Summary
The Can-Am Spyder RT has 9 recalls spanning 2010 through 2023, with the most serious recent issue being a brake support bracket on 2020 models that can fracture during hard braking, causing a complete and sudden loss of braking ability.
The 2020-2023 model years also share a brake light defect where the lights can stay on even when the rider is not braking, which prevents other drivers from recognizing when the Spyder RT is slowing down. The 2017-2019 years have two drivetrain concerns: the engine output shaft can develop fatigue cracks and break, cutting all drive power while underway, and the front sprocket can wear prematurely and also cause a sudden loss of drive power. Both conditions raise the risk of a crash. A 2017-specific issue involves low-beam headlights aimed too high, which can blind oncoming traffic at night. The front sprocket wear issue also extends back through 2015-2016 models.
The 2013 model year has an engine compartment overheating problem during prolonged idling or slow-speed riding in warm weather, raising the risk of skin burns or a fire. Going back to the earliest production years, 2011 SM5 transmission models have a defective reverse actuator cable that can allow the rider to accidentally engage reverse while shifting down normally; if that happens at speed, the rear wheel can lock and the engine can stall. The 2010 model year carries two separate issues: a brake pedal connecting rod pin that can fall out and eliminate all braking without warning, and a clutch on SE5 semi-automatic transmission models that can stay engaged when stopping, stalling the engine and locking the rear wheel in a way that may make the vehicle impossible to move off the road.
