AI Damage2013 CAN-AM Spyder RT: common problems
Owners of the 2013 CAN-AM Spyder RT filed 102 complaints with NHTSA, most often about fuel/propulsion system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 102
What fails most often
- 1 Fuel/propulsion system 57% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 41% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 20% of all complaints
- 4 Engine and cooling 12% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 10% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 9% of all complaints
- 7 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel system 4% of all complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system: 58 complaints (57% of all).
- Engine: 42 complaints (41% of all).
- Structure: 20 complaints (20% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 12 complaints (12% of all).
- Service brakes: 10 complaints (10% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 102 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 | 58 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 42 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 20 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 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.
Finely as the vehicle was being brought down to a stop to the side of the highway, somehow with the vibration of the rotating blow tire and wheel, the right front wheel stabilizing cast iron mechanism broke dislodging the lower ball joint that stabilized the horizontal position of the right front wheel.
While driving 70 mph, a brake warning light illuminated and the vehicle required a longer distance to stop. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed brake fluid leaking beneath the vehicle. Fumes of smoke were seen beneath the seat.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 can-am spyder rt. While driving 55 mph, the heat emitting from the top of the vehicle measured 169 degrees fahrenheit. In addition, the contact had to continuously steer the vehicle in order to keep it in position.
I am very concerned that the excessive heat will melt components underneath the panels or start a fire. The panel was very hot to the touch. I did receive a very slight burn to my thigh area after the ride.
While driving approximately 15 mph, the motorcycle began to overheat and stalled without warning. The motorcycle was able to restart however, the failure recurred on two other occasions.
Within seconds after I shut down and dismounted, grey smoke started seeping up between the body panels which quickly turned into black smoke smelling strongly of burning insulation.
I have noticed strong gas smells and reported that early, but never have I had gas boiling in the tank. I put the gas cap back on and put my helmet in the garage. I reopened the gas cap it was still boiling and was going to film this, but was fearful something might happen.
I told my salesman that I have a strong gas smell in my garage .I took bike and dealership told me to leave overnight due to strong gas smell and shutting off. My bike was ready for pick up the next day.
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 3,515 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 10% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Spyder RT has 14 complaints (19 years in the data). This year has 102, above 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.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Other years of this model
- Spyder RT 201024 sources
- Spyder RT 201129 sources
- Spyder RT 201241 sources
- Spyder RT 201413 sources
- Spyder RT 20154 sources
- Spyder RT 201622 sources
- Spyder RT 201714 sources
- Spyder RT 201820 sources
- Spyder RT 201915 sources
- Spyder RT 202033 sources
- Spyder RT 202125 sources
- Spyder RT 202215 sources
- Spyder RT 20237 sources
- Spyder RT 202421 sources
- Spyder RT 20255 sources
- Spyder RT 20265 sources
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2013 CAN-AM Spyder RT?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: fuel/propulsion system, engine, structure. Total complaints: 102. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (25%), smoke, burning smell, fire (25%), stalls while driving (4%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2013 CAN-AM Spyder RT?
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 2013 CAN-AM Spyder RT 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 2013 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 2026-11-06.