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Campaign 22V635 Posted August 19, 2022 28,689 units

2014-2020 Indian Chief Models Recall 22V635: Light Loss

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 20, 2026

Recall 22V635 covers 28,689 2014-2020 Indian motorcycles for VCM connection failure that can shut off front lighting. Repair will be free at Indian dealers once available.

Indian is recalling 28,689 2014-2020 Chief, Chieftain, Chief Vintage, and Springfield motorcycles under recall 22V635 because the Vehicle Control Module electrical connection can fail and shut off the headlight and other front lights. Loss of lighting can reduce visibility and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Indian makes it available.

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What's wrong?

The Vehicle Control Module on these 2014-2020 Indian motorcycles is the electronic controller that routes commands to the forward lighting system. It helps manage the headlight and related front lights so the rider has illumination ahead and other road users can see the motorcycle. The affected component is identified as VCM Software, but the problem centers on the VCM electrical connection.

Poor electrical contact at that connection can interrupt the signal or power path for the front lights. When the contact opens or becomes unstable, the motorcycle can lose forward illumination, including the headlight. Indian expanded recall 22V635 after finding the same loss-of-lighting condition across Chief, Chieftain, Chief Vintage, Springfield, and related Chieftain models with halogen lighting.

There is a warning sign before failure. The High Beam indicator on the gauge cluster will flash when the forward lighting system malfunctions. If you see that flashing indicator, describe it to the Indian dealer as a possible VCM lighting fault.

Who's affected?

Spans 8 Indian motorcycle lines from 2014-2020, all tied to VCM software.

2017 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Software
2017 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse Headlights
2017 Indian Chieftain Software
2017 Indian Chieftain Headlights
2017 Indian Chief Vintage Software
Units affected28,689

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?

Loss of forward lighting reduces visibility and increases the risk of a crash. If the high beam indicator flashes, treat it as a forward-lighting warning, limit riding, and arrange service soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Indian dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2020 Indian Chief, Chief Classic, Chief Vintage, Chieftain, Chieftain Classic, Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain Limited, or Springfield is included in this recall.
  2. Confirm with Indian customer service that the dealer repair has opened before scheduling service.
  3. Contact a franchised Indian dealer to schedule the free inspection, electrical connection repair, and VCM software update that fixes the front-lighting failure risk.
  4. Bring the recall notice if Indian mailed one. If not, reference recall number 22V635 when you call.
  5. Avoid riding after dark until the repair is complete, since the front lights, including the headlight, can fail.

What happens at the repair

Once the final dealer repair is available, an Indian technician will inspect the Vehicle Control Module electrical connection for damage and replace the connection or VCM if needed. The technician will also update the VCM software with the recall calibration when the motorcycle needs it. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Until Indian opens the final repair, ask an authorized Indian dealer what interim service guidance applies to your motorcycle and whether the VCM connector inspection is available for your VIN.

Timeline

August 19, 2022 NHTSA published the recall
August 25, 2022 Dealer notification began
August 25, 2022 Dealer notification ended
September 2, 2022 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
September 2, 2022 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
September 27, 2022 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 22V635?

Recall 22V635 covers 28,689 2014-2020 Indian motorcycles with a Vehicle Control Module electrical connection that can fail and cause loss of front lights, including the headlight. Loss of lighting reduces visibility and increases crash risk. Indian dealers will inspect and repair the connection, VCM, and software for free.

What should I do if my 2014-2020 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, Chieftain, Chief Vintage, Springfield, Chief Classic, Chief, Chieftain Limited, or Chieftain Classic is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific motorcycle is included in recall 22V635. If it is, contact a franchised Indian dealer and reference recall 22V635 or Indian recall I-19-02. The dealer will inspect the VCM electrical connection and complete the covered repair for free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Indian says dealers will perform all recall repairs free of charge. That includes inspection, electrical connection replacement, VCM replacement, and VCM software updates when needed.

What is the safety risk in recall 22V635?

The safety risk is reduced visibility from a loss of front lighting. If the Vehicle Control Module electrical connection fails, the motorcycle can lose front lights, including the headlight, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair.

What if I bought the Indian motorcycle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the motorcycle, not the original owner. If you never received Indian's owner letter mailed September 27, 2022, check your VIN and give the dealer recall 22V635 or Indian recall I-19-02 when you call.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V635000
Indian customer service1-877-204-3697
NHTSA recall #22V635
NHTSA recall # (full)22V635000

Source documents

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 →