VehicleVerdict

2010 Can-AM Spyder RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 31 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.4 times the median Spyder RT year — the 2010 model ranks #4 of 17 Spyder RT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 8 reports (26% of the total).

31

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other Spyder RT years?

Spyder RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted176 complaints2008: 2 complaints2009: 1 complaints2010: 31 complaints2011: 42 complaints2012: 60 complaints2013: 176 complaints2014: 16 complaints2015: 6 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 7 complaints2018: 15 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 6 complaints2021: 9 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 6 complaints
Spyder RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder RT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Can-AM Spyder RT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering826%
Transmission619%
Engine516%
Brakes413%
Lighting310%
Fuel System26%
Airbags13%
Suspension13%
Electrical System13%

Does the 2010 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

12V159000BrakesApril 11, 2012 · 3,259 units

Defect

BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. (BRP) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SPYDER RT ROADSTERS. A PIN SECURING THE BRAKE PEDAL CONNECTING ROD COULD DISENGAGE AND FALL OFF.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, A TOTAL LOSS OF MAIN BRAKE FUNCTION COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF A CRASH POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

BRP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL CONNECTING ROD PINS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.

10V232000TransmissionJune 1, 2010 · 1,200 units

Defect

BRP IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 SPYDER RS SE5 2ND SERIES AND RT SE5 ROADSTERS. WHEN BRINGING A VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SE5 SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TO A FULL STOP, THE CLUTCH MAY REMAIN ENGAGED STALLING THE ENGINE. ONCE THE ENGINE IS STALLED, IT COULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO RE-START AND THE REAR WHEEL COULD BE BLOCKED.

Consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROADWAY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

BRP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 7, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.

09V473000EngineDecember 14, 2009 · 108 units

Defect

BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS, INC. (BRP) IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2010 ROADSTER SPYDER RT SM5 AND SE5 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN OCTOBER 13 AND OCTOBER 30, 2009. THE CONNECTOR ON THE KEY SWITCH HARNESS MAY NOT BE LOCKED AND THE IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS MAY BE ROUTED TOO TIGHT. IN SOME SITUATIONS, THE CONNECTOR MAY UNPLUG.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

BRP WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AUTHORIZED DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO ENSURE THAT THE CONNECTOR IS LOCKED AND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH HARNESS IS NOT ROUTED TOO TIGHT AND CORRECT THE HARNESS IF NEEDED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-638-5397 OR 1-819-566-3366.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS, CAN-AM ROADSTER DYNAMIC POWER STEERING UNIT WHEREIN A FORCE GREATER THAN EXPECTED TO INITIATE THE TURNING OF THE STEERING HANDLEBAR OF THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT ITS TRAJECTORY MAY STEER THE VEHICLE OUT OF LANE WHICH INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH WITH OTHER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 21, 2010

“CA-AM / ROADSTER SPYDER 2010 RTS SE5 TRANSMISSION. SINCE PURCHASE THE ROADSTER HAS BEING HAVING ON GOING STALLING ISSUES WHILE OPERATING. THIS ROADSTER WITH THE SE5 TRANSMISSION REQUIRES THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE NEUTRAL GEAR CAN BE ENGAGED FOR A RESTART. THIS PROBLEM HAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 7, 2010

“POWER STEERING UNEXPECTEDLY GOES OUT, BUT THROWS NO CODES. TIRE PRESSURE GOOD, OIL/WATER IS NORMAL. DEALER DOESN'T HAVE A SOLUTION. ALSO, ENGINE PUTS OUT SOME EXTREME HEAT ON DRIVER'S LEGS...ESPECIALLY THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 2, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V159000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR CONTROL: FOOT CONTROLS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 11, 2012

“WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CANCEL TURN SIGNALS (LEFT OR RIGHT), IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT THE OPPOSITE TURN SIGNAL WILL BE ACTIVATED RATHER THAN CANCELING. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO HAVE TO CHECK THE DASH FOR TURN SIGNAL CANCELLATION. IT IS COMMON TO HAVE THIS OCCUR MULTIPLE TIMES WITH EACH CANCELLATION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 30, 2009

2010 Can-AM Spyder RT — common questions

Is the 2010 Can-AM Spyder RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 31 complaints put the 2010 model at #4 of 17 Spyder RT years. It is one of the Spyder RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2010 Spyder RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (8 complaints), transmission (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2010 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Can-AM Spyder RT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Can-AM Spyder RT years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Spyder RT years to avoid are 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010. The cleanest record among Spyder RT years belongs to 2023.

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.