2012 Can-AM Spyder RT Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 20%of 41 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 700miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Can-AM Spyder RT, 20% of the 41 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 700 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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!”
NHTSA complaint #11325830, filed 2020-05, 7,200 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11091174, filed 2018-05, 50 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10651343, filed 2014-10, 700 miles“Brp of canada makes & sells their Can-Am spyder three wheeled trike motorcycle in the united states. It is well known by this vehicle's owners that this trike produces a large amount of heat which is directed at the drivers right side foot rest area making it an extremely hot area on said vehicle. Since this is also where the only method of braking the vehicle resides, I believe it is a safety hazard and have been trying ( unsuccessfully ) to get the brp Can-Am people to correct this before someone is permanently injured. …”
NHTSA complaint #10499920, filed 2013-02, 600 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10906363, filed 2016-09, 6,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10088542Jun 26, 2015Technical 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…
- 10058213Jun 17, 2015Brp: possible consequences at low speed, engine compartment temperature will rise and increase burn skin or vehicle fire during ambient hot conditions. Model 2013 roadster.
- 10129604Oct 25, 2013Technical 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…
- 10119472Oct 8, 2012Posting 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…
Engine: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 Can-AM Spyder RT
22 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Can-AM Spyder RT
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology