2013 Can-Am Spyder RT Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Fuel system6236.3%
- Engine5431.6%
- Body & structure2011.7%
- Brakes105.8%
- Interior & seats95.3%
- Electrical74.1%
- Suspension31.8%
- Powertrain (other)31.8%
- Seat belts10.6%
- Steering10.6%
- Airbags10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXCESS HEAT HAS MELTED THE BRAKE LINE TWICE, MASTER CYL. MELTED, BRAKS GET SOFT AND INHIBIT STOPPING POWER, ELECTRICAL WIRINGIS DEGRADING FROM EXCESS HEAT, GAS TANL GET SO HOT THE GAS STARTS TO BOIL, PANELS ARE MELTING AND WARPING FROM EXCESS HEAT. THE UNIT HAS BEEN DECLARED UN SAFE TO RIDE. BRP REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES, ALL RECALLS AND UPGRADES HAVE BEEN DONE AND THE PROBLEM IS JUST GETTING WORST, BRP, WILL NOT FIX ONLY OFFERS TO HIDE THE COMETIC DAMAGE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V095000 (ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER'S REMEDY WAS INCOMPLETE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD BE REPLACING THE BODY PANEL WITH NEW IMPROVED BODY PANELS AND AN UPGRADED FUEL SYSTEM KIT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED TEMPLATES TO USE TO CUT OUT PIECES OF THE BODY PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THIS WAS THE ONLY AVAILABLE REPAIR FOR THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. .. .UPDATED 07/21/15 *BF
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
CAN"T STOP AN OIL LEAK. AFRAID IT MIGHT GET HOT AND CATCH ON FIRE!!! *DT
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE ELEVATED TEMPERATURE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT ON FEBRUARY 26, 2015. IN THE SAFETY RECALL NOTICE I WAS ADVISED TO CONTACT BRP DEALERSHIP, WHICH I DID IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TOLD THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER AND TO CALL BACK IN APRIL I CONTACTED THEM AGAIN IN APRIL, WAS TOLD THE STATES WITH THE HOTTEST TEMPERATURE WAS FIRST CALL BACK IN A MONTH. I CALL IN MAY, WAS TOLD AGAIN, THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. CALLED BACK IN JUNE WAS TOLD THE TOOL TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MEANWHILE IN OHIO THE SUMMER MONTHS ARE HERE, AND THIS STILL HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. I CONTACTED BRP IN CANADA, NO RESPONSE. THIS CAN AM WAS PURCHASED NEW OFF THE SHOW ROOM FLOOR IN 2014, AND I AM ADVISED TO NOT RIDE IT WHEN ITS HOT, OR IN TRAFFIC. I AM NOT A HAPPY CAMPER RIGHT NOW, I PURCHASED THE BIKE TO ENJOY THE SUMMER MONTHS, RIDE WITH THE LEGION RIDERS AND IT SITS IN THE GARAGE.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MOTION, DURING A CLEAR DAY ON JULY 16 2016. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE SUFFERED A BLOWN REAR TIRE LEAVING A LARGE CENTER STRIP OF BLENDED STEEL AND RUBBER SHAPED AS A WIDE BELT THAT EXTENDED PAST THE REAR OF THE BIKE. SEE THE MULTIPLE PHOTOS ATTACHED IN (EXHIBIT P). WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRING THE BIKE TO A SAFE HALT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, THE ROTATION OF THE WHEEL USING THE STATED BELT BEAT THE PLASTIC REAR END OF THE VEHICLE TO A TOTAL DISMEMBERMENT OF CRUCIAL PARTS. WITH THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEING RIPPED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, THE ATTACHED PASSENGER'S PLASTIC SEAT MOUNT WAS ALSO DESTROYED. FINELY AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING BROUGHT DOWN TO A STOP TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, SOMEHOW WITH THE VIBRATION OF THE ROTATING BLOW TIRE AND WHEEL, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STABILIZING CAST IRON MECHANISM BROKE DISLODGING THE LOWER BALL JOINT THAT STABILIZED THE HORIZONTAL POSITION OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. SEE THE MULTIPLE PHOTOS ATTACHED IN (EXHIBIT K). THIS SENT THE VEHICLE IN A VIOLENT CLOCK WISE SPIN THAT FINELY OVERCAME THE RIDER'S GRIP DISLODGING THE SEAT AND RIDER ON TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, AND THEN FINELY COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP FACING THE ONCOMING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. HOWEVER, AT NO TIME DID THE VEHICLE HIT ANY CAR, CURB, WATER, ICE, TRASH, OR WALL DURING THE RIDE OR DISLODGING OF THE RIDER. NOOR DID IT FLIP OR TURN OVER AT ANY TIME, IN FACT THE VEHICLE DURING ITS REDUCTION IN SPEED, AS WELL AS THE CLOCK WISE SPIN EVER LEAVE THE FINAL LANE THAT THE RIDER WAS DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE. PLEASE EXCEPT THIS AS A REPLACEMENT AND UPDATE OF THE REMOVED COMPLAINT 11051430.
SEE THE ATTACH NHTSA_COMPLAINT.PDF THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. CAN AM SPYDER SERIAL/VIN # [XXX], MODEL # 000B9DC00. I HAVE PUT THAT I WAS GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR, NOT SURE OF THE NUMBER AS THIS IS A BIKE. MY GOAL IS TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC. HOWEVER THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE HIGHWAY IS 75 MPH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXCESS HEAT HAS MELTED THE BRAKE LINE TWICE, MASTER CYL. MELTED, BRAKS GET SOFT AND INHIBIT STOPPING POWER, ELECTRICAL WIRINGIS DEGRADING FROM EXCESS HEAT, GAS TANL GET SO HOT THE GAS STARTS TO BOIL, PANELS ARE MELTING AND WARPING FROM EXCESS HEAT. THE UNIT HAS BEEN DECLARED UN SAFE TO RIDE. BRP REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES, ALL RECALLS AND UPGRADES HAVE BEEN DONE AND THE PROBLEM IS JUST GETTING WORST, BRP, WILL NOT FIX ONLY OFFERS TO HIDE THE COMETIC DAMAGE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING BENEATH THE VEHICLE. FUMES OF SMOKE WERE SEEN BENEATH THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V386000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AGAIN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR WERE MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MOTION, DURING A CLEAR DAY ON JULY 16 2016. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE SUFFERED A BLOWN REAR TIRE LEAVING A LARGE CENTER STRIP OF BLENDED STEEL AND RUBBER SHAPED AS A WIDE BELT THAT EXTENDED PAST THE REAR OF THE BIKE. SEE THE MULTIPLE PHOTOS ATTACHED IN (EXHIBIT P). WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRING THE BIKE TO A SAFE HALT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, THE ROTATION OF THE WHEEL USING THE STATED BELT BEAT THE PLASTIC REAR END OF THE VEHICLE TO A TOTAL DISMEMBERMENT OF CRUCIAL PARTS. WITH THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEING RIPPED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, THE ATTACHED PASSENGER'S PLASTIC SEAT MOUNT WAS ALSO DESTROYED. FINELY AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING BROUGHT DOWN TO A STOP TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, SOMEHOW WITH THE VIBRATION OF THE ROTATING BLOW TIRE AND WHEEL, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STABILIZING CAST IRON MECHANISM BROKE DISLODGING THE LOWER BALL JOINT THAT STABILIZED THE HORIZONTAL POSITION OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. SEE THE MULTIPLE PHOTOS ATTACHED IN (EXHIBIT K). THIS SENT THE VEHICLE IN A VIOLENT CLOCK WISE SPIN THAT FINELY OVERCAME THE RIDER'S GRIP DISLODGING THE SEAT AND RIDER ON TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, AND THEN FINELY COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP FACING THE ONCOMING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. HOWEVER, AT NO TIME DID THE VEHICLE HIT ANY CAR, CURB, WATER, ICE, TRASH, OR WALL DURING THE RIDE OR DISLODGING OF THE RIDER. NOOR DID IT FLIP OR TURN OVER AT ANY TIME, IN FACT THE VEHICLE DURING ITS REDUCTION IN SPEED, AS WELL AS THE CLOCK WISE SPIN EVER LEAVE THE FINAL LANE THAT THE RIDER WAS DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE. PLEASE EXCEPT THIS AS A REPLACEMENT AND UPDATE OF THE REMOVED COMPLAINT 11051430.
SEE THE ATTACH NHTSA_COMPLAINT.PDF THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. CAN AM SPYDER SERIAL/VIN # [XXX], MODEL # 000B9DC00. I HAVE PUT THAT I WAS GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR, NOT SURE OF THE NUMBER AS THIS IS A BIKE. MY GOAL IS TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC. HOWEVER THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE HIGHWAY IS 75 MPH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
EXCESS HEAT HAS MELTED THE BRAKE LINE TWICE, MASTER CYL. MELTED, BRAKS GET SOFT AND INHIBIT STOPPING POWER, ELECTRICAL WIRINGIS DEGRADING FROM EXCESS HEAT, GAS TANL GET SO HOT THE GAS STARTS TO BOIL, PANELS ARE MELTING AND WARPING FROM EXCESS HEAT. THE UNIT HAS BEEN DECLARED UN SAFE TO RIDE. BRP REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUES, ALL RECALLS AND UPGRADES HAVE BEEN DONE AND THE PROBLEM IS JUST GETTING WORST, BRP, WILL NOT FIX ONLY OFFERS TO HIDE THE COMETIC DAMAGE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HEAT EMITTING FROM THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE MEASURED 169 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY STEER THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V095000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. MA 08/05/15 UPDATED 9/24/2015 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MOTION, DURING A CLEAR DAY ON JULY 16 2016. THE SUBJECT VEHICLE SUFFERED A BLOWN REAR TIRE LEAVING A LARGE CENTER STRIP OF BLENDED STEEL AND RUBBER SHAPED AS A WIDE BELT THAT EXTENDED PAST THE REAR OF THE BIKE. SEE THE MULTIPLE PHOTOS ATTACHED IN (EXHIBIT P). WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRING THE BIKE TO A SAFE HALT TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, THE ROTATION OF THE WHEEL USING THE STATED BELT BEAT THE PLASTIC REAR END OF THE VEHICLE TO A TOTAL DISMEMBERMENT OF CRUCIAL PARTS. WITH THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE BEING RIPPED AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, THE ATTACHED PASSENGER'S PLASTIC SEAT MOUNT WAS ALSO DESTROYED. FINELY AS THE VEHICLE WAS BEING BROUGHT DOWN TO A STOP TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, SOMEHOW WITH THE VIBRATION OF THE ROTATING BLOW TIRE AND WHEEL, THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STABILIZING CAST IRON MECHANISM BROKE DISLODGING THE LOWER BALL JOINT THAT STABILIZED THE HORIZONTAL POSITION OF THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL. SEE THE MULTIPLE PHOTOS ATTACHED IN (EXHIBIT K). THIS SENT THE VEHICLE IN A VIOLENT CLOCK WISE SPIN THAT FINELY OVERCAME THE RIDER'S GRIP DISLODGING THE SEAT AND RIDER ON TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, AND THEN FINELY COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP FACING THE ONCOMING HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. HOWEVER, AT NO TIME DID THE VEHICLE HIT ANY CAR, CURB, WATER, ICE, TRASH, OR WALL DURING THE RIDE OR DISLODGING OF THE RIDER. NOOR DID IT FLIP OR TURN OVER AT ANY TIME, IN FACT THE VEHICLE DURING ITS REDUCTION IN SPEED, AS WELL AS THE CLOCK WISE SPIN EVER LEAVE THE FINAL LANE THAT THE RIDER WAS DISLODGED FROM THE VEHICLE. PLEASE EXCEPT THIS AS A REPLACEMENT AND UPDATE OF THE REMOVED COMPLAINT 11051430.
SEE THE ATTACH NHTSA_COMPLAINT.PDF THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. CAN AM SPYDER SERIAL/VIN # [XXX], MODEL # 000B9DC00. I HAVE PUT THAT I WAS GOING 75 MILES PER HOUR, NOT SURE OF THE NUMBER AS THIS IS A BIKE. MY GOAL IS TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC. HOWEVER THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE HIGHWAY IS 75 MPH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I PURCHASED A 2013 CAN AM SPYDER IN JULY 2013. FROM THE FIRST DAY I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I HAVE EXPERIENCED WHAT I CONSIDER A DANGEROUS AMOUNT OF HEAT RADIATING FROM THE ENGINE. ALSO, I CAN SMELL GAS FUMES AND I AM TOLD THAT IS BECAUSE THE GAS IS ACTUALLY BOILING DUE TO THE HEAT PROBLEM. I HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT FIXES RECOMMENDED BY OTHER OWNERS AND THEY DID REDUCE THE HEAT SOMEWHAT BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE I AM RIDING ON A BOMB JUST WAITING TO EXPLODE. SINCE I PAID OVER $27,000 I CAN'T JUST PUT IT AWAY. THE REPUTATION IS SO BAD THE UNIT HAS REALLY DEPRECIATED AND THE ONLY PERSON WILL TO BUY THE VEHICLE WOULD BE SOMEONE WHO DID NOT DO THEIR HOMEWORK. ARE YOU AWARE OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? I CAN'T GET ANYONE AT BRP TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE. IT IS NOT THE DEALERS FAULT. *TR
EXCESSIVE HEAT!! ON RIGHT SIDE & COMING UP FROM UNDER SEAT & PANELS. BOILING GAS & GAS SMELL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HEAT EMITTING FROM THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE MEASURED 169 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY STEER THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V095000 (ENGINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000. MA 08/05/15 UPDATED 9/24/2015 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
FUEL WILL LEAK OUT OF EVAP CANISTER DUE TO HIGH HEAT CONDITION IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. REAR AIR BAG LEAKS DOWN AND AFFECTS HANDLING, DEALER SAYS THEY ALL DO IT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .