NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10178858: 2014-2018 Indian Chief

Official manufacturer communication context for 2014-2018 Indian Chief, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10178858 summary graphic for 2014-2018 Indian Chief
10178858NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
21affected product rows
80/100quality score

Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.

Quick answer

2014-2018 Indian Motorcycles utilize Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries which are selected for their superior vibration resistance, weight savings, and high output. This Team Tip is being released to provide the Indian dealer network with specific recommendations to help maintain and restore the AGM type batteries used in Indian Motorcycles.

What this bulletin may mean before buying

Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.

Affected products listed in this communication

MakeModelModel yearsBuyer note
IndianChief2014-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChief Classic2014-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChief Dark Horse2014-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChief Vintage2014-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChieftain2014-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChieftain Classic2017, 2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChieftain Dark Horse2017, 2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChieftain Elite2017, 2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChieftain Limited2017, 2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChieftan2014-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChieftan Dark Horse2014-2017Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianDark Horse2014-2016Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianRoadmaster2014-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianRoadmaster Classic2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianRoadmaster Elite2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianRoadmaster Icon2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianScout2015-2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianScout Bobber2018Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.

Buyer checklist

  1. Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
  2. Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
  3. Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
  4. Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
  5. Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What is NHTSA service bulletin 10178858?

2014-2018 Indian Motorcycles utilize Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries which are selected for their superior vibration resistance, weight savings, and high output. This Team Tip is being released to provide the Indian dealer network with specific recommendations to help maintain and restore the AGM type batteries used in Indian Motorcycles.

Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?

No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.

How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?

Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.

Check the exact VIN before you buy

Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.

Get Full Report