VehicleVerdict

2012 Can-AM Spyder Rs problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2012 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.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Spyder Rs years?

Spyder Rs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder Rs years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Can-AM Spyder Rs problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine229%
Electrical System114%
Fuel System114%
Lighting114%
Steering114%
Transmission114%

Does the 2012 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 2012 CAN-AM SPIDER RS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE LIMP HOME MODE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE THEN DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE MORE THAN 10 MPH. THE FAILURE HAD RECURRED TWO TIMES PREVIOUSLY. A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 5, 2013

“WHILE DRIVING AT 45 TO 50 MPH WITH THE DISPLAY SHOWING THAT THE BIKE WAS IN 4TH GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION WENT INTO A NEUTRAL STATE WHERE I COULD NOT SHIFT UP OR DOWN, COULD ONLY DRIFT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED ON A 2 LANE ROAD, DURING A SAND STORM AND MY LIFE AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD COULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 17, 2014

“MY 2012 SPYDER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE RIDING IT IN WEST PEMBROKE PINES FLORIDA ON A BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT I LOOKED DOWN TO FIND FLAMES COMING UP THROUGH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT COVER AND THROUGH THE SIDE PANELS THANK GOD I WAS STOPPED AND SOME PEOPLE IN CARS HELPED ME PUT IT OUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 6, 2017 · fire

“HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY SPYDER RT MOTORCYCLE HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING. I BOUGHT THE MC 2/2012. HAVE HAD THE HEADLIGHT RELAY REPLACED 4 TIMES SINCE 7/23/13. IN APRIL 2015, I WAS RIDING IN THE WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS AT NIGHT AND MY HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. THE SPYDER DEALER CALLED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 23, 2013

“5 MILES INTO A TEST RIDE THE MOTORCYCLE DEVELOPED A SHAKING IN THE FRONT END FROM SIDE TO SIDE THAT WAS FELT IN THE HANDLE BARS. BEFORE MOTORCYCLE COULD BE STOPPED FRONT WHEELS TURNED ON THEIR OWN CAUSING THE MOTORCYCLE TO GO LEFT OF CENTER INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 8, 2012 · crash

2012 Can-AM Spyder Rs — common questions

Is the 2012 Can-AM Spyder Rs reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Can-AM Spyder Rs have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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.