Recall 15V721 covers 2015-2016 Indian Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Dark Horse motorcycles with rear brake loss. Free dealer repair.
Indian is recalling 7,614 2015-2016 Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Dark Horse motorcycles because a rear brake master cylinder problem can reduce or fully remove rear brake power. Loss of rear braking lengthens stopping distance and raises crash risk, and Indian dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake master cylinder on these 2015-2016 Indian Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Dark Horse motorcycles turns pressure from the rear brake pedal into hydraulic pressure at the rear brake. When the rider presses the pedal, the master cylinder moves brake fluid through the system so the rear brake can slow the motorcycle. The primary cup seal inside that cylinder helps hold pressure where it belongs.
On affected motorcycles, variation in how that primary cup seal was made can let the seal tear or lose support. Once the seal no longer holds pressure, rear brake power drops. In the worst case described by the recall, the rear brake becomes inoperable. Indian's corrected piston assembly adds a back-up ring behind the primary cup seal to support it and keep it from tearing.
The rider is expected to notice a soft rear brake pedal first. The pedal can slowly continue downward, and if the problem is not corrected, the rear brake stops working.
Who's affected?
Covers five Indian motorcycle models across the 2015 and 2016 model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.
| 2015 Indian Chief Classic | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Indian Chief Vintage | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Indian Chieftain | hydraulic brake system |
| 2015 Indian Roadmaster | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Indian Chief Classic | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Indian Chief Vintage | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Indian Chieftain | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Indian Roadmaster | hydraulic brake system |
| 2016 Indian Dark Horse | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 7,614 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
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?
A full or partial loss of rear braking power means the motorcycle needs more distance to slow or stop, increasing crash risk. A soft rear brake pedal or a pedal that keeps sinking is the warning sign. Schedule the repair soon and avoid riding if that symptom appears. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2015-2016 Indian Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, or Dark Horse motorcycle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the free rear brake master cylinder piston assembly replacement that fixes the loss of rear brake power.
- Bring the recall notice if Indian mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V721 and Indian recall I-15-04 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary riding until the repair is complete, leave extra following distance, and use extra care when slowing or stopping.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Indian technician replaces the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Indian. This is the repair path for the rear brake power loss described in NHTSA campaign 15V721. If you already paid for the same repair before receiving the recall letter, Indian offers reimbursement review through an Indian Motorcycle dealer or the Indian Motorcycle Consumer Service Department. Bring the repair invoice and payment paperwork so the claim can be matched to this recall.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 2, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 5, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 6, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| November 6, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 13, 2015 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 13, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V721?
Recall 15V721 covers 7,614 2015-2016 Indian Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, and Dark Horse motorcycles with a rear brake master cylinder problem that can reduce or eliminate rear brake power. Indian dealers replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2015-2016 Indian Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Roadmaster, or Dark Horse is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 15V721. If it is, contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule replacement of the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly. Reference recall number 15V721 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Indian's remedy says dealers will replace the rear brake master cylinder piston assembly free of charge at a franchised Indian dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear braking power or complete loss of rear braking power. That can lengthen the distance needed to slow or stop the motorcycle, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought this 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 specific Indian motorcycle is included, then contact a franchised Indian dealer and reference recall number 15V721.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V721000 |
|---|---|
| Indian customer service | 1-877-204-3697 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V721 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V721000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →