Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT with NHTSA between 2011 and 2023.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 42
Against the median year of the Can-Am Spyder RT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
35.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
97% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other Can-Am Spyder RT
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1133.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1339.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
515.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
39.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2011peak 7Aug 2023
Recalls on the 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2011056106 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain Can-Am Spyder RT, equipped with an SM5 transmission, it may be possible to inadvertently engage reverse gear, while downshifting, without first depressing the reverse button. If this happens while the vehicle is moving forward, the rear wheel could lock and the engine could stall. If this occurs while the vehicle is stopped, a rider, twisting the grip to apply throttle, may find the vehicle going in reverse rather than forward as expected. In conjunction with traffic, road conditions, and the rider's reactions, this could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will validate proper operation of the reverse actuator and, if defective, will replace the reverse actuator assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 2,935 milesUpper Marlboro, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM ROADSTER SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED TO CONTAIN THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOW YARD. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,935.
NHTSA complaint #11040912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,935 milesUpper Marlboro, MDFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM ROADSTER SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED TO CONTAIN THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOW YARD. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,935.
NHTSA complaint #11040912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,935 milesUpper Marlborpo, MDFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM ROADSTER SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED TO CONTAIN THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOW YARD. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,935...UPDATED 11/06/17 *BF UPDATED 11/13/2017
NHTSA complaint #11032072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesBerlin, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES AROUND THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ABS AND THE EBD DEFAULT WERE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesBerlin, MDFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES AROUND THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ABS AND THE EBD DEFAULT WERE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesBerlin, MDFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES AROUND THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ABS AND THE EBD DEFAULT WERE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sebring, FL
ENGINE
This vehicle emits raw fuel fumes under pressure while driving and after parked for up to 45 minutes. Sometimes can her the fuel boiling in the fuel tank. If parked n a garage and any spark is near the vehicle will blow up. If parked outside the fumes are overpowering and if someone drops a cigarette nearby there will be an explosion.. I have contacted the local BRP Can A, dealer and they refuse to look at or repair due to liability concerns. I contacted BRP AND RECEIVED A CASE NUMBER 2 months ago and they have and continue to address the dangerous problem. The vehicle is a time bomb and I can not use the vehicle at all due to safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11537557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sebring, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This vehicle emits raw fuel fumes under pressure while driving and after parked for up to 45 minutes. Sometimes can her the fuel boiling in the fuel tank. If parked n a garage and any spark is near the vehicle will blow up. If parked outside the fumes are overpowering and if someone drops a cigarette nearby there will be an explosion.. I have contacted the local BRP Can A, dealer and they refuse to look at or repair due to liability concerns. I contacted BRP AND RECEIVED A CASE NUMBER 2 months ago and they have and continue to address the dangerous problem. The vehicle is a time bomb and I can not use the vehicle at all due to safety concerns.
NHTSA complaint #11537557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
POWER TRAIN
While driving vehicle it will randomly shift into reverse. It first happened 8/ 2021 Dealer replaced reverse actuator It was returned the following week for the same problem, We got it back and a month later and it has done it again BRP has acknowledged the problem because there was another vehicle that has had the same or similar problem. They have manufactured a new part to fix this issue. I cannot stress enough how dangerous it can be to have your vehicle to drop into reverse as you are driving at 30 to 40mph. I dont understand how BRP does not see this as an important issue to be addressed. It remains to be seen whether they are going to charge for this or not. As long as bike has been in the shop I feel it should be on them not me as I have already spent $1800 to fix this problem and still not fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11442314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
POWER TRAIN
I COMPLETED THE FIRST OIL CHANGE ON MY 2011 RT TRIKE (MOTORCYLE) (I PURCHASED IT FROM A DEALER USED SO IT MAY BE THE FIRST OIL CHANGE EVER PERFORMED SINCE IT ONLY HAS 3500 MILES. I FOUND A SMALL SCREW( LIKE A HEX SCREW) PART INSIDE THE OIL PAN MAGNET. SEE THE ATTACHED PHOTO. NO AWARE THAT THE ENGINE IS SELF DESTROYING FROM THE INSIDE. IT IS A SMALL BLACK COLOR BOLT A BIT LARGER THAN A RICE GRAIN IT HAS THREADS ON THE OUTISIDE AND A HEX IMPRESSION ON ONE SIDE AND IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN DAMAGED SINCE IT WAS STUCK TO THE OIL PAN PLUG MAGNET ALL THIS TIME. AFTER FURTHER READING THE SPYDER OWNERS FORUM WE LEARNED THIS SITUATION HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER OWNERS. IN THE NEW ONES THE BRP COMPANY PAID FOR THE ENGINE REPAIR BECAUSE THEY WERE UNDER WARRANTY. MINE HAS EXPIRED WARRANTY BUT ONLY HAS 3700 ORIGINAL MILES IN THE ODOMETER. THE SMALL SCREW IS A PART THAT REGULATES THE AMOUNT OF OIL FLOW INTO THE REAR CYLINDER HEAD. THIS IS A TWO CYLINDER ENGINE. A DEALER CONTACTED THE BRP COMPANY AND THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE ENGINE APPERAS TO STILL OPERATE CORRECTLY BUT SOME OF THE INFORMATION POSTED MENTIONS THAT THE ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY START LEAKING OIL ALONG ONE OF THE CILINDER HEADS GASKETS.
NHTSA complaint #11320128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesAtlanta, GA
POWER TRAIN
I OWN A 2011 CANAM SPYDER RT SM5 AND HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE BIKE GOING INTO REVERSE WHILE SHIFTING. I FOUND A RECALL LETTER CONCERNING THIS ABOUT THE "REVERSE ACTUATOR CABLE", ON RECALL FOR THE 2011 MODELS, BUT WHEN I PUT MY VIN # IN IT COMES UP AS "NO RECALLS ". I'M CLEARLY HAVING THIS PROBLEM FOR OVER 6 MONTHS NOW AND NEED TO KNOW HOW TO GO ABOUT GETTING THIS REPAIRED UNDER THAT RECALL?
NHTSA complaint #11164894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,935 milesUpper Marlboro, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM ROADSTER SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED TO CONTAIN THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOW YARD. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,935.
NHTSA complaint #11040912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,935 milesUpper Marlboro, MDFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM ROADSTER SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED TO CONTAIN THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOW YARD. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,935.
NHTSA complaint #11040912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,935 milesUpper Marlborpo, MDFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM ROADSTER SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AND FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE ENGINE AREA. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE SAFELY ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTED TO CONTAIN THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS TAKEN TO A TOW YARD. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,935...UPDATED 11/06/17 *BF UPDATED 11/13/2017
NHTSA complaint #11032072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesBerlin, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES AROUND THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ABS AND THE EBD DEFAULT WERE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesBerlin, MDFire
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES AROUND THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ABS AND THE EBD DEFAULT WERE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,200 milesBerlin, MDFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED STRONG FUEL FUMES AROUND THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE ABS AND THE EBD DEFAULT WERE DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10735184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesFogelsville, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SPYDER RT EMITS GASOLINE FUMES FROM EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM VENT HOSE. FUMES ARE EVIDENT WHEN BIKE IS SHUT DOWN. IN HOT WEATHER IT IS NOTICEABLE EVEN WHEN SITTING STILL AT A STOP LIGHT OR STUCK IN TRAFFIC. FUMES OFTEN CONDENSE AROUND THE BOTTOM LIP OF THE VENT HOSE WHEN THEY HIT THE COLDER AIR. THE CONDENSATE COLLECTS AROUND THE LIP AND EVENTUALLY DRIPS OFF. THE MILEAGE AND DATE NOTED ABOVE ARE APPROXIMATELY WHEN I FIRST REQUESTED THE DEALER TO CHECK THE SYSTEM. PRIOR TO THIS TIME THE FUMES WERE A MINOR ANNOYANCE BUT HAD NOW GOTTEN CONSISTENTLY WORSE. THE PURGE VALVE WAS FOUND TO BE WORKING PROPERLY. A MONTH LATER AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES I AGAIN HAD THE DEALER CHECK THE ENTIRE SYSTEM AND IT WAS FOUND WORKING PROPERLY IN SPITE OF THE FUMES. I PAID TO REPLACE THE CANISTER AND PURGE VALVE AS I HAD TO TRY SOMETHING. AS EXPECTED, REPLACEMENT HAD NO EFFECT ON THE PROBLEM. IN DECEMBER OF 2013 AT ABOUT 31,000 MILES I AGAIN HAD DEALER CHECK ENTIRE SYSTEM. I UNDERSTAND THEY EVEN HAD BRP CONSULTATION ON THE PROCEDURE TO FOLLOW. ONCE AGAIN, ALL ELEMENTS OF THE SYSTEM WERE FOUND WORKING PROPERLY AND THE CONCLUSION FROM BRP WAS "THAT'S THE WAY IT IS". THE FUMES CONTINUE TO THIS DAY, NOW OCTOBER 2014 AND OVER 38,000 MILES. I DISSECTED THE REMOVED CANISTER TO SEE HOW IT WORKS AND THE CONDITION IT WAS IN. AFTER 30K MILES IT WAS SEEMINGLY PERFECT. THE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL WAS TOTALLY DRY AND IN GOOD APPEARANCE, CONFIRMING TO ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS NOT CAUSED BY LIQUID FUEL "SLOSHING" THROUGH THE HOSE FROM THE TANK TO THE CANISTER AND CONTAMINATING THE CHARCOAL. THE WAY THE HOSE ON MY 2011 RT IS ROUTED, I CONSIDERED LIQUID FUEL GETTING INTO THE CANISTER TO BE VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE AND MY DISSECTION OF THE CANISTER CONFIRMED THAT WAS NOT THE CASE. PHOTOS OF THE INSIDE OF THE CANISTER AND CHARCOAL ARE AVAILABLE SHOWING THE GOOD CONDITION AFTER 30K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10651139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Quinta, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10650686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,100 milesGilbert, AZ1 injured
ENGINE
AFTER RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 AND PARKING IT IN THE GARAGE, A STRONG FUEL SMELL ODOR LINGERS FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS BEFORE IT DISSIPATES. WHILE RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 IN CITY OR HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AN EXTREME HEAT CAN BE FELT FROM UNDER THE SEAT AREA. THE HEAT IS SO BAD THAT IT HAS LEFT FIRST DEGREE BURNS ON THE INNER THIGH AND KNEE AREAS.
NHTSA complaint #10650704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,100 milesGilbert, AZ1 injured
ENGINE
1. AFTER RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 AND PARKING IT IN THE GARAGE, A STRONG FUEL SMELL ODOR LINGERS FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS BEFORE IT DISSIPATES. 2. WHILE RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 IN CITY OR HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AN EXTREME HEAT CAN BE FELT FROM UNDER THE SEAT AREA. THE HEAT IS SO BAD THAT IT HAS LEFT FIRST DEGREE BURNS ON THE INNER THIGH AND KNEE AREAS.
NHTSA complaint #10650735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LA Quinta, CA
FUEL/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 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.
NHTSA complaint #10650686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,100 milesGilbert, AZ1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 AND PARKING IT IN THE GARAGE, A STRONG FUEL SMELL ODOR LINGERS FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS BEFORE IT DISSIPATES. WHILE RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 IN CITY OR HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AN EXTREME HEAT CAN BE FELT FROM UNDER THE SEAT AREA. THE HEAT IS SO BAD THAT IT HAS LEFT FIRST DEGREE BURNS ON THE INNER THIGH AND KNEE AREAS.
NHTSA complaint #10650704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,100 milesGilbert, AZ1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1. AFTER RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 AND PARKING IT IN THE GARAGE, A STRONG FUEL SMELL ODOR LINGERS FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 HOURS BEFORE IT DISSIPATES. 2. WHILE RIDING THE 2011 CAN AM SPYDER RTS/SE5 IN CITY OR HIGHWAY TRAFFIC, AN EXTREME HEAT CAN BE FELT FROM UNDER THE SEAT AREA. THE HEAT IS SO BAD THAT IT HAS LEFT FIRST DEGREE BURNS ON THE INNER THIGH AND KNEE AREAS.
NHTSA complaint #10650735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,101 milesFogelsville, PA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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.
NHTSA complaint #10638483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,101 milesFogelsville, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10638483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,610 milesSandston, VA
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 2013.
NHTSA complaint #10621966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesGilbert, AZ
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10621271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesGilbert, AZ
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10621271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesGilbert, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10621271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morgantown, WVFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10615679 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.