2013 Can-Am Spyder ST
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Can-Am › Spyder ST › 2013
These records cover every 2013 Can-Am Spyder ST. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2013 Can-Am Spyder ST. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
21 complaints4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Service brakes, hydraulic · Vehicle speed control
2013 can am spyder ST-S. consumer writes in regards to motorcycle brake light remains on after engine IS off, cruise control will not set and motorcycle goes into "limp mode"(vss fault). *smd the consumer stated the motorcycle would go into limp mode while riding. *Jb
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
After riding the spyder st, I started to notice excessive heat coming from the left side panel and heat on my right ankle. the panel IS very hot to the touch and it was necessary for me to pull over and allow my spyder to cool off before I could ride it home. when I got home, I found that I had…
After riding the spyder st, I started to notice excessive heat coming from the left side panel and heat on my right ankle. the panel IS very hot to the touch and it was necessary for me to pull over and allow my spyder to cool off before I could ride it home. when I got home, I found that I had a burn on my left leg where it had come in contact with the side panels. I was wearing long pants and this burn occurred through the fabric of my jeans. I have a long history of riding motorcycles, trikes and now can am and this IS a design flaw in 2013 can am spyder. it IS very unsafe, it can not only cause burns to the rider, but also it could cause a distraction to the driver which could result in an accident.
- Engine
This complaint IS like many others that have, or are, complaining about the heat issue of the engine and being ignored. The problem IS so severe that it actually burns the inside of the thigh during operation. This does not happen with other three wheeled vehicles with trike conversions such as…
This complaint IS like many others that have, or are, complaining about the heat issue of the engine and being ignored. The problem IS so severe that it actually burns the inside of the thigh during operation. This does not happen with other three wheeled vehicles with trike conversions such as suzuki, honda, etc. The plastic housing of the canam 998 engine holds the excessive heat without an acceptable vent other than allowing it to diffuse right up through your legs. This makes for a dangerous situation in that it directs much of your mind and driving attention toward attempts to relieve the problem for your legs, plus there have been issues on other model canam vehicles where the machine eventually caught fire. Brp, the parent company of the canam IS piece-mealing attention to the "rt" model and ignoring long term corrective measures for all models. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Brp / can-am replaced the 2013 spyder st-limited heat side-panels recently under warranty with new design 2014 heat side-panels installed by a can-am dealer on 2 december 2014 (a brp case file was opened with a brp case number provided on 21 october 2014 and IS available for reference). however…
Brp / can-am replaced the 2013 spyder st-limited heat side-panels recently under warranty with new design 2014 heat side-panels installed by a can-am dealer on 2 december 2014 (a brp case file was opened with a brp case number provided on 21 october 2014 and IS available for reference). however, the spyder's gas tank and gasoline fuel continues to be significantly hot during & after riding the spyder. in addition and more importantly, significant fuel vapor fumes continue to be present after operating the spyder. I'm most concerned the hot gas tank, hot gasoline fuel, and heated fuel vapor fumes are unsafe or dangerous and could cause an explosion, fire, and injuries to life and property. I have also reported this concern complaint to brp / can-am and requested resolution but have not yet heard back from them. --- "what can brp do about over-heated gas and dangerous fuel fumes associated with our 2013 spyder?" *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Wheels
Mile 1067 complained about excessive heat coming from right floorboard area and gas fumes to my dealer, told it's normal. mile 4582 2ND service dealer installed heat shield at master cylinder per brp for heat issues, still excessive heat, fumes and now boiling gas in tank. Dealer consider all…
Mile 1067 complained about excessive heat coming from right floorboard area and gas fumes to my dealer, told it's normal. mile 4582 2ND service dealer installed heat shield at master cylinder per brp for heat issues, still excessive heat, fumes and now boiling gas in tank. Dealer consider all normal operation. mile 6386 spyderlovers.com chats found out about ecm needed update for heat issue called dealer and confirmed bring in. No notification from brp. Carried to dealer update installed, still complain about above issues. mile 7988 replaced trailer module burned out replaced, I believe due to heat, same complaint as above. No action taken. mile 11277 replaced trailer module burned out replaced ,same complaints as before no action. mile 12000 both front tires severely cupped brp said no on warranty to many miles, I replaced but thats unsatisfactory mileage on fronts. 8/25/14 e-mail brp about heat issues. 8/26/14 sent me case number. 10/24/14 mile 13641 brp ok'd replacing upper right and left side covers to allow more air to engine compartment replaced them. in my opinion after side panel replacement riding a few hours temp 88 degrees that this helped some with heat at floorboard but won't hold up when 90 + degrees and fumes and boiling gas still an issue. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle has excessive heat under left side body panels and very strong odor of gasoline fumes. *tr
- Engine
Reported by phone, case [xxx]. -when temperature under the parked vehicle reaches a threshold , and the vehicle IS later driven off, the display screen changes to orange check engine. this distracts the rider and forces the eyes off the road, a very dangerous situation. -brp, the mfg…
Reported by phone, case [xxx]. -when temperature under the parked vehicle reaches a threshold , and the vehicle IS later driven off, the display screen changes to orange check engine. this distracts the rider and forces the eyes off the road, a very dangerous situation. -brp, the mfg, knows this defect and will noy fix it. The dealer did not disclose this defect and after I reported it said if affects all spyders for at least the last 2 years. -the owners manual on page 26, it states "engine management component malfunction-remove and reinsert key." this "solution" of removing and reinserting key IS impractical and does not work until rider has driven several (4-10) miles. -the dealer states he gets several calls every week but said brp refused to fix it. He sent me to brp directly. The agent took down the information (shirley), agreed it was a potentially dangerous situation, claim #[xxx]. -the dealer called brp, referenced claim number and was told the vehicle was operating as designed. -i called brp again and was told they would do nothing. -i would not have bought this vehicle had this been disclosed bv the dealer. -one of the target markets for this vehicle are older citizens (i am 66) that may not be experienced riders. When this happens to them, they might panic, setting up a chain of events leading to serious injury or death. -finally, when the vehicle has been driven a few miles the display changes back to normal but now there IS a rectangle at the bottom of the display that flashes check engine. When the bike comes to a stop the flashing stops and the entire screen IS once again taken over by the orange check engine light. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Visibility › Windshield
TL* the contact owns a 2013 can-am spyder st motorcycle. The contact stated that the adjustable windshield distorted his vision. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the technician stated that the windshield was performing as designed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
After riding vehicle & parking it , I could smell strong fuel fumes from vehicle. I also noticed that the body panels becomes very hot . I also noticed that the fuel in the tank has bubbles / boiling. During engine operation; the vehicle sends extremely hot air out of the space between the forward…
After riding vehicle & parking it , I could smell strong fuel fumes from vehicle. I also noticed that the body panels becomes very hot . I also noticed that the fuel in the tank has bubbles / boiling. During engine operation; the vehicle sends extremely hot air out of the space between the forward edges of the seat and upper and side body panels, the upper side panels are very hot to touch, and the underseat area accumulates an excessive amount of hot air allowing the fuel cap found under the seat to become hot to the touch. I send photos of my burns to brp they send me new panels but the heat issues have not, I feel the motorcycle IS unsafe and my wife ask me tot to ride with the boys or her, I do ride the bike but always afraid that it could blow or a fire can break at anytime please help. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The extreme heat from the left side of the bike caused 1ST and 2ND degree burns on thigh and upper leg. I bought the bike in may of 2014, complained to brp about the extreme heat on the right foot. They authorized my dealer to replace the panels with a newer versions. The panels were to be placed…
The extreme heat from the left side of the bike caused 1ST and 2ND degree burns on thigh and upper leg. I bought the bike in may of 2014, complained to brp about the extreme heat on the right foot. They authorized my dealer to replace the panels with a newer versions. The panels were to be placed on my bike on tuesday august 13,2014. I did not know about the extreme heat on the left side until I rode the bike for a longer distance. Have contacted brp about my injury. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
After riding vehicle & parking it , I could smell strong fuel fumes from vehicle. I also noticed that the body panels becomes very hot . I also noticed that the fuel in the tank has bubbles / boiling .i brought the vehicle at my local dealership ( jacksonville, powersport) to have them check my…
After riding vehicle & parking it , I could smell strong fuel fumes from vehicle. I also noticed that the body panels becomes very hot . I also noticed that the fuel in the tank has bubbles / boiling .i brought the vehicle at my local dealership ( jacksonville, powersport) to have them check my concern . The service manager contacted brp , a case was assigned ( #[xxx]) .brp recommend to install 2014 body panels for my problem which I will have to pay . These are the part # for roadster air scoop retrofit kits lh kit 219 800 341 , rh kit 219 800 342 (pure magnesium (metallic) B-349) .there are some reports of vehicles of the same year & model that have caught on fire & I don't want this to happen w/ my vehicle . information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel in tank boils after riding. fuel vapors escape from the charcoal canister. sometimes there IS so much fuel vapor that it condenses and forms a puddle. I have contacted brp about the issue but have not heard back. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Repeated problems with odor of fuel and intermittent stalling. Evap canister was replaced twice (fuel in canister) and purge valve once. Appears to affect running as it misses and surges at a constant speed (very subtle). Since I park this in my attached garage it IS a concern. vehicle has been…
Repeated problems with odor of fuel and intermittent stalling. Evap canister was replaced twice (fuel in canister) and purge valve once. Appears to affect running as it misses and surges at a constant speed (very subtle). Since I park this in my attached garage it IS a concern. vehicle has been in shop 5 times for a total of 2 1/2 months during my 6 months of ownership. brp has now told me that they will no longer repair this vehicle which now has only 2600 miles. *js
- Seats · Structure › Body
During engine operation; the vehicle sends extremely hot air out of the space between the forward edges of the seat and upper and side body panels, the upper side panels are very hot to touch, and the underseat area accumulates an excessive amount of hot air allowing the fuel cap found under the…
During engine operation; the vehicle sends extremely hot air out of the space between the forward edges of the seat and upper and side body panels, the upper side panels are very hot to touch, and the underseat area accumulates an excessive amount of hot air allowing the fuel cap found under the seat to become hot to the touch. the seat heat problems make riding and controlling the vehicle difficult because of the discomfort felt by the driver and passenger. If the driver IS not wearing thick, protective garments covering their legs there IS a possibility of burns about the upper legs or lower torso. this issue IS especially evident when the oat IS above 80 deg farenheit. *tt
- Fuel/propulsion system
When stopping at stop signs, traffic lights or just stopping to park there IS an excessive gas smell coming from the vehicles evap canister. This all started when the outside temperatures exceeded 70 degrees. This smell occurs if the fuel tank IS full, half full or nearly empty. On sunday 4/13/14…
When stopping at stop signs, traffic lights or just stopping to park there IS an excessive gas smell coming from the vehicles evap canister. This all started when the outside temperatures exceeded 70 degrees. This smell occurs if the fuel tank IS full, half full or nearly empty. On sunday 4/13/14 when coming home from a long ride I decided to check over some things and discovered the gasoline in the fuel tank was boiling! The exaust pipe on this machine runs very close to the fuel tank. *tt
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The spyder st has started idling rough....rpm's will race between 1000 and 2000 in a nano second the bike will surge forward....started happening after about 200 hundred are so miles....now it has a rough idle all the time.....becoming a safety hazard while at stop lights and in traffic ....when…
The spyder st has started idling rough....rpm's will race between 1000 and 2000 in a nano second the bike will surge forward....started happening after about 200 hundred are so miles....now it has a rough idle all the time.....becoming a safety hazard while at stop lights and in traffic ....when rpm's reach 1000 or below a beeping sound as if bike IS going to shut off....then surges to 1800-2000 and bike will lurch forward...bike also clatters and shakes at cold take-off and reverse. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
2013 can am spyder ST-S. Extreme hot temperatures on body panels causing great discomfort to driver. When stopped to fuel right finger tips burned when opening gas cap. Had to use t- shirt I was wearing to open gas cap. Seat area extremely hot as it appears exhaust IS routed under seat. Informed…
2013 can am spyder ST-S. Extreme hot temperatures on body panels causing great discomfort to driver. When stopped to fuel right finger tips burned when opening gas cap. Had to use t- shirt I was wearing to open gas cap. Seat area extremely hot as it appears exhaust IS routed under seat. Informed dealer of incident and was told not to be concerned as they all run hot "just ride it. it will be fine". Had puff of white smoke come from vehicle not sure if it was exhaust or vapor from under body panels. Concerned about extreme heat from vehicle causing personal injury or property damage. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline
When stopped to get fuel. The gas cap IS almost too hot to touch. Take cap off and gas spews out at you. So I started releasing cap slightly and then take cap off. Gas would spit back at you as you were trying to fill tank. Happens frequently. *Jb
- Service brakes
When brakes were applied white smoke would come out of the vents and there was an odor. The next day when the spyder was started with the brake applied more smoke started pouring out and the "brake failure" light came on the lcd panel. the vehicle was trailered to the dealership and when it was…
When brakes were applied white smoke would come out of the vents and there was an odor. The next day when the spyder was started with the brake applied more smoke started pouring out and the "brake failure" light came on the lcd panel. the vehicle was trailered to the dealership and when it was unloaded from the trailer the brake fluid started pouring out. the dealership said that the master brake cylinder had melted. *tr
- Service brakes
The heat build up under the body coverings has melted the top cover of the brake master cylinder. the master cylinder IS located inches from the exhaust pipe from the rear cylinder. continued degradation of the plastic cover would leak brake fluid directly onto the exhaust, and could lead to a fire hazard, as the brake fluid would leak onto the exhaust pipe just before the catalytic converter. *tr
- Service brakes
Plastic cap on top of master cylinder melted causing brake fluid to pour out onto the ground. this could have been a dangerous situation causing a fire or explosion, since the master cylinder IS to the right and below the gas tank. Also, a rider could be traveling at a high rate of speed and…
Plastic cap on top of master cylinder melted causing brake fluid to pour out onto the ground. this could have been a dangerous situation causing a fire or explosion, since the master cylinder IS to the right and below the gas tank. Also, a rider could be traveling at a high rate of speed and suddenly lose brake pressure and have no way to stop. about 3-4 inches in front of the mc IS an exhaust pipe that gets very hot. brp, the manufacturer, should address this problem with a heat shield or some other remedy to keep heat off the plastic cap or replace the cap with a more heat-resistant material. more and more riders that own 2013 spyders are reporting this problem. this looks like a design defect. *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.
- 10200278Air scoop retrofit kits.
- 10200277Special repair needed at PDI.
- 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.
- 10186274Trailer module may fail.
- 10186272RT-622 Trailers may experience electrical issues due to trailer light module failure.
- 10185880Upper belt guard falling off.
- 10185879Not shifting when engine gets warm.
- 10185874Warranty campaign explanation.
- 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.
- 10129598Technical Service Tip (TST) informing dealers that that a very limited quantity of the vehicles identified in the letter may have been produced with incorrectly routed electrical wires and brake lines. A very limited quantity of vehicles may have been produced with incorrectly routed electrical wires and brake lines. Dealership has received by regular mail and by e-mail the specific instructions concerning the inspection, repair and warranty procedures for this situation.
- 10129597Letter to dealers informing them that a very limited quantity of the vehicles identified in the letter may have been produced with incorrectly routed electrical wires and brake lines. Instruction are provided.
- 10126530Letters to dealers and customers informing them of the 2013-8 warranty bulletin issued on August 30th regarding Tandem Master Cylinder Manifold Inlet - Fire Hazard.
- 10126529Posting informing the community that BRP has been investigating multiple issues with 2013 units and it has come up with a number of solutions. Technical service tips (TST) has been made to assist with diagnostics. TST also goes over numerous campaigns and bulletins.
- 10126526Warranty bulletin addressing a possible front shocks dampening issue. Some vehicles may have been produced with shock absorbers without enough dampening. The proposed solution is to replace both front shocks if problem is encountered.
- 10125482Letters to dealers and customers informing them of the 2013-8 warranty bulletin issued on August 30th regarding Tandem Master Cylinder Manifold Inlet - Fire Hazard.
- 10125481Posting informing the community that BRP has been investigating multiple issues with 2013 units and it has come up with a number of solutions. Technical service tips (TST) has been made to assist with diagnostics. TST also goes over numerous campaigns and bulletins.
- 10125478Warranty bulletin addressing a possible front shocks dampening issue. Some vehicles may have been produced with shock absorbers without enough dampening. The proposed solution is to replace both front shocks if problem is encountered.
- 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.
- 10120762Technical Service Tip (TST) addressing that in order to properly investigate a Soft suspension complaint, provide the information listed to the BRP technical support team.
- 10120761Posting discussing a possible solution for the Engine coolant over temperature condition, that will be added to the TST.
- 10120760Posting discussing the Technical Service Tip (TST) about a diagnostic trouble code - Engine coolant over temperature condition.
- 10120759Technical Service Tip (TST) addressing a diagnostic trouble code - Engine coolant over temperature condition.
- 10120470Technical Service Tip (TST) (revision): Customer may complain of excessive heat felt on the lateral panels in certain riding conditions. Steps to install panels. Make sure the unit has the 2013-9 Warranty Campaign ECM update perform prior to the installation of these panels.
- 10120469Technical Service Tip (TST): A very limited quantity of vehicles may have been produced with incorrectly routed electrical wires and brake lines. Dealerships has received the specific instructions concerning the inspection, repair and warranty procedures for this situation. Letter to dealers sent on December 3, 2012 is attached.
- 10119474Posting about some units stalling at idle when coming to a stop with the drive train disengaged. The occurrence will be reduced with time and eliminated after the performance of the 1st maintenance or as the engine brake-in is completed.
- 10119471Warranty bulletin addressing the problem that some units left the factory with the wheel alignment out of the specification. The solution is to verify the wheel alignment and, if necessary, adjust it according to the improved procedure.
- 10119469Posting and updates regarding the issue of handling behaviors on some 2013 models. Specific instructions is given by BRP to dealers.
- 10118139Technical Service Tip (TST) related to clutch engagement which could chatter or shutter.
- 10107421Posting and updates regarding the issue of handling behaviors on some 2013 models. Specific instructions IS given by brp to dealers.
- 10107404Posting and updates regarding the issue of handling behaviors on some 2013 models. Specific instructions IS given by brp to dealers.
- 10107403Posting and updates regarding the issue of handling behaviors on some 2013 models.
- 10107402Posting addressing the problem that some 2013 units may have been delivered with an "out of specification" alignment. If the dealer finds that the unit IS affected, they need to follow the link to tst and follow the detailed instructions
- 10107262Warranty bulletin addressing the problem that some vehicles have been produced using front suspension lower arm ball joints with too high friction that may affect the dynamic driving performance and the customer satisfaction. The proposed solution IS to replace suspension lower arm ball joints (both sides).
- 10107261Technical service tip (tst) addressing the problem that some 2013 units may have been delivered with an "out of specification" alignment. If a customer complains about this issue or if dealer experience an handling issue while performing the pdi road test, a front wheel alignment and verification need to be performed.
- 10107216Discussion concerning the alignment problems with certain models.
- 10088543Technical service tip (tst): customer may complain of excessive heat felt on the lateral panels in certain riding conditions. Solution IS to install the air scoop panel kit. Make sure the unit has the 2013-9 warranty campaign ecm update perform prior to the installation of these panels.
- 10088485Technical service tip (tst):instruction to be followed if a customer complains of excessive heat felt on the lateral panels in certain riding conditions. The solution IS to make sure the unit has the 2013-9 warranty campaign ecm update perform prior to the installation of these panel and the installation the air scoop panel kit.
- 10084722Revison 1 of warranty bulletin 2013-9 adressing 3 problems: a) seal the front fuse boxes because water may infiltrate either of the front fuse boxes; b) update ecm software because code p1614 may be triggered and cause a limp home mode when starting the engine; c) replace upper belt guard retaining screws that may not secure the belt guard properly.
- 10084702Technical service tip (tst): brp has received reports concerning the brake light staying lit when the brake pedal IS resting on the bump stop. This will cause battery drainage. There are 2 reasons the brake light switch may not operate correctly.the brake light switch support plate IS warped or the brake light switch plunger IS dirty and sticking. This requires the replacement of the brake light switch and possibly the support plate depending on the production date of the unit.
- 10056676Brp mc: in certain riding condition, excessive heat IS felt on lateral panels. Model 2013 rs/st.
Every Can-Am Spyder ST model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.