VehicleVerdict

2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 6 complaints on file for the 2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

6

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Spyder Rs years?

Spyder Rs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted45 complaints2008: 45 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 15 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 7 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 1 complaints2016: 3 complaints
Spyder Rs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder Rs years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System350%
Engine233%
Steering117%

Does the 2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V582000Fuel SystemDecember 12, 2012 · 33,700 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SMELLED OF GASOLINE AND FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE OVERFLOW TANK. THE CONTACT HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THE TANK TWICE BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND THE CURRENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 6, 2012

“MY LAST RIDE, AS IN PREVIOUS RIDES, WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE ODOR OF RAW FUEL. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE WAS IN THE MID 50'S. TYPICAL CITY TRAFFIC BUT NO LONG PERIODS OF STANDING STILL. ENGINE TEMPERATURE NORMAL. VOLUME OF FUEL IN THE TANK DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A FACTOR. PARKED THE SPYDER AND, AS IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 24, 2011

“THE DEALER TOLD ME IT IS MY "DYNAMIC POWER STEERING UNIT" I HAD A LIGHT COME ON TELLING ME TO CHECK MY DPS!! I FIRST MENTION THIS TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY WHICH THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM!! THERE WAS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN JULY 2009!!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 15, 2022

2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs — common questions

Is the 2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs reliable?

The record is thin — 6 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2011 Can-AM Spyder Rs. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Can-AM Spyder Rs years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Spyder Rs years to avoid are 2008. The cleanest record among Spyder Rs years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.