RecallNotify
Sign up Check my VIN
Home/ Recalls/ Indian/ 16V446
Campaign 16V446 Posted June 17, 2016 18,383 units

2014-2016 Indian Chief Models Recall 16V446: Exhaust Heat

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 31, 2026

Recall 16V446 affects 18,383 2014-2016 Indian motorcycles for exhaust heat after engine misfires. ECM software repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.

Indian is recalling 18,383 2014-2016 Chief Classic, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Dark Horse, and Chieftan Dark Horse motorcycles because an engine misfire can send unburned fuel through the exhaust and raise exhaust temperatures. Elevated exhaust heat increases the risk of fire; Indian dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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 NHTSA

RecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.

What's wrong?

The engine control module on these 2014-2016 Indian motorcycles manages ignition and fuel delivery. It tells the engine when to spark and how much fuel to send into each cylinder, and the exhaust system carries burned gases away from the engine after combustion.

On the recalled motorcycles, the engine calibration lacks a gross misfire detection strategy. If the engine misfires, fuel that did not burn in the cylinder can move into the exhaust system. That fuel raises exhaust temperatures, which puts heat into parts that are not meant to handle it that way.

Before the repair, the main warning sign is reduced engine performance during a misfire. After the engine control module is reflashed, repeated misfires trigger fuel shutoff to that cylinder for the rest of the ignition key cycle, and a yellow malfunction indicator light on the dash illuminates.

Who's affected?

Covers Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Dark Horse, Chieftan Dark Horse, and Chief Classic motorcycles, with ignition and exhaust system parts included.

2016 Indian Chieftain Exhaust system
2016 Indian Roadmaster electrical system
2016 Indian Roadmaster Exhaust system
2014 Indian Vintage electrical system
2014 Indian Vintage Exhaust system
Units affected18,383
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

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 misfire can raise exhaust temperatures and increase the risk of fire. Reduced engine performance during a misfire is the warning sign to take seriously. If the motorcycle runs poorly or feels down on power, pull over when safe and schedule the recall repair. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2016 Indian Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Dark Horse, Chieftan Dark Horse, or Chief Classic is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the free ECM software update that corrects the misfire condition linked to elevated exhaust temperatures.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Indian mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V446 when you call.
  4. Avoid riding after an engine misfire until the dealer completes the ECM software update.
  5. Call Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697 with questions and reference Indian recall I-16-02.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Indian technician updates the engine control module software so the motorcycle handles engine misfire conditions correctly. The software update is free under recall 16V446, with parts and labor covered by Indian. If you already paid out of pocket for an ECM software update related to this recall before the owner notice, ask the dealer or Indian customer service how to submit documentation under Indian's reimbursement plan.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

June 17, 2016 NHTSA published the recall
June 24, 2016 Dealer notification began
July 1, 2016 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
July 1, 2016 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
August 5, 2016 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 16V446?

Recall 16V446 covers 18,383 2014-2016 Indian Chief Classic, Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Dark Horse, and Chieftan Dark Horse motorcycles. An engine misfire can send unburned fuel through the exhaust system, raising exhaust temperatures and increasing fire risk. Indian dealers will update the ECM software for free.

What should I do if my 2014-2016 Indian Chieftain, Roadmaster, Vintage, Dark Horse, Chieftan Dark Horse, or Chief Classic is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 16V446. If it is, contact an Indian dealer to schedule the ECM software update. Reference recall number 16V446 or Indian recall number I-16-02 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Indian says dealers will update the engine control module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included motorcycles.

What is the safety risk in recall 16V446?

The safety risk is fire. During an engine misfire, unburned fuel can pass through parts of the exhaust system and raise exhaust temperatures. Indian's dealer repair updates the ECM software to address the condition.

What if I bought my Indian motorcycle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your motorcycle is included, then call an Indian dealer and reference recall number 16V446.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V446000
Indian customer service1-877-204-3697
NHTSA recall #16V446
NHTSA recall # (full)16V446000

Source documents

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 →