AI Damage2011 CAN-AM Spyder RS: common problems
Owners of the 2011 CAN-AM Spyder RS filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 40% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 20% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 20% of all complaints
- 4 Fuel system 20% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 20% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Steering: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 5 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The dealer told me it is my "dynamic power steering unit" I had a light come on telling me to check my dps!! I first mention this to the dealer and they said I needed a new battery which that wasn't the problem!! There was a safety campaign in july 2009!!
I had an antifreeze leak from the coolant reservoir which leaked antifreeze all over the ground and onto the tires. Upon googling the issue I found out that this was a very common issue with the coolant overflow tank leaking from the backside of the tank, so common that brp (can-am) made a new version of the coolant…
I immediately noticed the smell of gas. I got off the bike to investigate, and as I got closer to the bike I could immediately hear what sounded like boiling. By this time the smell of gas was almost overwhelming.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 can-am spyder motorcycle. The contact stated that the vehicle smelled of gasoline and fuel was leaking from the overflow tank. The contact had the dealer replace the tank twice but the repair did not correct the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000 and the current mileage was 17,500.
My last ride, as in previous rides, was accompanied by the odor of raw fuel. Ambient temperature was in the mid 50's. Typical city traffic but no long periods of standing still. Engine temperature normal. Volume of fuel in the tank does not seem to be a factor.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 14,282 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Spyder RS has 9 complaints (8 years in the data). This year has 5, below average.
What to check before buying
- Fuel/propulsion system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2011 CAN-AM Spyder RS?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, engine, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (20%), smoke, burning smell, fire (20%), steering or power steering problems (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2011 CAN-AM Spyder RS?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2011 CAN-AM Spyder RS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2011 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.