THIS MACHINE IS JUST TOO HOT TO RIDE AND BE SAFE. REPORTS OF OTHER UNITS CATCHING ON FIRE. EMAILED BRP BUT NEVER GOT A RESPONSE. I'VE HAD TO GET OFF AND TURN IT OFF TO LET IT COOL DOWN. ENDED UP SELLING IT AT A HUGE LOSS. *TR
2013 CAN-AM Spyder Rt
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Spyder Rt years →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
90 reports with mileage · 12 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.
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
102 reportsTHIS VEHICLE RUNS EXTREMELY HOT, AND IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE. AFTER RIDING IN 74 DEGREE TEMPERATURE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR, I USED A DIGITAL THERMOMETER AND MEASURED THE HEAT UNDER THE SEAT AT 157.1 DEGREES WITH THE ENGINE OFF. HEAT RISES FROM THE FRONT AND SIDES OF THE SEAT, WHICH RESULTED IN A BURN TO MY RIGHT LEG. THERE HA…
Read full complaint
THIS VEHICLE RUNS EXTREMELY HOT, AND IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE. AFTER RIDING IN 74 DEGREE TEMPERATURE FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 HOUR, I USED A DIGITAL THERMOMETER AND MEASURED THE HEAT UNDER THE SEAT AT 157.1 DEGREES WITH THE ENGINE OFF. HEAT RISES FROM THE FRONT AND SIDES OF THE SEAT, WHICH RESULTED IN A BURN TO MY RIGHT LEG. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS INSTANCES OF THESE VEHICLES WITH NO WARNING SUDDENLY CATCHING FIRE AND BEING COMPLETELY DESTROYED. BRP IS AWARE OF THE HEAT PROBLEMS WITH THESE VEHICLES, AND SO FAR HAS ONLY OFFERED A SOFTWARE UPDATE IN AN EFFORT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS UPDATE WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. ADDITIONALLY, GASOLINE BOILS IN THE TANK, AND THE GAS CAP GETS SO HOT THAT IT CANNOT BE REMOVED WITHOUT WEARING A GLOVE. MY WIFE AND I ARE AFRAID TO TAKE A LONG TRIP - WHICH IS THE REASON THAT WE BOUGHT THIS VERY EXPENSIVE TOURING MOTORCYCLE - FOR FEAR THAT OUR VEHICLE WILL BURST INTO FLAMES. PLEASE EXPEDITE YOUR CURRENT INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER, AND PLEASE REQUIRE BRP TO DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO SOLVE THIS PROBLEM, PERHAPS A RETROFIT TO CHANGE THE COOLING SYSTEM TO MIRROR THE SOLUTION THAT BRP DEVELOPED (AND TOUTED IN THEIR PROMOTIONAL LITERATURE AS "SOLVING THE HEAT PROBLEM) FOR THE 2014 MODEL I.E. TWO RADIATORS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE RATHER THAN THE ONE MOUNTED IN FRONT OF THE RIDER'S RIGHT FOOT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD LIKE TO VIEW THE VEHICLE FIRSTHAND. *TR
AS YOU CLEARLY CAN SEE CAN AM SPYDER 2013 HAS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT HEAT I OWN ONE AND THIS MACHINE IS QUITE DANGEROUS I HAVE INSTALLED TEMP GAUGES ON MY MACHINE AND HAVE STUDIED THIS ISSUE THOUROUGLY ... I WOULD INVITE AN INVESTIGATOR TO COME VISIT AND SPEND 30 MINUTES WITH ME AND MY MACHINE . YOU WILL SEE FOR YOURSELF THE PROO…
Read full complaint
AS YOU CLEARLY CAN SEE CAN AM SPYDER 2013 HAS MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT HEAT I OWN ONE AND THIS MACHINE IS QUITE DANGEROUS I HAVE INSTALLED TEMP GAUGES ON MY MACHINE AND HAVE STUDIED THIS ISSUE THOUROUGLY ... I WOULD INVITE AN INVESTIGATOR TO COME VISIT AND SPEND 30 MINUTES WITH ME AND MY MACHINE . YOU WILL SEE FOR YOURSELF THE PROOF ... YOU CAN FEEL THE MACHINE AND MONITOR THE GAUGES I HAVE INSTALLED AND MAKE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT. I THINK IT WILL SAVE A LIFE. I TRULY BELIEVE THIS. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE BUT MY FEELING IS HAVING CONVERSATION.... THEY REALLY WON'T DO MUCH UNTIL FORCED. AS WE ALL KNOW ITS ABOUT THE MONEY, LIVES SEEM SECONDARY. *TR
I FOUND THAT AFTER DRIVING MY MOTORCYCLE THE SEAT IS VERY HOT AND THE GAS CAP IS TOO HOT TO TOUCH. I ALSO HAVE NOTICED EXCESSIVE HEAT ON MY RIGHT LEG THAT GETS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH PROPER RIDING GEAR. THE BIKE HAS HAD NO MODIFICATION DONE TO IT. I LOVE RIDING IT BUT IT MAKES VERY HARD ON HOT DAYS. *TR
THIS IS MY 3RD SPYDER. ALTHOUGH I AM HAPPY WITH IT, IT DOES EMIT HEAT IN WHICH SOMETIMES ON HOT SUMMER AND HUMID DAYS IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE FEELING. THIS MODEL YEAR EMITS MORE HEAT THAN PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS. *TR
MY SPYDER GET SO HOT THAT IT IS NOT BEARABLE TO RIDE, EXTREME HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SENDS EXTREME HEAT TO MY LEGS AND HEAT COMING FROM THE SEAT. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS ON THIS PARTICULAR SPYDER CATCHING FIRE WHICH MAKE ME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE. BRP IN CANADA NEEDS TO RECALL THEIR SPYDER'S IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM…
Read full complaint
MY SPYDER GET SO HOT THAT IT IS NOT BEARABLE TO RIDE, EXTREME HEAT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SENDS EXTREME HEAT TO MY LEGS AND HEAT COMING FROM THE SEAT. I HAVE SEEN REPORTS ON THIS PARTICULAR SPYDER CATCHING FIRE WHICH MAKE ME VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO RIDE. BRP IN CANADA NEEDS TO RECALL THEIR SPYDER'S IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM. I CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 1,500 MILES. I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SINCE MARCH 2013 TO PRESENT. THE HEAT ALSO CAUSES THE GASOLINE IN THE TANK TO BOIL WHICH IS A HAZARD ALSO. *TR
HIGH HEAT EFFECTING THE RIGHT FOOT AND CROTCH. THERE IS NOW A SLIGHT BUCKLE ON THE BOTTOM RIGHT SIDE OF THE COVER EMITTING ADDITIONAL HEAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TR
WE PURCHASED A BRAND-NEW 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT FROM A DEALER. FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD HEAT ISSUES. MY WIFE RECEIVED MINOR BURNS TO HER LEG AS A RESULT OF THE HEAT EMITTING FROM THE PLASTIC SIDE PANELS. WE HAVE RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED SOME ALUMINUM FOIL ON DOUBLE SIDED TAPE TO TRY T…
Read full complaint
WE PURCHASED A BRAND-NEW 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT FROM A DEALER. FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, THE VEHICLE HAS HAD HEAT ISSUES. MY WIFE RECEIVED MINOR BURNS TO HER LEG AS A RESULT OF THE HEAT EMITTING FROM THE PLASTIC SIDE PANELS. WE HAVE RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY INSTALLED SOME ALUMINUM FOIL ON DOUBLE SIDED TAPE TO TRY TO CUT DOWN THE HEAT. THIS HAD LITTLE EFFECT. THE DEALER CONTACTED BRP AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WHAT OTHERS HAD DONE TO MITIGATE IT AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE. THE BIKE IS BACK IN THE SHOP AND I'VE EMAILED BRP CUSTOMER CARE TO SEE WHAT THEY INTEND TO DO ABOUT IT. *TR
AFTER A FOUR HOUR RIDE, I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO REFUEL. WHEN I WAS READY TO LEAVE, MY PARKING BRAKE CABLE WOULD NOT RELEASE. I HAD TO GET UNDER THE MACHINE AND PULL IT FREE IN ORDER TO RIDE HOME. IT TURNED OUT THE CABLE HAD MELTED, ALONG WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER. ALL THREE WERE REPLACED DURING…
Read full complaint
AFTER A FOUR HOUR RIDE, I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION TO REFUEL. WHEN I WAS READY TO LEAVE, MY PARKING BRAKE CABLE WOULD NOT RELEASE. I HAD TO GET UNDER THE MACHINE AND PULL IT FREE IN ORDER TO RIDE HOME. IT TURNED OUT THE CABLE HAD MELTED, ALONG WITH THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE CHARCOAL CANISTER. ALL THREE WERE REPLACED DURING THE RECALL. IN MARCH, WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON I-95 SOUTH OF FREDERICKSBURG VA, MY MACHINE STALLED AND I HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK. A RUBBER HOSE GOING TO THE THROTTLE BODY HAD CRACKED. AT NUMEROUS TIMES I HAVE RECEIVED FIRST DEGREE BURNS ON MY INNER THIGHS FROM HEAT, UNDER THE SEAT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THE HEAT THAT ALL THE PLASTIC AND RUBBER PARTS HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO, AND WHAT MAY FAIL,NEXT. IF A RUBBER FUEL LINE CRACKS, IT COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BODY PANEL OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURY DUE TO THE FAILURE BUT D…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BODY PANEL OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE HEAT SHIELD WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN INJURY DUE TO THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75.
Official recalls
215V095000 · Engine
Feb 19, 2015
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling all model year 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT motorcycles. Prolonged idling or slow speed riding in warmer temperatures may result very high temperatures in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Very high temperatures in the engine compartment may increase the risk of skin burns or a vehicle fire.
Remedy: BRP has notified owners. Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.
13V386000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:master Cylinder
Aug 28, 2013
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT series and ST series motorcycles. The tandem brake master cylinder manifold inlet may melt allowing the brake fluid to leak out.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Brake fluid may leak onto a heat source, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BRP will notify owners and dealers will install heat shields and a heat deflector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early September 2013. 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
1PE14025 · Motorcycle Fires
Opened Aug 4, 2014 · Closed May 22, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline
This Preliminary Evaluation was opened after NHTSA became aware of two fires involving a MY 2011 and a MY 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP).Both occurred within days of each other in July, 2014.The first report (VOQ 10615679) involved a 2011 Spyder RT, converted for police work and operated by the Morgantown, WV police department burned while being operated on July 20, 2014.The second report (VOQ10617819) involved a 2013 Spyder RT that burned while being operated near the 29 Palms Marine base in the Mojave desert.After a comprehensive review of all information and test data collected during the investigation NHTSA staff met with BRP to discuss its findings.After careful consideration BRP decided to conduct a safety recall (15V095) to address operator burns from elevated vehicle surface temperatures, fuel boiling due to inadequate management of engine compartment heat, and excessive fuel vapor emissions due to the inability of the bikes evaporative emissions system to capture those vapors. We received the company's defect information report on February 13, 2015 and owners began receiving an interim recall notice on February 26th.The interim notice told owners that the recall remedy was in development and would be available in May, 2015.In addition, BRP agreed to, and has undertaken, the following actions:1.Re-notified owners subject to recalls 12V581 and 582 to increase the number who have the recall remedies installed; and 2.Improved its internal system (BossWeb) so that dealers may accurately determine whether a BRP street-legal product has had all relevant recalls completed.With BRP's recall, and its other actions, this PE is closed.For additional detailed information on this investigation, see the attached closing report.The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following (ODI) numbers:10422389,10441182,10451964,10454644,10464103,10488563,10495091, 10499920,10534185,10538604,10542236,10544661,10544745,10545679, 10545719,10547665,10547672,10547761,10549949,10551480,10574592, 10576999,10579466,10582917,10587190,10587196,10587659,10593913, 10595183,10606604,10607045,10615679,10615793,10616468,10616523, 10616893,10617819,10618790,10620886,10620985,10621062,10621082, 10621271,10621881,10621966,10622101,10622114,10622350,10622356, 10622523,10622664,10625899,10626242,10626248,10626578,10626680, 10626861,10627017,10627095,10627236,10627336,10627768,10627778, 10628178,10628215,10628314,10629231,10629665,10630345,10630901, 10631241,10631265,10631290,10631419,10631703,10631868,10632763, 10638824,10649988,10650058,10650065,10650128,10650131,10650531, 10650634,10650686,10650717,10650745,10650747,10650802,10650812, 10650899,10651070,10651083,10651134,10651139,10651343,10651478, 10651558,10651858,10651917,10659906,10664024
Illustration