Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 15 complaints on file for the 2018 Can-AM Spyder RT — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
15
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 6 | 40% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 2 | 13% | — flat |
| Engine | 2 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 2 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 7% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Can-Am Spyder F3 and RT motorcycles. The engine output shaft may fatigue and break, resulting in a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The output shaft will be replaced based on the mileage of the vehicles. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2025. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“The contact owns a 2018 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V352000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable…”
“After receiving the safety recall notice from the manufacturer, BRP, in January 2025, I attempted to have the safety recall completed at a dealership in the Pittsburgh PA area. I was initially told by the MOSITES Dealership that they were not able to complete the safety recall because of the time…”
“While driving the vehicle a clunking sound was heard and at the same time I experienced a loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently in the process of being repaired as it was determined that the front drive sprocket main drive shaft had sheared. Fortunately I was able to pull off the highway at…”
“DRIVING MY SPYDER ON THE INTERSTATE IT WOULD SHOW A CODE DPS ON MY DISPLAY AND AS LONG AS IT DISPLAYED YOU COULD NOT STEER MOTORCYCLE. THIS HAPPENED AT LEAST SIX TIMES IN ONE WEEK. YOU COULD STOP AND SHUT UNIT OFF THEN RESTART AND GO 50 TO 100 MILES THEN FLASH CODE DPS AGAIN. THE FAULT CODE P0550…”
The record is thin — 15 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), engine (2 complaints), brakes (2 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Can-AM Spyder RT. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.