Recall: Multiple 2020-2022 Indian Bikes May Have Brake Light Issue

2022 Indian Challenger Elite – Side, Right

On affected models, incorrect ABS module software is causing brake lights to illuminate when riders aren’t braking.

Indian Motorcycle Company is recalling certain 2020 through 2022 models due to the potential for the brake lights to illuminate even when no brakes are being applied. This recall is related to ABS module software on models that were equipped with the Bosch ABS 9.1M Plus module.

Approximately 11,648 motorcycles are believed to be affected according to Indian’s records. This represents 100 percent of the population. However, since only certain years of specific models are included, we’ll organize the complete list in a table to keep all the details easy to navigate.

Which Indian Bikes Are Part Of This Recall?

Here’s the full list of bikes recalled on February 2, 2024. Please note that all VINs included in this list are non-sequential.

Why Are They Recalled?

The issue concerns models that were equipped from the factory with the Bosch ABS 9.1M Plus module. A software error in this module can reportedly cause the brake lights to illuminate seemingly at random, when the rider is not attempting to actuate the brakes in any way. More specifically, Indian’s recall states that the observed error occurs “when wheel speed differentials exceed the calibrated threshold.”

This can cause unnecessary and potentially dangerous confusion on the road, both for surrounding traffic that observes the bike, and also for the rider (and possibly their passenger). Raising the level of potential road confusion also increases the potential for a crash. At the time that Indian filed its Part 573 Safety Recall Report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it reported no injuries or accidents related to this issue.

As for chronology, Polaris (Indian’s parent company) has been investigating this issue since September 28, 2021, when it found a post on social media regarding issues with brake lights. By April 13, 2022, Polaris reported the issue as one of noncompliance to NHTSA, and from there a discussion between the two parties began regarding whether it was a consequential safety issue.

Recall Service

A reflash of the ABS module’s software with updated software is required to remedy this issue. Indian will notify its dealer network about how to perform this procedure, as well as inform owners about the recall and how to have the service performed at no charge.

Indian adds that all motorcycles that left its factory from April 13, 2022 onward already have the correct ABS module software, and so do not face this issue.

Both dealer and owner notifications are expected to be sent on or around February 14, 2024. Indian’s campaign number for this recall is I-24-03, and owners may contact Indian Motorcycle customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Additionally, the NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 24V-069. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

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