VehicleVerdict

2016 Can-AM Spyder RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2016 Can-AM Spyder RT — 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. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Spyder RT years?

Spyder RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder RT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Can-AM Spyder RT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering440%
Electrical System220%
Transmission220%
Brakes110%
Other110%

Does the 2016 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V352000TransmissionMay 18, 2022 · 30,389 units

Defect

Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Can-Am Spyder F3 and RT motorcycles. The front sprocket may be defective and prematurely wear, resulting in a loss of drive power.

Consequence

A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will perform an interim repair until parts become available. Once parts are available, the front sprocket will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I NEED HELP. I HAD BOUGHT A CAN-AM LIMITED 2016 ON 4-12-2017 I HAD IT AROUND 12 DAYS AND FOUND OUT IT WAS UNSAFE TO RIDE I TAKING IT BACK TO THE SHOP THEY HAD IT FOR 14 DAYS THEY REPLACE THE UNIVERSAL JOINT IN THE STEERING I PICKED IT UP ON 5-11-2017. I DID NOT HAVE A CHANCE TO CHECK IT OUT ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 12, 2017

“The contact owns a 2016 Can Am Spyder RT. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed to function as intended. The message DESS (Dynamically Enhanced Security System) was displayed. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 22, 2025

“2016 CAN-AM RT SPYDER: FRONT SPROCKET STRIPPED LEAVING ME WITH NO WAY TO ACCELERATE TO GET OUT OF WAY OF TRAFFIC THIS HAPPENED AT 1642 MILES (BRP REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY). AT 5175 (3 MAY 2021) FRONT SPROCKET AGAIN LEFT ME IN TRAFFIC AND STRANDED AGAIN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. BOTH TIMES I WAS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 2, 2021

“THE MOTORCYCLE HAS A VIBRATION IN THE HANDLE BARS STARTING AT 79 MPH THROUGH 82 MPH. IT THEN GOES AWAY. IT COMES BACK AFTER THE MOTORCYCLE IS GOING OVER 90 MPH. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 DEALERS AND AS OF YET NO ONE CAN FIX IT.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 30, 2016

2016 Can-AM Spyder RT — common questions

Is the 2016 Can-AM Spyder RT reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2016 Spyder RT problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (4 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).

Does the 2016 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2016 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.