FaultScore

Can-Am Spyder RT transmission problems

36 of the 399 complaints filed about the Can-Am Spyder RT are about the transmission — 9% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2010.

36

Complaints

9%

Share of all complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year

Median failure at 5,028 miles

2010 Spyder RT 6 16.7%

Median failure at 610 miles

2011 Spyder RT 4 11.1%

Median failure at 9,119 miles

Median failure at 6,400 miles

Median failure at 500 miles

Median failure at 230 miles

Median failure at 3,677 miles

2017 Spyder RT 4 11.1%

Median failure at 31,709 miles

2018 Spyder RT 6 16.7%

Median failure at 2,200 miles

Median failure at 12,700 miles

Median failure at 114 miles

What owners said

2026 Can-Am Spyder RT Versailles, KY

POWER TRAIN

My vehicle has had this issue 2 times since it was purchased, the first time at 800 miles on the bike and the second time at 1050 miles on the bike. While driving at highway speeds 70 mph the automatic transmission just shifted into neutral, leaving me in the middle of traffic and trying to get off the highway safely.there was no sign of any trouble until it happened both times. The second time it happened I was almost hit by a passing vehicle as I had very little room to get off the highway. The vehicle did produce a trouble code and the dealer didn’t know how to fix it, it was in their shop for 5 weeks and it was not fixed correctly but they gave it back to me and said ride it to see if it happens again, it did after less than 200 miles. It’s at the shop now and they are not sure what the issue is. I feel this is a very big safety issue as I was lucky to at least be able to get off the highway some.

NHTSA complaint #11756535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Can-Am Spyder RT at 2,200 miles Akron, OH

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to upshift into the next gear, the shifter seized and failed to operate as designed. The contact pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the left shifting switch on the handlebar was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,200.

NHTSA complaint #11678222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Mckees Rocks, PA

POWER TRAIN

After receiving the safety recall notice from the manufacturer, BRP, in January 2025, I attempted to have the safety recall completed at a dealership in the Pittsburgh PA area. I was initially told by the MOSITES Dealership that they were not able to complete the safety recall because of the time it takes to perform the recall, which ties up their service lifts and mechanic's time. I contacted BRP, who contacted MOSITES WEST in Pittsburgh, PA, and they made a service appointment to complete the safety recall on April 3rd. I dropped the bike off for service on April 3rd. Weeks later, I was told by Gabe in the MOSITES Service Dept. they were waiting for parts and had not started the repair. I contacted BRP who verfied MOSITES West had received the parts and that MOSITES would start the repair soon. That was April 24th. I called and left message for Gabe at the MOSITES West Service Dept. in May for an update but got no return phone call. I contacted BRP and asked for an update and a possible loaner vehicle if it would take much longer, since MOSITES had my bike for more than 30 days. On May 7th, BRP advised MOSITES had not started the safety recall yet, a loaner vehicle was not possible, and MOSITES could not say when they would be able to start the recall repair.

NHTSA complaint #11659487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Can-Am Spyder RT at 31,709 miles Fairborn, OH

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V728000 (Power Train). The contact called the dealer and was informed that the recall remedy would be performed based on the mileage. The contact was informed that at the current mileage (31,709), the vehicle no longer qualified for the recall repair. The contact stated that the recall repair was unfair and that the vehicle might still be susceptible to failure regardless of the mileage. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no additional assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11643431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Canon City, CO

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V728000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the recall repair was not completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, the manufacturer declined to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that the mileage requirement had been exceeded as stated in the recall remedy. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11643394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Melbourne, FL

POWER TRAIN

Referance Recall Number 24V728. On 22 Jan 2025 manufacturer BRP indicates vehicle does NOT require defective output shaft replacement for vehicles with mileage over 37282. My vehicle has a little over 40,000 miles. In Part 573 Safety Recall 24V-728 (22 Jan 2025) "Vehicle 2" states "All the My2018 population was assembled with the new flexation method and are included". Taking this strategy, BRP is failing to repair a vehicle included as part of the at risk population of vehicles. A safety recall should have no mileage cap. Safety recalls involve USE, VALUE, and SAFETY, not longevity/mileage.

NHTSA complaint #11638999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Elk Grove, CA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V728000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and opened a case. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11630989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Can-Am Spyder RT at 12,700 miles Kouts, IN

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 CAN-AM Spyder RT. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission failed to shift as intended. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into neutral. The contact stated that the motorcycle was taken to the dealer and had been at the dealer since September 2023. The contact stated that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V728000 (Power Train) was performed while the motorcycle was at the dealer. The contact stated that the motorcycle was picked up from the dealer and the failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that the motorcycle was unsafe to ride. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact stated that several cases had been filed with the manufacturer regarding the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,700.

NHTSA complaint #11619290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Roach, MO

POWER TRAIN

We were riding Utah when the bike lost power in the mountains. The throttle was dead. Turning it did nothing. All electrical was working. I had to stop on the road and when the bike downshifted automatically to 1st gear the bike was idling and the throttle would respond. It did this again about 10 miles later. I took it to a Can Am dealer and they checked the computer and there was no codes showing. I rode for about 400 miles and the bike lost power at 60 mph with the cruise control set. The throttle did not respond to turning it. After losing about 10 mph the power returned and the cruise was still active and the bike accelerated back to 60 mph. There were no codes stored of the incident. I rode 1000 miles home with out further problems. All three times I was on secondary rods with no shoulders to pull off. It is in the shop at this time but due to a lack of codes they are not sure what to do.

NHTSA complaint #11544618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Can-Am Spyder RT Las Vegas, NV

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V352000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11527215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Can-Am Spyder RT Wilmington, MA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V352000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11520240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Can-Am Spyder RT Fredericksburg, VA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V352000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and remained with the dealer awaiting the part for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11517038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Can-Am Spyder RT San Marcos, CA

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2017 Can-Am Spyder RT Motorcycle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V352000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint #11502409 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Can-Am Spyder RT Austin, TX

POWER TRAIN

RE: NHTSA recall #22V352. BRP has not moved forward in a timely manner to remedy this issue. They continue to move the resolution date further out from the original date, and continue to blame a cyber attack on their computer systems that occurred on August 8, 2022 for their failure to supply the necessary parts to complete the repair under this recall. Additionally, they also blame a material shortage for their inability to supply the parts necessary to complete the repair. This is an issue that BRP has known about for at least 2 years, and did nothing about it. They did the same thing with the recall of 2013 RT's to remedy a heat issue, which caused a number of bikes to catch fire with no warning. This is typical behavior on the part of BRP. Ignore an issue, and it will go away. In my opinion, NHTSA should compel BRP to complete the repair under this recall immediately, or require BRP to make a truthful and compelling case as to why they cannot do so.

NHTSA complaint #11492291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Can-Am Spyder RT Altamonte Springs, FL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2018 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V352000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA complaint #11470889 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Can-Am Spyder RT 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.

2016 Can-Am Spyder RT at 5,175 miles Woodbine, MD

POWER TRAIN

2016 CAN-AM RT SPYDER: FRONT SPROCKET STRIPPED LEAVING ME WITH NO WAY TO ACCELERATE TO GET OUT OF WAY OF TRAFFIC THIS HAPPENED AT 1642 MILES (BRP REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY). AT 5175 (3 MAY 2021) FRONT SPROCKET AGAIN LEFT ME IN TRAFFIC AND STRANDED AGAIN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH TIMES I WAS IN TRAFFIC AND HAS HAPPENED AFTER SLOWING AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE. BOTH TIMES REQUIRED TOWING AND REPAIR A SERVICE CENTER.

NHTSA complaint #11415023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Can-Am Spyder RT at 114 miles Radcliff, KY

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CAN-AM SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUTOFF WHILE RIDING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CC POWERSPORTS ? LOUISVILLE DEALER LOCATED AT 327 CENTRE DR, SHEPHERDSVILLE, KY 40165, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE WAS LOOSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT AN UNKNOWN BOLT WAS TOO TIGHT. THE CONTACT WANTED THE DEALER TO EXCHANGE THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER ONE HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT HE HAD TO USE THE WARRANTY PROCESS TO DO SO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A REPRESENTATIVE WOULD CALL HIM BACK. THE CONTACT WAS NOT CALLED BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114.

NHTSA complaint #11359763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Can-Am Spyder RT 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.

2011 Can-Am Spyder RT at 18,000 miles Atlanta, 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.

Other Can-Am Spyder RT problems