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Campaign 13V391 Posted August 30, 2013 861 units

2009-2013 Indian Chief Recall 13V391: Rear Rim Crack

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 13V391 affects 861 2009-2013 Indian motorcycles for rear rims that crack and lose air. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.

Indian is recalling 861 2009-2013 motorcycles, including Dark Horse, Chief Standard, Bomber, Roadmaster, and Vintage models, because the rear rim can crack and cause a loss of air pressure. A cracked rim can flatten the rear tire, cause loss of control, and increase crash risk; Indian dealers will complete the repair free of charge once it is available.

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What's wrong?

The rear rim on these 2009-2013 Indian motorcycles is the metal wheel section that holds the rear tire in shape and keeps it sealed against the rim. It carries the motorcycle's weight, keeps the tire seated, and helps the rear tire hold air pressure while the bike is moving.

On the recalled Indian models, the rear rim can crack. Once a crack opens, air escapes from the rear tire instead of staying sealed inside it. That loss of air pressure leaves the tire without the support it needs, which changes how the motorcycle rides and responds.

There is no warning sign before failure. After air pressure drops, the rear tire can look low or the motorcycle can feel different from the rear, but the rim crack has already started by then.

Who's affected?

Spans Indian cruiser variants from 2009 through 2013, all tied to the same wheel hardware component.

2013 Indian Dark Horse wheel hardware
2009 Indian Chief Standard wheel hardware
2010 Indian Bomber wheel hardware
2010 Indian Roadmaster wheel hardware
2011 Indian Classic wheel hardware
Units affected861

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.

What's the safety risk?

A cracked rear rim can lead to a flat rear tire. If that happens while riding, the rider can lose control and crash. If the rear tire loses air or the motorcycle feels unstable, stop riding and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Indian dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2013 Indian Dark Horse, Chief Standard, Bomber, Roadmaster, Classic, Chief Classic, Chief Deluxe, Chief, Vintage, Chief Roadmaster, Chief Vintage, Blackhawk, or Blackhawk Dark motorcycle is included.
  2. Watch for Indian's owner notice if you have not received it, then confirm the rear-rim replacement with Indian customer service.
  3. Contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the free rear-rim replacement that fixes the crack-prone rim and loss of tire pressure.
  4. Reference recall number 13V391 when you call the dealer or Indian customer service.
  5. Ride cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop riding if the rear tire loses air pressure.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Indian technician replaces the rear rim covered by recall 13V391. Parts are available, and the recall covers parts and labor. The repair addresses a rear rim that can crack and lose air pressure. If the motorcycle received only interim notice handling, ask the service desk to confirm that the final rear rim replacement has been completed before you leave.

Timeline

August 30, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
April 4, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V391?

Recall 13V391 covers 861 2009-2013 Indian motorcycles with rear rims that can crack and lose air pressure. A cracked rear rim can lead to a flat rear tire and loss of rider control, increasing crash risk. Indian dealers will replace the rear rim for free.

What should I do if my 2009-2013 Indian motorcycle is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 13V391. If it is, contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the rear rim replacement. Reference recall number 13V391 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Indian's recall remedy says dealers will replace the rear rim free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost at a franchised dealer, regardless of where you bought the motorcycle.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is a cracked rear rim that leads to a flat rear tire. On a motorcycle, sudden rear tire air loss can cause the rider to lose control, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free rim replacement before riding again.

What if I bought my Indian motorcycle used?

The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Indian is included, then contact a franchised Indian dealer and reference recall number 13V391 when you schedule service.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V391000
Indian customer service1-888-704-5290
NHTSA recall #13V391
NHTSA recall # (full)13V391000

Source documents

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 →