2012 Can-Am Spyder RT
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Can-Am › Spyder RT › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Can-Am Spyder RT. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RT. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
41 complaints1 involved a crash2 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
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…
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 upright for protection from winds and bugs or debris as designed. We had to prop it up with a coat to finish our ride. Doing research on Spyder owners forum,we discovered it is an ongoing problems with this support arm and we are not the lone incident. BRP should recall this for safety reasons. BRP sells a replacement unit for $800, totally unexceptable as this is a part that should not fail.no warning lights could predict this. Parts are available for inspection.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Smell fuel vapors.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I have a 2012 can am spyder rt limited with extreme heat on my right foot and around the seat. Also have overwhelming gasoline fumes after parking the bike. making it unusable and no fun and dangerous to ride. Purchased july 14 2017. 7,200 miles. Had contact several times with local dealer absolutely no help!
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering
Dynamic power steering failure at 5,900 miles. no power steering at slow speeds.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
On 7/11/2019 my 2012 canam rt SE5 started throwing out vss fault code, I took it home and contacted my local canam service company. They asked me to bring it in which I did the next day. Enroute to the shop it began showing ABS limp home mode but was not in limp home mode. Once connected to the…
On 7/11/2019 my 2012 canam rt SE5 started throwing out vss fault code, I took it home and contacted my local canam service company. They asked me to bring it in which I did the next day. Enroute to the shop it began showing ABS limp home mode but was not in limp home mode. Once connected to the shop computer I was advised the bike was throwing out numerous codes and false codes. Then I wasxadvised this bike has had numerous electrical problems since 2013 ip to and including replacing the entire instrument cluster at 15000+ miles. Since purchasing thw bike it constantly shorts the horn out and I have to replace the fuse. In addition to the vss/abs codes the shock compressor had started coming on and off.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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 bike, it burned for a few minutes before someone put the fire out with an extinguisher. We had fueled up about 35 miles prior to this stop. There are recalls on this motorcycle but not my specific vin #- why? I see this IS the exact same problem with other 2008 to 2012 can-am spyders with vapor leak or fuel line leak recalls. I have only owned this can-am for three months I am grateful we are not hurt but this could've been really really bad these are known for catching fire as I am learning and reading I am fortunate yes- please stop these bikes from being sold!! the road was hilly 2 lane country road. Sunshine 85 degrees. Ruined our day and bike!
- Service brakes
While stopping after 25 miles. The rear brakes emitted a burning odor and failed. The rear caliper and rotor have been replaced twice and rear brake pads replaced 4 times since new with only 6500 total miles on vehicle. Rotors become warped and discolored from excessive heat occasionally glowing…
While stopping after 25 miles. The rear brakes emitted a burning odor and failed. The rear caliper and rotor have been replaced twice and rear brake pads replaced 4 times since new with only 6500 total miles on vehicle. Rotors become warped and discolored from excessive heat occasionally glowing orange at night. Theses brakes have failed several times with factory parts and certified mechanic repairs. Taken to authorized dealer several times requesting to open a case with brp that IS quickly ignored after several attempts to resolve. This vehicle IS unsafe to ride and obviously has a factory defective braking system. Serious accidents or death IS likely to result.
- Engine
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…
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 fire. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. The motorcycle was totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,600.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes
Just purchased my spyder rt ......noticed a strong smell of fuel after a drive about 30 minutes. I opened my fuel cap and noticed that the fuel was way hotter than it should be. Also rear brakes are very noisy, and found out this IS a common problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system
While riding my spyder the heat from the engine gets so intense that it causes the gas to boil and the engine lets off gas vapor. This vapor IS released until the bike cools. I have worries that this will ignite so I must leave the spyder outside of my garage until the smell dissipates. .
- Exterior lighting
When driving vehicle with factory trailer attached the light connection from trailer to vehicle failed. the lock on vehicle broke allowing the trailer cord to become disconnected. this means there are no lights, turn signal or brake lights on the trailer. this IS impossible for the driver to…
When driving vehicle with factory trailer attached the light connection from trailer to vehicle failed. the lock on vehicle broke allowing the trailer cord to become disconnected. this means there are no lights, turn signal or brake lights on the trailer. this IS impossible for the driver to determine until the driver stops and dismounts the vehicle. I believe that brp (the manufacture) IS aware of this safety issue because parts are no longer available but have issued an updated part number for revised parts. brp feels it IS the customers responsiblity to purchase the replacement parts at a cost of approx. Five hundred dollars. it IS my belief that because the owner has no way of knowing about this problem until it occurs and it becomes an immediate safety issue brp should have issued a recall for replacement on all effected vehicles. I feel this part IS defective, brp knows it IS defective and chooses to profit from selling updated parts rather than recalling the defective vehicles for upgrade.. this puts the rider and his passenger in a dangerous, illegal and life threatening position. I am asking for the ntsb to look into this situation before someone IS killed because of it. You can reference my case with brp. Case # [xxx] the dealer who sold this vehicle new also believes this IS a serious safety concern and should have been repaired at manufactures cost. I have owned this vehicle since new and this IS the second time the connection failed, although the first time approx. Two and a half years ago I thought I had failed to properly lock connection. this time when it failed the lock was completely missing. brp response to my claim was that the plug was improperly installed. it was a factory installation. Nothing had been changed from new. *Tt information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tt
- Engine
Problem since new. amazing about of heat generated under the seat and in the leg area on both sides (especially the right) from poor engine compartment venting and exhaust system isolation. very, very uncomfortable at times on the legs and seat.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Problem since new. when parking in my garage or any location, huge amount of fuel oder / vapor in the garage. need to always vent the garage for hours!!
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Fuel smell, leaks, excessive fuel consumption, and poor performance including vehical stallling in heavy traffic. The fuel issue occurs while driving at any speed. The fuel odor IS intolerable and causes severe headaches and nausea while driving. Other people notice that I smell like fuel l after…
Fuel smell, leaks, excessive fuel consumption, and poor performance including vehical stallling in heavy traffic. The fuel issue occurs while driving at any speed. The fuel odor IS intolerable and causes severe headaches and nausea while driving. Other people notice that I smell like fuel l after riding my can-am. For these reasons I can no longer drive it without risk of being overcome by the fuel vapors potentially causing an accident. These problems continued after having the vehicle serviced at a can-am dealer. They replaced some emissions hoses that had cracked but it took so many months to find the problem that it was no longer covered by the emissions warrantee. The performance improved but still won't idle smooth and surges while driving. Thee IS only 6,230 miles on this vehicle. Documented service reports are available at tousley motorsports inc, 1400 co rd e east, vadnais heights, mn 55110. Phone (651) 483-8296. Previous unresolved diagnostic attempts in 2016, were at dakota motor sports, 628 circle dr, aberdeen, sd 57401. Phone (605) 725-2887. There IS also a problem withe the rear brake caliper when the caliper fails to release completely and destroys both the brake rotor and brake pad repeatedly. The rotor becomes red hot while driving creating a finite risk, flying metal shrapnel and serious risk for loss of control either with rear wheel lock up or braking failure while driving.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 can-am spyder rt motorcycle. While at a red light, the vehicle stalled and was able to restart. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When I stop to get gas on a hot day the gas in the gas tank IS boiling I think this IS a dangerous situation I have noticed this before on my bike. the bike had only 1/4 tank full and had rode for at least 50 miles
- Steering
My wife and I were driving our spyder on hwy. #2 from sedro woolly to winthrop, wa. We were travelling with two other vehicles which were ahead of us. the road IS very curvy through the mountains and we kept to the speed limits posted. The weather was sunny and the roads dry. We were travelling…
My wife and I were driving our spyder on hwy. #2 from sedro woolly to winthrop, wa. We were travelling with two other vehicles which were ahead of us. the road IS very curvy through the mountains and we kept to the speed limits posted. The weather was sunny and the roads dry. We were travelling east and having an enjoyable time. However at mile 144 we came across another curve in the road and the spyder steering froze and would not turn. It went straight into the other lane of traffic and straight into the guard railing. We were travelling at the posted speed of 35 mph. At the time when the steering froze. My wife was thrown from the spyder and received numerous bruises and road rash. A similar incident happened in may this year when taking a corner but we were able to stop safely. At that time we didn't think much of that incident. However this time it was more serious and we know something must be wrong. It appears that when driving mountain/curvy roads, the steering heats up and the power steering on the spyder fails to work. I see that can am spyder has had this issue previously. The spyder has only 4,800 miles on it and IS three years old.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I purchased this spyder on 6/25/2012 and I have experienced a problem all the time I have owned this motorcycle. if I park it in the garage the fumes are horrible and I have to ventilate the garage for a while. I have discussed it with the dealership since my first service which was 7/23/2012 and…
I purchased this spyder on 6/25/2012 and I have experienced a problem all the time I have owned this motorcycle. if I park it in the garage the fumes are horrible and I have to ventilate the garage for a while. I have discussed it with the dealership since my first service which was 7/23/2012 and I was told the canister that takes the fumes off the carburetor fills with fuel and because I don't run the machine above 5000 rpms enough the fuel leaks out on the floor instead of going through the engine. 5000 rpms in 4TH gear IS 58 miles per hour. 3 miles an hour over the legal speed limit. 5000 rpms in 5TH gear IS 68 miles per hour which IS 3 miles an hour over freeway speeds. I asked to have the rpms changed lower so it would empty out easier and the dealership said this was not possible because the engine would operate too rough. I have tried to contact brp and was unsuccessful because the answer I got was to take it to the dealership and have them contact brp. I also experience problems when I am operating in town because the machine gets very warm and you start dealing with gas fumes from something getting way too warm. both problems have been an issue since I have owned the machine and I was told to park the machine outside until it cools instead of dealing with the real issue.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 can-am spyder rt. The contact stated that while driving on hot days, the engine overheated without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v095000 (engine). The failure mileage was unknown.
- Fuel/propulsion system
I bought a new 2012 spyder rt in july 2012. after my first long ride on my spyder, I parked it in my garage. within a few minutes, my entire garage was filled with gasoline fumes, and I could smell gasoline inside my house, as well. the fuel odor problem has persisted, despite numerous trips to…
I bought a new 2012 spyder rt in july 2012. after my first long ride on my spyder, I parked it in my garage. within a few minutes, my entire garage was filled with gasoline fumes, and I could smell gasoline inside my house, as well. the fuel odor problem has persisted, despite numerous trips to the dealer to try to fix the problem. the evaporative canister IS supposed to absorb vapors from the fuel tank; however, the evaporative canister on my spyder has been replaced four times so far, due to being flooded. I've even seen liquid gasoline dripping from the overflow line on the evaporative canister. it IS apparent that too much heat IS soaking into the fuel tank from the engine and exhaust system, which generates more fuel vapors than the evaporative canister system can handle. I've tried to minimize the production of fuel vapors, by filling the fuel tank at the end of a ride, so there IS a large volume of cool fuel to absorb the heat, once the spyder IS turned off. I've also had the entire exhaust system removed, had a ceramic coating applied externally to each component, and reinstalled the exhaust system. these measures have helped somewhat, but as soon as I get stuck in stop and go traffic for any length of time, the evaporative canister floods again, and I can smell the fuel vapors again. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
After a ride, vehicle emits strong gasoline odor which fills garage area and, at times, permeates into the living area. Need to allow to cool down in driveway before bringing into the garage to lessen the fuel odor. *Tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle has exhibited excessive gas fumes and liquid condensation from fuel tank vent since new. This creates a flammability hazard. Proximity of exhaust pipes to fuel tank causes boiling inside the tank that can be smelled, seen, and heard. Proximity of catalytic converter to underside of tank…
Vehicle has exhibited excessive gas fumes and liquid condensation from fuel tank vent since new. This creates a flammability hazard. Proximity of exhaust pipes to fuel tank causes boiling inside the tank that can be smelled, seen, and heard. Proximity of catalytic converter to underside of tank contributes to the root cause. Problem IS especially evident after prolonged riding as components under the bodywork get heat soaked due to radiant heat. Factory installed gas tank insulation IS inadequate. My installation of off the shelf exhaust wrap product and other insulation has improved, but not eliminated the problem. It IS also evident that this forced boiling of gas exceeds the capacity of the charcoal canister and allows for condensation inside the canister, rendering it ineffective. My opinion IS that only a high performance insulation package, installed on the exhaust pipes and gas tank, in conjunction with a catalytic converter heat shield, will truly eliminate the root cause. Design modifications to enhance under bodywork airflow are also needed to prevent rider discomfort and injury due to excessive body work temperatures. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Strong stenching gas smell- fumes. A lot of heat associations. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system
I have a spyder rt 2012 with gas fumes when parked and heat coming from under my seat, my bike has 35000 miles, I have had this problem from the first day. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body · Unknown or other
A very strong odor of gasoline upon shut down after extended rides of more than 10-15 miles at varying speeds. appears to happen more often when multiple stops (engine shut down of short duration) occur during the same ride. riding more than 10 - 15 miles results in very high heat emanating from…
A very strong odor of gasoline upon shut down after extended rides of more than 10-15 miles at varying speeds. appears to happen more often when multiple stops (engine shut down of short duration) occur during the same ride. riding more than 10 - 15 miles results in very high heat emanating from under seat on right side and extreme heat near right ankle and foot. passenger also complained about heat to right ankle and foot. when parking spyder in my enclosed attached garage, garage door must be left open to dissipate gasoline fumes, otherwise fumes enter house living areas. It should be noted that my natural gas fired water heater (with pilot light) IS in the same garage as my parked spyder. so far (knock on wood) there have been no fires but I attribute that to ventilating garage completely before closing garage door. the gasoline fumes are a definite safety hazard that should be addressed and the high heat, while a comfort problem, could also be a distraction safety problem. it IS my sincere hope that these concerns are addressed sooner rather than later. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10252669Revision of TST 140875 P0730 Active Fault Fault code can be triggered if the unit has the wrong rear sprocket or a different wheel size. The cluster will stop displaying the gear indication and check engine light came on (limp home condition) and the gearbox won't shift.
- 10229613Missing or damaged scavenge pump components could lead to poor engine performance on 1330 engines.
- 10191376If a customer wants to change the radio pre-set channel number and is unable to do so, here is the reason this is happening.
- 10189988The low fuel level light indicator stay always ON after cluster replacement on MY12 RT.
- 10186274Trailer module may fail.
- 10186272RT-622 Trailers may experience electrical issues due to trailer light module failure.
- 10185877ECM Software update. (optional).
- 10185875To be performed at PDI on registered (sold) vehicles.
- 10185873To be performed at PDI on unregistered (unsold) vehicles.
- 10185865Electric parking brake not holding when applied.
- 10185854Centrifungal clutch vibration.
- 10129608Technical service Tip (TST) informing the community that it has come to BRP's attention that water pump mechanical seal failures have risen in recent weeks. In the event that dealers have a Spyder leak from the weep hole (oil or coolant), BRP would like to have more information.
- 10129606Technical Service Tip (TST) informing dealers that It has been brought to BRP's attention that in some cases the radio station display option in the cluster will revert to "no display" after a few days. BRP is looking into the situation. This issue has been identified as a software problem between the cluster and the radio module. At this time replacement of parts is not the solution since they all have the problem.
- 10129605Technical Service Tip (TST) informing dealers that BRP has noticed an increase in claims for the RT hood actuator switch. Switch inspection reveals the contact points inside the switch are exposed to high amperage. This causes an intermittent or permanently bad contact. The dealers are informed to inspect the hood actuator itself to see if the lever it pushes against is in-line and not obstructed. This could also happen if the front cargo is over packed and the pressure pressing up against the mechanism is beyond what the actuator can push and the switch gets too much amperage.
- 10129604Technical Service Tip (TST) addressing that on some SE5 engines a high pitched or whining noise may be heard under specific RPM only. After investigation the cause of this noise is from a thrust washer vibrating and spinning in the HCM. Inspection of the HCM housing for wear is proposed; it may need to be replaced.
- 10129602Posting informing the community that some of them may have seen an alert from Transport Canada regarding a recall on certain Spyder models. (recall 2012-13)
- 10129601Article informing dealers of Safety Campaign 2012-13 - Fuel Cap replacement. The fuel cap may not seal properly the fuel tank filler neck. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- 10126525Warranty bulletin addressing the problem that analog fuel gauge needle does not have any dampening causing a variable fuel level reading. Replacing the analog fuel gauge with a new improved one (with stepper motor) is required. After fuel gauge installation, update the cluster software.
- 10126524Technical Service Tip (TST) in reference to quality warranty bulletin 2012-12. If the analog fuel gauge with stepper motor is installed with an old version of the cluster software or on a 2010 RT with a cluster which cannot be updated, the following situations may be observed: * Fuel level is displayed in the cluster digital display. * Wrong fuel level. * Even if the fuel tank is full, the digital display may show 3 bars and the analog fuel gauge shows half. * The "low fuel" indicator turns on when the fuel tank reaches half. * The temperature gauge needle indicates maximum (overheat) even if the engine is cold.
- 10125477Warranty bulletin addressing the problem that analog fuel gauge needle does not have any dampening causing a variable fuel level reading. Replacing the analog fuel gauge with a new improved one (with stepper motor) is required. After fuel gauge installation, update the cluster software.
- 10125476Technical Service Tip (TST) in reference to quality warranty bulletin 2012-12. If the analog fuel gauge with stepper motor is installed with an old version of the cluster software or on a 2010 RT with a cluster which cannot be updated, the following situations may be observed: ? Fuel level is displayed in the cluster digital display. ? Wrong fuel level. ? Even if the fuel tank is full, the digital display may show 3 bars and the analog fuel gauge shows half. ? The "low fuel" indicator turns on when the fuel tank reaches half. ? The temperature gauge needle indicates maximum (overheat) even if the engine is cold.
- 10124115Update of a posting regarding bulletin 2012-6 about possible water infiltration in radio module
- 10124113Service bulletin informing dealers that a new procedure has been developed to improve the replacement of the tandem master cylinder (TMC) without the necessity of bleeding the whole brake system.
- 10124112Posting informing the community that after investigation, the conclusion is that some 2012 units were produced with water pumps mechanical seals installed slightly crocked in the clutch cover. This cause the seal to develop a leak on the side of the seal that had less pressure. Replacement parts should be installed using the revised procedure of the 2013 shop manual. TST is enclosed for the replacement procedure.
- 10119472Posting stating that it has come to BRP's attention that water pump mechanical failure has risen in recent weeks. In the event you have a Spyder with a leak from the weep hole, please send information to BRP.
- 10107194Technical service tip (tst) addressing the details of the recall fuel cap replacement, where the fuel cap may not seal properly onto the fuel tank filter neck. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Brp IS sending out replacement fuel caps to all canadian and USA registered owners.
- 10107192Posting discussing the two recalls posted on transport canada and nhtsa concerning the fuel vapor canister vent hose to be replace or re-route and fuel cap replacement because the fuel cap may not fit onto the fuel tank filter neck.
- 10088542Technical service tip (tst): customer may complain of excessive heat felt in the engine compartment in certain riding conditions. The solution IS to install the air scoop kit. Note that this will not reduce heat felt on the rh foot by the radiator fan.
- 10058213Brp: possible consequences at low speed, engine compartment temperature will rise and increase burn skin or vehicle fire during ambient hot conditions. Model 2013 roadster.
- 10055109Brp: some motorcycles experience damage to throttle body actuator, leading to limp home mode or fault codes when starting engine; the tcm and ecm software needs updating due to sensitive calibration warning display in cluster; middle side rubber panels grommets falls off after removal and installing, multiple times, panel.
- 10055107Roadster: for some motorcycles, informational procedure IS provided regarding the ecm software update, which IS optional and not under warranty.
- 10052086Brp: on the can-am roadster, the fuel cap fails to seal properly, on fuel tank filler neck, causing fuel vapors and in presence of an ignition source, might result in a fire and needs replacing. Models 2008-2012 can-am spyder GS, RS, and rt.
Every Can-Am Spyder RT model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.