VehicleVerdict

2013 Can-AM Spyder RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 176 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 25.1 times the median Spyder RT year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 17 Spyder RT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 29 injuries in total across these filings.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 62 reports (35% of the total).

176

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

29

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2013 compare to other Spyder RT years?

Spyder RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 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, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder RT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System6235%
Engine5431%
Body & Structure2011%
Brakes106%
Seats95%
Electrical System74%
Other53%
Transmission32%
Suspension32%
Seat Belts11%
Airbags11%
Steering11%

Does the 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V095000EngineFebruary 19, 2015 · 5,165 units

Defect

Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling all model year 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT motorcycles. Prolonged idling or slow speed riding in warmer temperatures may result very high temperatures in the engine compartment.

Consequence

Very high temperatures in the engine compartment may increase the risk of skin burns or a vehicle fire.

Remedy

BRP has notified owners. Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

13V386000BrakesAugust 28, 2013 · 8,191 units

Defect

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT series and ST series motorcycles. The tandem brake master cylinder manifold inlet may melt allowing the brake fluid to leak out.

Consequence

Brake fluid may leak onto a heat source, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

BRP will notify owners and dealers will install heat shields and a heat deflector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early September 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 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING FUEL ODOR AS WELL AS EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 27, 2015 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING FUEL ODOR AS WELL AS EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 27, 2015 · fire

“WE WERE PART OF A NATIONAL BIKE CLUB RIDE TO A BEACH RESORT ACCOMPANIED BY APPROXIMATELY 300 RIDERS. WHEN WE DEPARTED ABOUT 7 AM, TEMPERATURES WERE IN THE LOW 70'S. THE ROUTE WAS MOSTLY DOWNHILL AND WE MAINTAINED AN AVERAGE SPEED OF ABOUT 50, 60 MPH. AFTER JUST OVER ONE HOUR WE ARRIVED AT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 11, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CAN-AM SPYDER RT. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE REQUIRED A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING BENEATH THE VEHICLE. FUMES OF SMOKE WERE SEEN BENEATH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 15, 2013 · fire

“HEAT BUILD UP UNDER BODY PANELS AND SEAT AT LOW AND HIGH SPEED, CAUSING BODILY DISCOMFORT, RYDER AND PASSENGER, TO THE POINT OF NEEDING MEDICATION TO THE AFFECTED AREAS COMING IN CONTACT WITH PANELS AND SEAT. GAS CAP HOT-TO-TOUCH, BUILDING UP PRESSURE IN TANK AND CAUSING GAS TO BLOW OUT OF FILLER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · April 30, 2013

2013 Can-AM Spyder RT — common questions

Is the 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 176 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 17 Spyder RT years. It is one of the Spyder RT years to avoid.

What are the most common 2013 Spyder RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (62 complaints), engine (54 complaints), body & structure (20 complaints).

Does the 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Can-AM Spyder RT under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.