VehicleVerdict

2012 Can-AM Spyder RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 60 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.6 times the median Spyder RT year — the 2012 model ranks #2 of 17 Spyder RT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 22 reports (37% of the total).

60

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Spyder RT years?

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

See all Spyder RT years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2237%
Engine1118%
Electrical System1017%
Brakes47%
Lighting47%
Body & Structure47%
Steering23%
Other23%
Transmission12%

Does the 2012 Can-AM Spyder RT 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.

“MY WIFE AND I WERE RIDING TO HAWKS NEST STATE PARK IN WEST VIRGINIA, MY CAN-AM SPIDER CAUGHT ON FIRE AROUND THE FUEL CAP AREA WE WERE COMING TO A STOP GOING ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR TO 0. I FELT HEAT ON MY LEFT LEG LOOKED DOWN AND SAW FLAMES AND TOLD MY WIFE TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND WE GOT OFF AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 30, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE IN FRONT OF THE MOTORCYCLE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT GOT OFF THE MOTORCYCLE AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE SECONDS LATER. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 9, 2018 · fire

“MY WIFE AND I WERE RIDING TO HAWKS NEST STATE PARK IN WEST VIRGINIA, MY CAN-AM SPIDER CAUGHT ON FIRE AROUND THE FUEL CAP AREA WE WERE COMING TO A STOP GOING ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR TO 0. I FELT HEAT ON MY LEFT LEG LOOKED DOWN AND SAW FLAMES AND TOLD MY WIFE TO GET OFF THE BIKE AND WE GOT OFF AND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 30, 2019 · fire

“Upon cruising down the highway about 60 MPH,my powered windshield support arm broke and the windshield fell back toward me in between the handle bars. Upon inspection,arm broke in half leaving the windshield unsupported. Our safety was put at risk because windshield was laying flat instead of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 28, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 5, 2013

2012 Can-AM Spyder RT — common questions

Is the 2012 Can-AM Spyder RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 60 complaints put the 2012 model at #2 of 17 Spyder RT years. It is one of the Spyder RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Spyder RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (22 complaints), engine (11 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2012 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 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.