Indian motorcycles, the problem happens during a slow switch movement between high beam and low beam. For a brief moment, both beams stay on at the same time. The BCM reads that added electrical draw as an overload and turns the headlight off instead of leaving one beam lit.
There is no warning sign before failure. The rider's action at the switch is the trigger, so the headlight can shut off while changing between high and low beam. If the light goes out, stop using the motorcycle at night until an Indian dealer completes the free recall repair.
Who's affected?
The same headlight switch component appears across the listed Indian motorcycle lines for 2009-2011.
| 2011 Indian Blackhawk Dark | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2010 Indian Vintage | Switch |
| 2011 Indian Roadmaster | Switch |
| 2011 Indian Blackhawk | Switch |
| 2009 Indian Chief Vintage | Switch |
| 2009 Indian Chief Roadmaster | Switch |
| 2010 Indian Dark Horse | Switch |
| 2010 Indian Classic | Switch |
| 2011 Indian Vintage | Switch |
| 2011 Indian Dark Horse | Switch |
| 2009 Indian Chief Standard | Switch |
| 2010 Indian Bomber | Switch |
| 2010 Indian Roadmaster | Switch |
| 2009 Indian Chief Deluxe | Switch |
| 2011 Indian Classic | Switch |
| Units affected | 699 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
The BCM can shut off the headlight until the key is turned on again. Unexpected headlight loss impairs the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash. Schedule the BCM replacement soon, especially if the headlight has cut out. Repair will be free at any franchised Indian dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2011 Indian motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Indian recall notice if you have not received one, and keep it with your service records.
- Contact a franchised Indian dealer to ask whether the free BCM replacement is open for your motorcycle.
- Tell the dealer the BCM can shut off the headlight after a high-beam or low-beam switch overload, and reference recall number 11V343 when you call.
- Call Indian customer service at 1-651-408-7579 if the dealer cannot confirm the repair path.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Indian technician replaces the body control module, the electrical control unit that can shut the headlight off when it reads a beam switch change as an overload. The replacement is free under recall 11V343. Indian opened the safety recall on August 4, 2011, so ask the service desk to confirm parts and appointment handling for your specific VIN before the motorcycle is brought in.
Timeline
| June 27, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 4, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V343?
Recall 11V343 covers 699 2009-2011 Indian motorcycles with a body control module issue that can shut off the headlight after a slow high-beam or low-beam switch change. Indian dealers replace the body control module for free.
What should I do if my 2009-2011 Indian motorcycle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 11V343. If it is, contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the body control module replacement. Reference recall number 11V343 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and the recall remedy says dealers will replace the body control module free of charge. The safety recall began on August 4, 2011.
What is the safety risk in recall 11V343?
The headlight can turn off unexpectedly until the key is turned on again. That loss of headlight function can reduce rider visibility and increase crash risk, especially in low light or traffic. If the headlight fails, avoid riding until the dealer completes the free repair.
What if I bought my Indian motorcycle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Blackhawk Dark, Vintage, Roadmaster, Blackhawk, Chief Vintage, Chief Roadmaster, Dark Horse, Classic, Chief Standard, Bomber, or Chief Deluxe is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V343000 |
|---|---|
| Indian customer service | 1-651-408-7579 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V343 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V343000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →