Model year record

2011 Can-Am Spyder RT recalls & problems

The 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT has 2 safety recalls and 29 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (11 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints29filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 5reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths5 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineDec 12, 2012

Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap

Recall 12V58200033,700 vehicles

Problem: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Can-Am Spyder GS, RS, and RT series vehicles. The fuel cap may not fit onto the fuel tank filler neck, preventing it from sealing properly.
Risk: If the fuel cap does not seal properly, it may leak fuel vapors. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and personal injury.
Fix: BRP will notify owners and send them a replacement fuel cap, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in mid-January 2013. Owners may contact BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.

Power trainFeb 7, 2011

Manual transmission › Column shift assembly

Recall 11V081000378 vehicles

Problem: BRP IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 SPYDER RT SM5 ROADSTERS. WHILE DOWN SHIFTING IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO INADVERTENTLY ENGAGE REVERSE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE REVERSE BUTTON DUE TO A DEFECTIVE REVERSE ACTUATOR CABLE.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING FORWARD, THE REAR WHEEL COULD LOCK AND THE ENGINE COULD STALL. IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS STOPPED, THE VEHICLE COULD BACK UP. A VEHICLE STALL WITHOUT WARNING OR AN EXPECTED MOVEMENT IN REVERSE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL VALIDATE PROPER OPERATION OF THE REVERSE ACTUATOR AND IF DEFECTIVE, THE REVERSE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALLBEGAN ON FEBRUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine	11	3	3	2,935 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	10	2	2	1,100 mi
Fuel system, gasoline	5	0	1	775 mi
Power train	4	0	0	—
Electrical system	3	2	0	2,935 mi
Engine and engine coolingExhaust system	2	0	1	—
Exterior lighting	2	0	0	—
StructureBody	2	0	0	—
SteeringElectric power assist system	1	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield	1	0	0	—
Service brakes	1	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

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.
May 20, 2023
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…
Aug 23, 2021
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…
Mar 10, 2020
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?
Mar 1, 2018 · 18,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
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.
Oct 6, 2017 · 2,935 miles
EngineFire
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*JS
Oct 5, 2017 · 2,935 miles
Fuel/propulsion systemFire
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.
Jun 21, 2015 · 3,200 miles
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…
Sep 13, 2013 · 26,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.