RoadVitals

2013 Can-Am Spyder ST Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
21
Latest Apr 12, 2016
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

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

  • 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.

10
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10670014 · filed Jan 5, 2015

VEHICLE HAS EXCESSIVE HEAT UNDER LEFT SIDE BODY PANELS AND VERY STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUMES. *TR

NHTSA ID 10650130 · filed Oct 26, 2014
All 10 reports naming fuel system

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10693107 · filed Mar 9, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10670014 · filed Jan 5, 2015
All 8 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10854714 · filed Apr 12, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10522993 · filed Jul 3, 2013

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.

2
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 10748530 · filed Aug 13, 2015

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

NHTSA ID 10583224 · filed Apr 16, 2014

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10854714 · filed Apr 12, 2016

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

NHTSA ID 10651293 · filed Oct 30, 2014

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10854714 · filed Apr 12, 2016

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10583224 · filed Apr 16, 2014

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 10651293 · filed Oct 30, 2014

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 10622313 · filed Aug 14, 2014

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

Data on this page last refreshed .