NHTSA service bulletin

NHTSA Service Bulletin 10209966: 2022 Indian Chief

Official manufacturer communication context for 2022 Indian Chief, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.

NHTSA service bulletin 10209966 summary graphic for 2022 Indian Chief
10209966NHTSA document ID
Manufacturer communicationcommunication type
3affected product rows
90/100quality 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

Indian Motorcycle found that some 2022 Chief models can exhibit a noise in the front of the motorcycle when operating slowly on rough or bumpy road conditions. The sound can be difficult to properly diagnose as it may resemble a metallic clicking in the front headlight area. The sound is coming from the bypass valve within the front suspension and occurs when switching between compression and rebound. The sound can be amplified by the fender shape on some motorcycles. The sound does not affect the performance of the motorcycle. Indian Motorcycle has released a service kit with new upper fork with a revised bypass valve to correct the noise.

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
IndianChief2022Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianChief Bobber2022Ask for service records and run the exact VIN before purchase.
IndianSuper Chief2022Ask 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 10209966?

Indian Motorcycle found that some 2022 Chief models can exhibit a noise in the front of the motorcycle when operating slowly on rough or bumpy road conditions. The sound can be difficult to properly diagnose as it may resemble a metallic clicking in the front headlight area. The sound is coming from the bypass valve within the front suspension and occurs when switching between compression and rebound. The sound can.

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.

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