Recall 21V681 affects 177 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty motorcycles for inoperable brake lights. Do not drive. Free ECU re-flash at a franchised Indian dealer.
Inoperable brake lights mean traffic behind you cannot see the motorcycle slowing, which increases the risk of a crash. Inspect the brake lights before riding. Do not drive the motorcycle if the brake lights are inoperable; arrange dealer service instead. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
Indian is recalling 177 2020 Scout Bobber Sixty motorcycles under recall 21V681 because an engine control unit update left the brake lights inoperable. Do not drive the motorcycle until an Indian dealer completes the free repair, since missing brake lights can make it harder for following drivers to see you slowing and increase crash risk.
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What's wrong?
The 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty uses an engine control unit, or ECU, to manage engine operation and related electronic functions. On these motorcycles, the ECU software also interacts with rear brake light operation. The brake lights are supposed to turn on when the rider brakes so traffic behind the motorcycle can see that it is slowing or stopping.
The problem starts after an ECU reflash, which is a dealer software update. Indian found that incorrect memory values were loaded into the dealer service tool database. When those values were written to the ECU during the update, the rear brake lights stopped working.
The warning sign is tied to the same update. After the ECU reflash, an affected motorcycle will shut down when shifted into gear. That shutdown is the signal that the motorcycle has received the faulty ECU data and the brake lights need to be checked before riding.
Who's affected?
The scope ties brake lights and ECU software to the same recall; the VIN decides whether a specific Scout Bobber Sixty is included.
| 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty | Software |
|---|---|
| 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty | Brake lights |
| Units affected | 177 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA 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?
Inoperable brake lights mean traffic behind you cannot see the motorcycle slowing, which increases the risk of a crash. Inspect the brake lights before riding. Do not drive the motorcycle if the brake lights are inoperable; arrange dealer service instead. Repair is free at any franchised Indian dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty is included in this recall.
- Do not drive or ride the motorcycle if the brake lights are inoperable.
- Arrange a tow if the motorcycle has to be moved to the dealer; do not ride it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the free ECU reflash that restores brake-light operation.
- Bring the recall notice if Indian mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V681 when you call.
What happens at the repair
Start by checking whether the brake lights work. If they do not, do not ride the motorcycle to the dealer. At the dealer, an Indian technician updates the ECU software so the brake lights operate correctly. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Indian also provides reimbursement for transportation to the dealer when the motorcycle has lost rear brake light function. If you already paid to move the motorcycle for this issue, ask Indian customer service or the service desk how to submit that transportation expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 2, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 17, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 27, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V681?
Recall 21V681 covers 177 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty motorcycles after an ECU update caused brake lights to become inoperable. Inoperable brake lights can increase crash risk. Indian dealers will re-flash the ECU for free when the brake lights are not working.
What should I do if my 2020 Indian Scout Bobber Sixty is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your motorcycle is included in recall 21V681. Inspect the brake lights before riding. If the brake lights do not work, do not drive it, and contact a franchised Indian dealer for the free ECU re-flash.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Indian dealers will re-flash the ECU free of charge when the brake lights on an included 2020 Scout Bobber Sixty are not functioning.
What does 'Do not drive' mean for recall 21V681?
Do not drive means do not ride the motorcycle if the brake lights are inoperable. Other drivers need the brake light signal to react when you slow or stop. Ask an Indian dealer how to move the motorcycle for service without riding it.
When were owners notified about recall 21V681?
Indian mailed owner notification letters on September 27, 2021. If you bought the motorcycle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and reference recall 21V681 when you contact an Indian dealer or Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V681000 |
|---|---|
| Indian customer service | 1-877-204-3697 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V681 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V681000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →