2013 Can-Am Spyder ST 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 ST, 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 system1033.3%
- Engine826.7%
- Brakes413.3%
- Body & structure26.7%
- Electrical26.7%
- Driver assistance13.3%
- Interior & seats13.3%
- Other / unspecified13.3%
- Visibility13.3%
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
BRP / CAN-AM REPLACED THE 2013 SPYDER ST-LIMITED HEAT SIDE-PANELS RECENTLY UNDER WARRANTY WITH NEW DESIGN 2014 HEAT SIDE-PANELS INSTALLED BY A CAN-AM DEALER ON 2 DECEMBER 2014 (A BRP CASE FILE WAS OPENED WITH A BRP CASE NUMBER PROVIDED ON 21 OCTOBER 2014 AND IS AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE). HOWEVER, THE SPYDER'S GAS TANK AND GASOLINE FUEL CONTINUES TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY HOT DURING & AFTER RIDING THE SPYDER. IN ADDITION AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, SIGNIFICANT FUEL VAPOR FUMES CONTINUE TO BE PRESENT AFTER OPERATING THE SPYDER. I'M MOST CONCERNED THE HOT GAS TANK, HOT GASOLINE FUEL, AND HEATED FUEL VAPOR FUMES ARE UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN EXPLOSION, FIRE, AND INJURIES TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. I HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS CONCERN COMPLAINT TO BRP / CAN-AM AND REQUESTED RESOLUTION BUT HAVE NOT YET HEARD BACK FROM THEM. --- "WHAT CAN BRP DO ABOUT OVER-HEATED GAS AND DANGEROUS FUEL FUMES ASSOCIATED WITH OUR 2013 SPYDER?" *TR
VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE HEAT UNDER LEFT SIDE BODY PANELS AND VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUMES. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS COMPLAINT IS LIKE MANY OTHERS THAT HAVE, OR ARE, COMPLAINING ABOUT THE HEAT ISSUE OF THE ENGINE AND BEING IGNORED. THE PROBLEM IS SO SEVERE THAT IT ACTUALLY BURNS THE INSIDE OF THE THIGH DURING OPERATION. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN WITH OTHER THREE WHEELED VEHICLES WITH TRIKE CONVERSIONS SUCH AS SUZUKI, HONDA, ETC. THE PLASTIC HOUSING OF THE CANAM 998 ENGINE HOLDS THE EXCESSIVE HEAT WITHOUT AN ACCEPTABLE VENT OTHER THAN ALLOWING IT TO DIFFUSE RIGHT UP THROUGH YOUR LEGS. THIS MAKES FOR A DANGEROUS SITUATION IN THAT IT DIRECTS MUCH OF YOUR MIND AND DRIVING ATTENTION TOWARD ATTEMPTS TO RELIEVE THE PROBLEM FOR YOUR LEGS, PLUS THERE HAVE BEEN ISSUES ON OTHER MODEL CANAM VEHICLES WHERE THE MACHINE EVENTUALLY CAUGHT FIRE. BRP, THE PARENT COMPANY OF THE CANAM IS PIECE-MEALING ATTENTION TO THE "RT" MODEL AND IGNORING LONG TERM CORRECTIVE MEASURES FOR ALL MODELS. *TR
BRP / CAN-AM REPLACED THE 2013 SPYDER ST-LIMITED HEAT SIDE-PANELS RECENTLY UNDER WARRANTY WITH NEW DESIGN 2014 HEAT SIDE-PANELS INSTALLED BY A CAN-AM DEALER ON 2 DECEMBER 2014 (A BRP CASE FILE WAS OPENED WITH A BRP CASE NUMBER PROVIDED ON 21 OCTOBER 2014 AND IS AVAILABLE FOR REFERENCE). HOWEVER, THE SPYDER'S GAS TANK AND GASOLINE FUEL CONTINUES TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY HOT DURING & AFTER RIDING THE SPYDER. IN ADDITION AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, SIGNIFICANT FUEL VAPOR FUMES CONTINUE TO BE PRESENT AFTER OPERATING THE SPYDER. I'M MOST CONCERNED THE HOT GAS TANK, HOT GASOLINE FUEL, AND HEATED FUEL VAPOR FUMES ARE UNSAFE OR DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE AN EXPLOSION, FIRE, AND INJURIES TO LIFE AND PROPERTY. I HAVE ALSO REPORTED THIS CONCERN COMPLAINT TO BRP / CAN-AM AND REQUESTED RESOLUTION BUT HAVE NOT YET HEARD BACK FROM THEM. --- "WHAT CAN BRP DO ABOUT OVER-HEATED GAS AND DANGEROUS FUEL FUMES ASSOCIATED WITH OUR 2013 SPYDER?" *TR
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2013 CAN AM SPYDER ST-S. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MOTORCYCLE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINS ON AFTER ENGINE IS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SET AND MOTORCYCLE GOES INTO "LIMP MODE"(VSS FAULT). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE WHILE RIDING. *JB
WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED WHITE SMOKE WOULD COME OUT OF THE VENTS AND THERE WAS AN ODOR. THE NEXT DAY WHEN THE SPYDER WAS STARTED WITH THE BRAKE APPLIED MORE SMOKE STARTED POURING OUT AND THE "BRAKE FAILURE" LIGHT CAME ON THE LCD PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAILERED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WHEN IT WAS UNLOADED FROM THE TRAILER THE BRAKE FLUID STARTED POURING OUT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER HAD MELTED. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER RIDING THE SPYDER ST, I STARTED TO NOTICE EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE LEFT SIDE PANEL AND HEAT ON MY RIGHT ANKLE. THE PANEL IS VERY HOT TO THE TOUCH AND IT WAS NECESSARY FOR ME TO PULL OVER AND ALLOW MY SPYDER TO COOL OFF BEFORE I COULD RIDE IT HOME. WHEN I GOT HOME, I FOUND THAT I HAD A BURN ON MY LEFT LEG WHERE IT HAD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE SIDE PANELS. I WAS WEARING LONG PANTS AND THIS BURN OCCURRED THROUGH THE FABRIC OF MY JEANS. I HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF RIDING MOTORCYCLES, TRIKES AND NOW CAN AM AND THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN 2013 CAN AM SPYDER. IT IS VERY UNSAFE, IT CAN NOT ONLY CAUSE BURNS TO THE RIDER, BUT ALSO IT COULD CAUSE A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
DURING ENGINE OPERATION; THE VEHICLE SENDS EXTREMELY HOT AIR OUT OF THE SPACE BETWEEN THE FORWARD EDGES OF THE SEAT AND UPPER AND SIDE BODY PANELS, THE UPPER SIDE PANELS ARE VERY HOT TO TOUCH, AND THE UNDERSEAT AREA ACCUMULATES AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF HOT AIR ALLOWING THE FUEL CAP FOUND UNDER THE SEAT TO BECOME HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE SEAT HEAT PROBLEMS MAKE RIDING AND CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF THE DISCOMFORT FELT BY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. IF THE DRIVER IS NOT WEARING THICK, PROTECTIVE GARMENTS COVERING THEIR LEGS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF BURNS ABOUT THE UPPER LEGS OR LOWER TORSO. THIS ISSUE IS ESPECIALLY EVIDENT WHEN THE OAT IS ABOVE 80 DEG FARENHEIT. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
2013 CAN AM SPYDER ST-S. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MOTORCYCLE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINS ON AFTER ENGINE IS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SET AND MOTORCYCLE GOES INTO "LIMP MODE"(VSS FAULT). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE WHILE RIDING. *JB
MILE 1067 COMPLAINED ABOUT EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM RIGHT FLOORBOARD AREA AND GAS FUMES TO MY DEALER, TOLD IT'S NORMAL. MILE 4582 2ND SERVICE DEALER INSTALLED HEAT SHIELD AT MASTER CYLINDER PER BRP FOR HEAT ISSUES, STILL EXCESSIVE HEAT, FUMES AND NOW BOILING GAS IN TANK. DEALER CONSIDER ALL NORMAL OPERATION. MILE 6386 SPYDERLOVERS.COM CHATS FOUND OUT ABOUT ECM NEEDED UPDATE FOR HEAT ISSUE CALLED DEALER AND CONFIRMED BRING IN. NO NOTIFICATION FROM BRP. CARRIED TO DEALER UPDATE INSTALLED, STILL COMPLAIN ABOUT ABOVE ISSUES. MILE 7988 REPLACED TRAILER MODULE BURNED OUT REPLACED, I BELIEVE DUE TO HEAT, SAME COMPLAINT AS ABOVE. NO ACTION TAKEN. MILE 11277 REPLACED TRAILER MODULE BURNED OUT REPLACED ,SAME COMPLAINTS AS BEFORE NO ACTION. MILE 12000 BOTH FRONT TIRES SEVERELY CUPPED BRP SAID NO ON WARRANTY TO MANY MILES, I REPLACED BUT THATS UNSATISFACTORY MILEAGE ON FRONTS. 8/25/14 E-MAIL BRP ABOUT HEAT ISSUES. 8/26/14 SENT ME CASE NUMBER. 10/24/14 MILE 13641 BRP OK'D REPLACING UPPER RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE COVERS TO ALLOW MORE AIR TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPLACED THEM. IN MY OPINION AFTER SIDE PANEL REPLACEMENT RIDING A FEW HOURS TEMP 88 DEGREES THAT THIS HELPED SOME WITH HEAT AT FLOORBOARD BUT WON'T HOLD UP WHEN 90 + DEGREES AND FUMES AND BOILING GAS STILL AN ISSUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
2013 CAN AM SPYDER ST-S. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MOTORCYCLE BRAKE LIGHT REMAINS ON AFTER ENGINE IS OFF, CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT SET AND MOTORCYCLE GOES INTO "LIMP MODE"(VSS FAULT). *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MOTORCYCLE WOULD GO INTO LIMP MODE WHILE RIDING. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
DURING ENGINE OPERATION; THE VEHICLE SENDS EXTREMELY HOT AIR OUT OF THE SPACE BETWEEN THE FORWARD EDGES OF THE SEAT AND UPPER AND SIDE BODY PANELS, THE UPPER SIDE PANELS ARE VERY HOT TO TOUCH, AND THE UNDERSEAT AREA ACCUMULATES AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF HOT AIR ALLOWING THE FUEL CAP FOUND UNDER THE SEAT TO BECOME HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE SEAT HEAT PROBLEMS MAKE RIDING AND CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF THE DISCOMFORT FELT BY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER. IF THE DRIVER IS NOT WEARING THICK, PROTECTIVE GARMENTS COVERING THEIR LEGS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF BURNS ABOUT THE UPPER LEGS OR LOWER TORSO. THIS ISSUE IS ESPECIALLY EVIDENT WHEN THE OAT IS ABOVE 80 DEG FARENHEIT. *TT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MILE 1067 COMPLAINED ABOUT EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM RIGHT FLOORBOARD AREA AND GAS FUMES TO MY DEALER, TOLD IT'S NORMAL. MILE 4582 2ND SERVICE DEALER INSTALLED HEAT SHIELD AT MASTER CYLINDER PER BRP FOR HEAT ISSUES, STILL EXCESSIVE HEAT, FUMES AND NOW BOILING GAS IN TANK. DEALER CONSIDER ALL NORMAL OPERATION. MILE 6386 SPYDERLOVERS.COM CHATS FOUND OUT ABOUT ECM NEEDED UPDATE FOR HEAT ISSUE CALLED DEALER AND CONFIRMED BRING IN. NO NOTIFICATION FROM BRP. CARRIED TO DEALER UPDATE INSTALLED, STILL COMPLAIN ABOUT ABOVE ISSUES. MILE 7988 REPLACED TRAILER MODULE BURNED OUT REPLACED, I BELIEVE DUE TO HEAT, SAME COMPLAINT AS ABOVE. NO ACTION TAKEN. MILE 11277 REPLACED TRAILER MODULE BURNED OUT REPLACED ,SAME COMPLAINTS AS BEFORE NO ACTION. MILE 12000 BOTH FRONT TIRES SEVERELY CUPPED BRP SAID NO ON WARRANTY TO MANY MILES, I REPLACED BUT THATS UNSATISFACTORY MILEAGE ON FRONTS. 8/25/14 E-MAIL BRP ABOUT HEAT ISSUES. 8/26/14 SENT ME CASE NUMBER. 10/24/14 MILE 13641 BRP OK'D REPLACING UPPER RIGHT AND LEFT SIDE COVERS TO ALLOW MORE AIR TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPLACED THEM. IN MY OPINION AFTER SIDE PANEL REPLACEMENT RIDING A FEW HOURS TEMP 88 DEGREES THAT THIS HELPED SOME WITH HEAT AT FLOORBOARD BUT WON'T HOLD UP WHEN 90 + DEGREES AND FUMES AND BOILING GAS STILL AN ISSUE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER ST MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ADJUSTABLE WINDSHIELD DISTORTED HIS VISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS PERFORMING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
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 .