Recall 18V228 covers 3,341 2018 Indian Chief, Chieftain, Springfield, and Roadmaster motorcycles for switch corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
Indian is recalling 3,341 2018 Chief, Chieftain, Springfield, and Roadmaster motorcycles because corrosion in the right combination switch can let the motorcycle start without the rider's intent when the key fob is nearby and safety interlock conditions are met. An unintended start in an enclosed space raises the risk of carbon monoxide exposure and injury; Indian dealers will repair the switch free of charge.
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What's wrong?
On these 2018 Indian motorcycles, the right hand switch cube is the control cluster on the right handlebar. It houses electrical contacts for rider controls and works with the key fob and safety interlocks so the motorcycle starts only when the start command and required conditions line up.
The problem is corrosion inside that switch cube. As moisture and corrosion damage the electrical parts, the switch can short internally. With the key fob near the motorcycle and the safety interlock conditions met, that short can trigger electrical power-up or a start sequence without the rider pressing the control.
The warning sign is the motorcycle powering up on its own or beginning a start sequence without user input. If that happens, keep clear of the controls and have an Indian dealer replace the right hand switch cube with the updated service kit.
Who's affected?
Covers the Chief, Chieftain, Springfield, and Roadmaster families, all tied to the electrical system.
| 2018 Indian Springfield Dark Horse | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Indian Chief | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chief Vintage | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chieftain Elite | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Roadmaster | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Roadmaster Classic | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Roadmaster Elite | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Roadmaster Icon | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chieftain Classic | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Springfield | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chieftain Limited | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chieftain | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chief Dark Horse | electrical system |
| 2018 Indian Chief Classic | electrical system |
| Units affected | 3,341 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 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?
An unintended start in a garage or other enclosed space can expose people nearby to carbon monoxide and increase the risk of injury. If the motorcycle powers up or starts without rider input, shut it off, ventilate the area, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Indian Springfield Dark Horse, Chief, Chief Vintage, Chieftain Elite, Roadmaster, Roadmaster Classic, Roadmaster Elite, Roadmaster Icon, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Classic, Springfield, Chieftain Limited, Chieftain, Chief Dark Horse, or Chief Classic is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the free right hand combination switch replacement that stops corrosion from causing an unintended start.
- Bring the recall notice if Indian mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V228 and Indian recall I-18-04 when you call.
- Keep the key fob away from the motorcycle when it is parked, especially in an enclosed space, until the switch is replaced.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Indian technician replaces the right hand combination switch, the switch assembly affected by corrosion in this recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 18V228. If you paid for this related repair before receiving the owner letter, contact the Polaris Consumer Service Department for reimbursement review and have your repair paperwork ready. Indian lists recall number I-18-04 for dealer and customer service reference.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 10, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 12, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 19, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 20, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V228?
Recall 18V228 covers 3,341 2018 Indian Chief, Chieftain, Springfield, and Roadmaster motorcycles with corrosion inside the right hand combination switch. The defect can let the motorcycle start without the rider's intent when the key fob is nearby and safety interlock conditions are met. Indian dealers replace the switch for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Indian Chief, Chieftain, Springfield, or Roadmaster is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V228. If it is, contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule replacement of the right hand combination switch. Reference recall 18V228 or Indian recall I-18-04 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Indian's remedy says dealers will replace the right hand combination switch free of charge. Any franchised Indian dealer can perform the recall repair.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V228?
The safety risk is unintended motorcycle starting when the key fob is near the motorcycle and the safety interlocks are met. If that happens while the motorcycle is parked in an enclosed space, carbon monoxide exposure can increase injury risk. The free dealer repair replaces the affected switch.
What if I bought my 2018 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 2018 Indian motorcycle is included, then call a franchised Indian dealer and reference recall 18V228 or Indian recall I-18-04.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V228000 |
|---|---|
| Indian customer service | 1-877-204-3697 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V228 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V228000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →