25 of the
399 complaints filed about the Can-Am Spyder RT
are about the electrical system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
BRP redesigned the alternator drive shaft starting with the 2023 model year. The alternator drive has a friction drive device built into the shaft. The shaft is making a squealing noise under normal operation. This friction unit is designed to only slip when a heavy load is applied to the alternator, ie when turning at idle. The problem is that when it slips the alternator cuts out and steering get difficult with out electric assistance. I also fear that this will prematurely wear the friction material off the shaft which will result in metal to metal shavings being released into the engine. Initially I was told it was The wrong oil being used, The bike has been serviced exclusively at my canal dealer using only canal parts.
NHTSA complaint #11680284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Can Am Spyder RT. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed to function as intended. The message DESS (Dynamically Enhanced Security System) was displayed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the programmed key chip had failed and needed to be replaced. The repair was pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost for the repair. The failure mileage was 6,000.
NHTSA complaint #11665734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
One of the electrical fuse boxes on the vehicle (right side as viewed from front of vehicle) had water infiltration causing fuses to corrode; leading to an electrical failure at dark, where the vehicle had no headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals or emergency flashers. Due to this failure I was almost rear ended when stopping for a traffic light. Also the cooling fans would not come on and the vehicle will overheat due to this issue. When I opened the fuse box trying to diagnose the problem it had more than a tablespoon of water which was green in color due to the corrosion created by the water infiltration. I was able to replace one of the fuses long enough to safely get the vehicle to my home and to the dealership for investigation. I had the dealership open a claim with BRP (the manufacturer) who has concluded this is not covered under warranty. This vehicle was purchased 1 year ago and has been garage kept since date of purchase, washed twice and driven in the rain one time. This vehicle has 2,020 miles and remains stock with no modifications. Having no lighting is a safety hazard with potential for great harm, this issue needs to be addressed by the manufacturer. It appears that BRP wants to make me pay for repairs when their manufacturing process is that cause and this is not acceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11488996 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS AND FAILED TO EITHER ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE. FAILURE TO ENGAGE PREVENTS THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING AFTER STARTING AND IN GEAR. FAILURE TO ENGAGE ALLOWS THE VEHICLE TO ROLL AFTER STOPPING, TURNING THE ENGINE OFF, AND RELEASING THE MANUAL FOOT BRAKE. IN ORDER TO STABILIZE THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING IF THE EBRAKE WILL NOT ENGAGE, THE RIDER MUST RELEASE THE MANUAL FOOT BRAKE, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING, AND PLACE A CHOCK UNDER TIRE(S). IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE RIDER FROM BEING STRANDED IF THE EBRAKE FAILS TO DISENGAGE, THE RIDER MUST STABILIZE THE VEHICLE FIRST, MANUALLY REMOVE THE REAR BRAKE SPRING, AND LOOSEN THE BRAKE CABLE NUTS TO RELEASE BRAKE CABLE TENSION. THIS REQUIRES A SPRING TOOL AND TWO 12MM WRENCHES. WHILE THIS WILL ALLOW THE RIDER TO NOT BE STRANDED, IT CREATES A HAZARD WHEN THE RIDER ARRIVES AT THEIR DESTINATION AND MUST PARK THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11338776 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE MOTORCYCLE SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO MALCOLM SMITH MOTORSPORTS (7599 INDIANA AVE, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504). THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE LIMP HOME MODE FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND OCCURRANCE. THE MOTORCYCLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.
NHTSA complaint #11278833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ON 7/11/2019 MY 2012 CANAM RT SE5 STARTED THROWING OUT VSS FAULT CODE, I TOOK IT HOME AND CONTACTED MY LOCAL CANAM SERVICE COMPANY. THEY ASKED ME TO BRING IT IN WHICH I DID THE NEXT DAY. ENROUTE TO THE SHOP IT BEGAN SHOWING ABS LIMP HOME MODE BUT WAS NOT IN LIMP HOME MODE. ONCE CONNECTED TO THE SHOP COMPUTER I WAS ADVISED THE BIKE WAS THROWING OUT NUMEROUS CODES AND FALSE CODES. THEN I WASXADVISED THIS BIKE HAS HAD NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE 2013 IP TO AND INCLUDING REPLACING THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT 15000+ MILES. SINCE PURCHASING THW BIKE IT CONSTANTLY SHORTS THE HORN OUT AND I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUSE. IN ADDITION TO THE VSS/ABS CODES THE SHOCK COMPRESSOR HAD STARTED COMING ON AND OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11232054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY WIFE AND I WERE RIDING TO HAWKS NEST STATE PARK IN WEST VIRGINIA, MY CAN-AM SPIDER CAUGHT ON FIRE AROUND THE FUEL CAP AREA WE WERE COMING TO A STOP GOING ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR TO 0. I FELT HEAT ON MY LEFT LEG LOOKED DOWN AND SAW FLAMES AND TOLD MY WIFE TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND WE GOT OFF AND THE BIKE, IT BURNED FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE SOMEONE PUT THE FIRE OUT WITH AN EXTINGUISHER. WE HAD FUELED UP ABOUT 35 MILES PRIOR TO THIS STOP. THERE ARE RECALLS ON THIS MOTORCYCLE BUT NOT MY SPECIFIC VIN #- WHY? I SEE THIS IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER 2008 TO 2012 CAN-AM SPYDERS WITH VAPOR LEAK OR FUEL LINE LEAK RECALLS. I HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS CAN-AM FOR THREE MONTHS I AM GRATEFUL WE ARE NOT HURT BUT THIS COULD'VE BEEN REALLY REALLY BAD THESE ARE KNOWN FOR CATCHING FIRE AS I AM LEARNING AND READING I AM FORTUNATE YES- PLEASE STOP THESE BIKES FROM BEING SOLD!! THE ROAD WAS HILLY 2 LANE COUNTRY ROAD. SUNSHINE 85 DEGREES. RUINED OUR DAY AND BIKE!
NHTSA complaint #11231750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11114334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO LOCK IN GEAR WHICH IN TURN CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE MOVED FROM THE ROAD CREATING A SAFETY ISSUE TO BOTH MYSELF AND OTHER MOTORISTS. THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY WITH MINIMAL SHOULDER AND IN THE MIDDLE OF A BLIND 45 MPH CORNER. IF THE VEHICLE HAD A NEUTRAL RELEASE SWITCH, THE VEHICLE COULD HAVE BEEN MOVED ONTO THE SHOULDER REMOVING THE OBSTACLE FROM THE PATH OF ONCOMING MOTORISTS. SINCE THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE MOVED, I HAD TO STAND IN THE ROAD TO WARN MOTORISTS TO STOP. THE CAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE IS YET TO BE DETERMINED BUT IS LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE INABILITY TO MOVE THE VEHICLE OUT OF THE PATH OF OTHER MOTORISTS.
NHTSA complaint #10986164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE BIKE WENT INTO LIMP MODE THE FIRST TIME 8 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES IN ONE YEAR. COMPLAINTS OF NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALONG WITH AIR SHOCKS LEAKING AND AN OIL LEAK ECT. I WAS RIDING ON BACK COUNTRY ROAD WHEN I COULDN'T DOWN SIFT THE BIKE BEFORE GOING INTO A CORNER. HAD TO POWER STIR THE BIKE AROUND THE CORNER AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #10960205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I PURCHASED THE BIKE IN APRIL 2015 AND I RIDE ON COUNTRY ROADS. IN OCTOBER WE TOOK THE BIKE UP TO GET A PUMPKIN AND HAD TO SIT IN TRAFFIC. THE BIKE OVERHEATED SO WE PULLED OFF AND LET IT COOL DOWN. ON THE WAY BACK HOME THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WE FLASHING DIFFERENT THING SO I PULLED OVER AND CALLED CAN-AM FOR A TOW TRUCK SO IT COULD BE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP HAD THE BIKE FOR AROUND 2 WEEKS AND FINALLY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME IT WAS FIXED. I PICKED UP THE BIKE AND IT OVERHEATED NOT EVEN A 1/4 MILE FROM THE SHOP SO I TOOK IT BACK. THEY FOUND OUT THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT INSTALL THE FUSES FOR THE COOLING FANS.WHEN I GOT THE BIKE BACK FROM THE DEALER THE SECOND TIME I PARKED IT AND WHEN I HAD A CHANCE TO RIDE IT ON NOVEMBER 28TH 2015, II WAS ON COUNTY ROADS IN NORTH GEORGIA AND IT OVER HEATED AGAIN. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO LET THEM KNOW I WAS ON MY WAY BACK TO THE DEALER WHEN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STARTED FLASHING A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS. I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT LOOKED LIKE SMOKE BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THAT IS WHEN I SAW FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT AND I HAD IT TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE BIKE IS A TOTAL LOSS. CAN-AM SENT AN ENGINEER TO LOOK AT THE BIKE ON JANUARY 19TH 2016. WHAT I WAS TOLD BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY THE ENGINEER SAID "IT LOOKS LIKE THE FIRE STARTED AT THE RADIATOR BUT THERE WAS TOO MUCH DEBRIS TO CONFIRM. MY INSURANCE COMPANY STATE FARM CALLED ME LAST NIGHT AND TOLD ME CAN AM WAS NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10824167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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
NHTSA complaint #10724437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WE WERE PART OF A NATIONAL BIKE CLUB RIDE TO A BEACH RESORT ACCOMPANIED BY APPROXIMATELY 300 RIDERS. WHEN WE DEPARTED ABOUT 7 AM, TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE LOW 70'S. THE ROUTE WAS MOSTLY DOWNHILL AND WE MAINTAINED AN AVERAGE SPEED OF ABOUT 50, 60 MPH. AFTER JUST OVER ONE HOUR WE ARRIVED AT THE RESORT WHERE WE ALL MOVED TO A LARGE GRAVEL PARKING AREA NEAR THE BEACH. WITHIN SECONDS AFTER I SHUT DOWN AND DISMOUNTED, GREY SMOKE STARTED SEEPING UP BETWEEN THE BODY PANELS WHICH QUICKLY TURNED INTO BLACK SMOKE SMELLING STRONGLY OF BURNING INSULATION. IN LESS THAN A MINUTE FIRE BROKE OUT FROM THE FRONT TOP VENTS AND BURNED THROUGH THE UPPER PLASTIC BODY PANELS EXTENDING MORE THAN 3 FEET INTO THE AIR. A FAST THINKING MEMBER RUSHED UP WITH A CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND STARTED EXTINGUISHING THE FIRE THAT BY THEN FLOWED OUT FROM UNDER THE BIKE AN THREATENED BIKES PARKED NEARBY. FORTUNATELY, THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT WITHIN 2 OR 3 MINUTES WITH NO DAMAGE TO OTHER PROPERTY OR ANY INJURIES. AT NO TIME DURING THE RIDE OR AT ANY OTHER TIME, EVEN WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURES WERE OVER 80 DID THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE REGISTER MORE THAN NORMAL. IT WASN'T UNTIL THE DAY AFTER THE INCIDENT THAT A FRIEND INFORMED ME THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THE YEAR & MODEL WARNING OF POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. ALSO, UPON CLOSE INSPECTION IT WAS NOTED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL LINES WAS BURNED, AND WAS LEAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10712984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
600 MILE SERVICE COMPLAINED TO DEALER OF EXTREME FUEL SMELL AFTER RIDES. WAS TOLD THAT THE PURGE VALVE WAS BAD AND THEY REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. RODE HOME AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL SMELL WAS THE SAME. WHEN I CHECKED UNDER THE ROADSTER I FOUND FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE ROADSTER. I CALLED DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO TOP OFF THE FUEL TANK BEFORE PUTTING VEHICLE IN GARAGE. DEALER SAID THAT THIS WAS NORMAL. 4600 MILE SERVICE AGAIN COMPLAINED OF EXTREME FUEL SMELL AFTER RIDES. ASKED DEALER ABOUT HOT HOT RIGHT FOOT WAS TOLD BY DEALER THIS WAS NORMAL AND THE ROADSTER WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. 9200 MILE SERVICE COMPLAINED OF EXTREME FUEL SMELL AND HEAT ON RIGHT FOOT, NO HEAT LEFT HAND GRIP, AND INTERMITTENT HEAT ON RIGHT HAND GRIP, WARPED RIGHT HAND CENTER BODY PANEL. WHEN SERVICE WAS COMPLETE I ASKED ABOUT NO HEAT ON HAND GRIPS. TECHNICIAN FOUND LOOSE CONNECTORS AT BOTH HAND GRIPS AND THAT THE CONNECTIONS COULD BE A PROBLEM IF THERE WERE GAS FUMES IN THE AREA. BODY PANEL ORDERED AND REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE PANEL WAS BENT FROM FACTORY NOT HEAT. TECHNICIAN AND SERVICE MANAGER DID NOT AGREE AND BOTH SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE HEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10651558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NOTICED BAD FUEL SMELL FROM DAY ONE OF OWNING THE SPYDER. WOULD LEAVE OUTSIDE WHILE IT COOLED OFF OR PUT A BOX FAN ON IT TO BLOW THE VAPORS OUT OF THE GARAGE. IN AUGUST OF 2013 I NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYING ON, REMOVED SIDE PANEL TO FINED THE WIRES MELTED AND SHORTED TOGETHER. I ALSO NOTICED THE PLASTIC ON THE MASTER CYLINDER SHOWED SIGNS OF MELTING AND OF GETTING HOT. I REPAIRED THE WIRES WITH HIGH TEMPERATURE ELECTRICAL TAPE. I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FROM BRP IN SEPTEMBER FOR HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS. THE DEALER FOUND THE FUEL EVAPORATOR CANISTER ALMOST BURNED THROUGH, IT WAS REPLACED AND COVERED IT WITH TIN FOIL HEAT SHIELD. THE DEALER DID NOT THINK THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS MELTED BAD ENOUGH TO WARRANT CHANGING AND COVERED IT WITH TIN FOIL HEAT SHIELD. I HAD THEM TO LEAVE THE WIRING AS I HAD ALREADY REPAIRED IT. THE BAD FUEL SMELL CONTINUED WITH THE NEW FUEL EVAPORATOR CANISTER AND THE FUEL BOILS WHERE YOU CAN HEAR IT AFTER A RIDE. IF YOU LOOK UNDER THE SPYDER AFTER A RIDE YOU CAN SEE FUEL VAPORS SPEWING AND DRIPPING FROM THE VENT LINE, AND IT WILL CONTINUE FOR MAYBE AN HOUR OR LONGER. IT IS SOMETIMES HARD TO PUT FUEL IN BECAUSE IT MAKES THE GAS PUMP NOZZLE KEEP CUTTING OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10650634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY RIGHT FOOT BECOMES EXTREMELY HOT WHILE RIDING FOR GREAT THEN 60 MIN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. EVEN MY WIFE AS A PASSENGER COMPLAINS. I ALSO NOTICED MY DRIVER SEAT AND GAS CAP GET QUITE HOT ALSO. PLEASE FIX THE HEAT ISSUE COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10579466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE THE SPYDER WOULD NOT START. WE WOULD BE RIDING AND THEN STOP SOMEWHERE AND IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER A FEW TIME OF TRYING TO START IT, IT WOULD FINALLY START. OUR CONCERN OF COURSE IS WE ARE NOT SURE IF THIS WOULD HAPPEN WHILE WE ARE AT A STOP. IF IT DOES HAPPEN WHILE WE ARE AT A STOP, IT COULD CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10549723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.