VehicleVerdict

2011 Can-AM Spyder RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median Spyder RT year — the 2011 model ranks #3 of 17 Spyder RT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (36% of the total).

42

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Spyder RT years?

Spyder RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 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, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder RT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1536%
Engine1331%
Transmission410%
Electrical System37%
Body & Structure25%
Lighting25%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Steering12%
Brakes12%

Does the 2011 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

2 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.

11V081000TransmissionFebruary 7, 2011 · 378 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

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 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 21, 2015 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 6, 2017 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · March 1, 2018

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 21, 2015 · fire

“AFTER PURCHASING OUR 2011 CAN-AM SPYDER RTS WE NOTICED THAT AFTER RIDING THAT THERE WAS A FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE GARAGE COMING FROM THE SPYDER. CAN-AM ISSUED A RECALL FOR FAULTY GAS CAPS VENTING GAS FUMES. WE RECEIVED THE NEW UPDATED GAS CAP BUT STILL HAVE FUEL SMELL AFTER RIDING WHILE THE SPYDER IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 1, 2014

2011 Can-AM Spyder RT — common questions

Is the 2011 Can-AM Spyder RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 2011 model at #3 of 17 Spyder RT years. It is one of the Spyder RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2011 Spyder RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (15 complaints), engine (13 complaints), transmission (4 complaints).

Does the 2011 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 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.