Indian Motorcycle Company is recalling more than 3,000 vehicles that can unexpectedly start without the operator’s input.
The Medina, Minnesota-based manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on April 19, 2018 they will recall 3,341 2018 Indian Chief, Indian Chief Classic, Indian Chief Dark Horse, Indian Chief Vintage, Indian Chieftain, Indian Chieftain Classic, Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, Indian Chieftain Elite, Indian Chieftain Limited, Indian Springfield, and Indian Springfield Dark Horse motorcycles built between Oct. 25, 2016 and Nov. 17, 2017.
Indian stated in the safety recall report the affected motorcycles can electrically power-up without the operator’s intent. If the key fob is stored on or near the motorcycle and all other safety interlocks are met, this can activate the start sequence. If the vehicle starts while unattended in a closed area, including a garage, it can create a carbon monoxide exposure risk.
According to Indian’s recall chronology, a Polaris dealer reported a motorcycle starting without use input in November 2017. After an on-site inspection, Polaris initiated an engineering investigation in collaboration with the component manufacturer DeltaTech of Shakopee, Minnesota. The investigation continued through February and March 2018, and concluded corrosion could affect the vehicle’s switch cube, creating the defect.
Polaris, Indian’s parent company, decided on April 3, 2018 to conduct a safety recall.
Indian will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right hand combination switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 19, 2018. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-18-04. Indian consumers may also visit the NHTSA’s website, and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Lemon laws vary from state to state as to whether they cover motorcycles, but the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act covers motorcycles regardless of state.
The manufacturer of your vehicle is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires motorcycle manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide the loss value of your recalled vehicle, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you.
Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.