VehicleVerdict

2021 Can-AM Spyder RT problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2021 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.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Spyder RT years?

Spyder RT NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder RT years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Can-AM Spyder RT problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine222%
Lighting222%
Brakes111%
Speed Control111%
Transmission111%
Fuel System111%
Electrical System111%

Does the 2021 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

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

23V175000LightingMarch 17, 2023 · 34,457 units

Defect

Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Spyder RT and 2022-2023 Ryker motorcycles. The brake lights may stay illuminated even if the brake pedal is not pressed. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and associated Equipment."

Consequence

Brake lights that remain illuminated can fail to alert other motorists of the rider's intention and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Depending on the model, dealers will replace the brake light switch, adjust the brake light switch, and/or add a spring to the brake light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2023. Owners may contact BRP Customer Service at 1-888-272-9222. BRP's number for this recall is 2023-6.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2021 Can-Am Spyder RT. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V175000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 16, 2023

“While driving at multiple speeds a complete loss of power occurs from 15-30 seconds. Then will automatically re-engage at the speed when the power loss initiated. Bike does not code and does not have to be manually restarted. A huge safety issue when in traffic. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 15, 2025

“7/1/2022 The warning came on the dash as brake failure. Towed to the dealer, RideNow PowerSports of Daytona Beach Florida , stayed with them for almost 5 months, returned on 11/23/2022. I called CanAm customer service and was given a case#02973019. I was told the brake module was replaced. On…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 2022

“This is a safety issue with my 2021 CanAm RT Spyder. When riding up a grade in the mountains and the rpm's decrease, the motorcycle starts to buck, misfire and the the speed rapidly decreases. Downshifting to a lower gear does not alleviate the problem. My safety was jeopardized by the rapid…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 27, 2021

“One of the electrical fuse boxes on the vehicle (right side as viewed from front of vehicle) had water infiltration causing fuses to corrode; leading to an electrical failure at dark, where the vehicle had no headlight, tail light, brake light, turn signals or emergency flashers. Due to this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 14, 2022

2021 Can-AM Spyder RT — common questions

Is the 2021 Can-AM Spyder RT reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Can-AM Spyder RT have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.