Recall 18V416 affects 4,185 2017-2018 Indian Scout motorcycles for air in the ABS. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
Indian is recalling 4,185 2017-2018 Scout motorcycles because the anti-lock brake system can contain air left from assembly. Air in the brake system can reduce braking effectiveness and increase crash risk, and Indian dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ABS on a 2017-2018 Indian Scout motorcycle helps control brake pressure during hard braking so the wheel is less likely to lock. It works with the hydraulic brake system, which uses brake fluid pressure to move force from the lever to the brake caliper. That pressure depends on fluid filling the system without trapped air.
On affected Scouts, a small amount of air was left in the brake system during assembly and filling. Air compresses more than brake fluid, so part of the lever movement gets used compressing the air instead of applying the brake. That creates degraded brake feel and reduces the rider's control over how firmly the brake applies. Indian's remedy is to replace the brake fluid and bleed the system, which pushes the trapped air out.
The warning sign is a brake lever that feels softer than expected. The lever force needed to activate the brake decreases, so the lever feels easier to pull than usual.
Who's affected?
The listed Scout model years share the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2018 Indian Scout | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2017 Indian Scout | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 4,185 |
| 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?
Air in the brake system can reduce brake effectiveness and increase the risk of a crash. A brake lever that feels soft or needs less force is a warning sign. Ride cautiously, stop if braking feels abnormal, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Indian Scout is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the free ABS brake-system bleeding that removes assembly air from the brake system.
- Reference recall number 18V416 when you call, and bring the owner notice if you have it.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete; leave extra stopping distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, an Indian technician bleeds the front and rear Anti-Lock Brake System to remove air left in the brake system after assembly. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Indian. If you had this ABS bleeding procedure performed before you received the recall letter, contact the Polaris Consumer Service Department to request reimbursement for the documented cost. Keep invoices or repair paperwork tied to the ABS procedure so the claim can be reviewed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| June 22, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 2, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 16, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V416?
Recall 18V416 covers 4,185 2017-2018 Indian Scout motorcycles with air left in the anti-lock brake system after assembly. Air in the brake system can reduce brake effectiveness and raise crash risk. Indian dealers will bleed the front and rear ABS for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Indian Scout is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 18V416. If it is, contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the front and rear ABS bleed. Reference recall number 18V416 or Indian recall number I-18-07 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 bleed the front and rear anti-lock brake system free of charge. The recall repair is available through franchised Indian dealers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking effectiveness. Recall 18V416 involves air left in the brake system after assembly, which can make the brakes less effective and raise crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free ABS bleed with an Indian dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V416000 |
|---|---|
| Indian customer service | 1-877-204-3697 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V416 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V416000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →