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2011 CAN-AM Spyder Rt

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

22 reports with mileage · 7 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports5 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

29 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion System

FUEL IN TANK BOILS. SPYDER CONSTANTLY SMELLS OF LEAKING FUEL WHILE RIDDING. FUEL DRIPS, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WHEN PARKED. BOTH DURING AND AFTER A RIDE. THE COMPLETE EMISSIONS SYSTEM WAS REPLACED(UNDER WARRANTY) AND ALL OF THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED PROBLEMS RETURNED WITHIN A HUNDRED MILES OR SO. ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEAT IS SO HIGH…

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FUEL IN TANK BOILS. SPYDER CONSTANTLY SMELLS OF LEAKING FUEL WHILE RIDDING. FUEL DRIPS, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WHEN PARKED. BOTH DURING AND AFTER A RIDE. THE COMPLETE EMISSIONS SYSTEM WAS REPLACED(UNDER WARRANTY) AND ALL OF THE PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED PROBLEMS RETURNED WITHIN A HUNDRED MILES OR SO. ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEAT IS SO HIGH IT CAUSED PREMATURE DEGRADING OF FUEL LINES. WHICH RESULTED IN MULTIPLE FUEL LEAKS WHERE FUEL LINE CLAMPS ARE USED. NOTE: THESE LEAKS WERE ALL IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF EXHAUST HEADERS. WHEN RIDDEN IN HIGHER AMBIENT TEMPS THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HEAT IS SO HIGH IT CAUSES BURNS TO YOUR THIGHS, WHEN WEARING PROPER RIDING APPAREL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650686

29,101 miles · Sep 23, 2014
StructureVisibility

THE WINDSHIELD IS MOUNTED ON THREE STRUTS -- THE MIDDLE ONE CONTROLS THE UP AND DOWN POSITION OF THE SHIELD AND HOLDS IT IN POSITION; THE OUTER TWO MOVE FREELY UP AND DOWN WITH NO RESTRAINT. THE CENTER STRUT BROKE CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO SUDDENLY FLY UP AND BACK AND THEN SETTLE IN AGAINST THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE. IN THAT…

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THE WINDSHIELD IS MOUNTED ON THREE STRUTS -- THE MIDDLE ONE CONTROLS THE UP AND DOWN POSITION OF THE SHIELD AND HOLDS IT IN POSITION; THE OUTER TWO MOVE FREELY UP AND DOWN WITH NO RESTRAINT. THE CENTER STRUT BROKE CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD TO SUDDENLY FLY UP AND BACK AND THEN SETTLE IN AGAINST THE FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE. IN THAT POSITION, FULL WIND FORCE IS DIRECTED AGAINST THE RIDER AND PASSENGER. FURTHER, THE OUTER TWO STRUTS ARE FREE TO MOVE UP AND DOWN SO ANY PASSING TURBULENCE SUCH AS ANOTHER CAR OR TRUCK CAUSES THE WINDSHIELD TO LITERALLY FLAP IN THE BREEZE. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT ONLY NOW BECAUSE ON 09/20/2014 I OBSERVED THAT THE NEW REPLACEMENT STRUT WAS CRACKED OVER HALF-WAY THROUGH. THERE ARE APPROX 8475 MILES ON THE NEW REPLACEMENT STRUT (TOTAL MILEAGE ON VEHICLE 37575). I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE UNEXPECTED TOTAL FAILURE OF THE STRUT AND THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY FLYING UP AND BACK COULD EASILY CAUSE THE RIDER TO SWERVE OR REACT IN SOME WAY AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. IT IS APPARENT FROM MY HAVING TWO FAILURES THAT BRP (THE MANUFACTURER OF CAN AM MOTORCYCLES) HAS NOT IMPROVED THE DESIGN, MATERIAL OR MANUFACTURE OF THESE SIMPLE STRUTS. THIS CONCLUSION IS SUPPORTED BY THEIR NOT HAVING CHANGED THE PART NUMBER FOR THE 2011 AND 2012 MODEL YEARS NOR THE PART NUMBER OF THE REPLACEMENT PART FOR THOSE YEARS. THIS CONCLUSION IS FURTHER SUPPORTED BY THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER RIDERS OF THIS MOTORCYCLE WHO HAVE REPORTED FAILURES ON THE INTERNET FORUMS, IN SOME CASES HAVING FAILURE OF THE REPLACEMENT STRUT AS WELL AS THE ORIGINAL, JUST AS I HAVE. FURTHER SUPPORT IS EVIDENCED BY MY DEALERSHIP TECHNICIAN WHO IS REPLACING THE CURRENT PARTIALLY CRACKED STRUT INFORMING ME THAT HE HAS REPLACED BROKEN STRUTS ON THIS MODEL MOTORCYCLE FOR OTHER CUSTOMERS. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT NUMBER AND I DO NOT KNOW IF HE HAS HAD OTHER REPLACEMENT STRUTS FAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10638483

53,610 miles · Aug 13, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System

WHEN PARKED AFTER USE GASOLINE FUMES ARE EMITTED STRONGLY. THE ODOR IS SUCH THAT I DO NOT PARK IT IN THE GARAGE UNTIL IT HAS STOOD OUTSIDE FOR 2 HOURS TO ALLOW THE ODOR TO DISSIPATE. I AM AFRAID OF IT CAUSING A FIRE AND THAT IT WOULD SPREAD TO THE HOUSE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE MACHINE IN EARLY …

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WHEN PARKED AFTER USE GASOLINE FUMES ARE EMITTED STRONGLY. THE ODOR IS SUCH THAT I DO NOT PARK IT IN THE GARAGE UNTIL IT HAS STOOD OUTSIDE FOR 2 HOURS TO ALLOW THE ODOR TO DISSIPATE. I AM AFRAID OF IT CAUSING A FIRE AND THAT IT WOULD SPREAD TO THE HOUSE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE MACHINE IN EARLY 2013. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621966

500 miles · Aug 10, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemStructure

AFTER PURCHASING OUR 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RTS WE NOTICED THAT AFTER RIDING THAT THERE WAS A FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE GARAGE COMING FROM THE SPYDER. CAN-AM ISSUED A RECALL FOR FAULTY GAS CAPS VENTING GAS FUMES. WE RECEIVED THE NEW UPDATED GAS CAP BUT STILL HAVE FUEL SMELL AFTER RIDING WHILE THE SPYDER IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. WHILE…

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AFTER PURCHASING OUR 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RTS WE NOTICED THAT AFTER RIDING THAT THERE WAS A FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE GARAGE COMING FROM THE SPYDER. CAN-AM ISSUED A RECALL FOR FAULTY GAS CAPS VENTING GAS FUMES. WE RECEIVED THE NEW UPDATED GAS CAP BUT STILL HAVE FUEL SMELL AFTER RIDING WHILE THE SPYDER IS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. WHILE RIDING, THE HEAT COMING UP FROM THE BODY PANELS IS SO HOT THAT IT CAUSES 1ST DEGREE BURNS ON MY WIFE'S THIGHS AND CALVES. HAVE BROUGHT THIS UP TO 2 DIFFERENT DEALERS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD BY BOTH THAT, ITS NORMAL FOR THE SPYDER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10621271

Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2014
Fuel/propulsion SystemFire

OFFICER WAS OPERATING VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET APPROACHING AND INTERSECTION. POSTED SPEED WAS 25 MPH AND OFFICER WAS DECELERATING AND FELT HEAT RISING FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE. OFFICER OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA AND MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GOT OFF BEFORE BEING INJURED. WITHIN SECONDS THE…

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OFFICER WAS OPERATING VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET APPROACHING AND INTERSECTION. POSTED SPEED WAS 25 MPH AND OFFICER WAS DECELERATING AND FELT HEAT RISING FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE. OFFICER OBSERVED FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA AND MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GOT OFF BEFORE BEING INJURED. WITHIN SECONDS THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED AND FLAMES CAUGHT A YARD AND TWO NEARBY TREES ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT DETERMINED CAUSE OF FIRE WAS FUEL RELATED. CITY MECHANIC EXAMINED THE REMAINS AND DETERMINED THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS THE SOURCE OF THE FIRE AND ALSO FOUND A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE AFTER CHECKING ONLINE. RECALL NOTICE WAS NOT RECEIVED BY CITY MAINTENANCE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS, INCLUDING ALL POLICE EQUIPMENT ON THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10615679

6,011 miles · May 17, 2014
Engine

VEHICLE OVER HEATS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC/ DASH CLUSTER SAYS LIMP HOME MODE BEEN IN DEALER SHIP SINCE 5/1/2014. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592199

15,000 miles · Oct 24, 2013
Engine

THERE IS A STRONG SMELL COMING FROM UNDER SEAT. SMELLS LIKE BAD EGGS, TRYING TO PIN POINT SMELL, NO LUCK, NOT SURE IF ITS BURNING FUEL, DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE CAN AM ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10549343

Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline

2011 BRP SPYDER MOTORCYCLES. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO GAS FUMES, LEAKS AND FIRES ON MOTORCYCLES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED HIS WIFE CAN'T PARK HER MOTORCYCLE IN THE GARAGE AFTER A TRIP OF ANY LENGTH.

NHTSA ODI #10544745

800 miles · Jan 29, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL CANISTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CANISTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, HE NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL CANISTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE CANISTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 800.

NHTSA ODI #10495091

2,000 miles · Jan 13, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, WHEN CANCELED, WILL JUMP TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, FOR EXAMPLE, AFTER CHANGING LANES ON THE FREEWAY, I TURN ON TO ENTER THE LEFT LANE AND AFTER MOVING INTO THE LANE I PUSH THE CANCEL ON THE SWITCH BUT IT WILL CHANGE TO A RIGHT HAND TURN SIGNAL. THE TURN SIGN INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE IN CER…

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THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH, WHEN CANCELED, WILL JUMP TO THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, FOR EXAMPLE, AFTER CHANGING LANES ON THE FREEWAY, I TURN ON TO ENTER THE LEFT LANE AND AFTER MOVING INTO THE LANE I PUSH THE CANCEL ON THE SWITCH BUT IT WILL CHANGE TO A RIGHT HAND TURN SIGNAL. THE TURN SIGN INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE IN CERTAIN LIGHT CONDITIONS SO THE SIGNAL REMAINS ON. THE SOFTWARE IS SUPPOSED TO TURN THE SIGNALS OFF AFTER SO LONG BUT THIS FUNCTION TAKES FAR TO LONG AND MAY NOT WORK AT ALL AT TIMES. AFTER EXITING THE FREEWAY I HAD SIGNALED RIGHT TO EXIT THE RAMP. AT THE STOP SIGN AT THE END OF THE RAMP I WAS PROCEEDING TO GO STRAIGHT AND FAILED TO NOTICE THAT MY LEFT HAND SIGNAL WAS NOT ON. A CAR THAT WAS TURNING INTO MY LANE THOUGHT I WAS TURNING LEFT AND PROCEEDED TO MAKE HIS RIGHT HAND TURN, I TOOK EVASIVE ACTION AND BOTH THE OTHER CAR AND I WOUND UP OFF THE ROAD. HE WAS FURIOUS AND THREATENED ME, I DENIED THAT I HAD PLANNED TO TURN WHEN I SEEN THAT MY LEFT SIGNAL WAS STILL FLASHING AS THE BIKE IDLED ON. THIS HAS BECOME A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR ME ON MANY OCCASIONS, SUCH THAT I TRY TO CHECK MY SIGNAL AFTER EVERY USE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ARE AWARE BUT HAVE NO SOLUTION OTHER THAN TO REPLACE WITH A NEW BUT EXACTLY THE SAME SWITCH. SO MANY OTHER SPYDER OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS SWITCH REPLACED THAT IT IS COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT THIS WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10492369

Official recalls

2

12V582000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Dec 12, 2012

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Can-Am Spyder GS, RS, and RT series vehicles. The fuel cap may not fit onto the fuel tank filler neck, preventing it from sealing properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel cap does not seal properly, it may leak fuel vapors. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and personal injury.

Remedy: BRP will notify owners and send them a replacement fuel cap, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in mid-January 2013. Owners may contact BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.

11V081000 · Power Train:manual Transmission:column Shift Assembly

Feb 7, 2011

BRP IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SPYDER RT SM5 ROADSTERS. WHILE DOWN SHIFTING IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO INADVERTENTLY ENGAGE REVERSE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE REVERSE BUTTON DUE TO A DEFECTIVE REVERSE ACTUATOR CABLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING FORWARD, THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK AND THE ENGINE COULD STALL. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, THE VEHICLE COULD BACK UP. A VEHICLE STALL WITHOUT WARNING OR AN EXPECTED MOVEMENT IN REVERSE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL VALIDATE PROPER OPERATION OF THE REVERSE ACTUATOR AND IF DEFECTIVE, THE REVERSE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALLBEGAN ON FEBRUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.