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2012 Can-Am Spyder RS problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS is engine and cooling. Its complaint count is close to a typical Spyder RS model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
17
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and capReported December 12, 2012 · 33,700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Can-Am Spyder GS, RS, and RT series vehicles. The fuel cap may not fit onto the fuel tank filler neck, preventing it from sealing properly.
Risk
If the fuel cap does not seal properly, it may leak fuel vapors. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and personal injury.
Remedy
BRP will notify owners and send them a replacement fuel cap, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in mid-January 2013. Owners may contact BRP AT 1‑888‑638‑5397.

Recall number 12V582000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS 17

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 17 bulletins for the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS

What 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 15, 2018 · Fuel system · 14,000 miles · FL · fire

My 2012 spyder caught fire while riding it in west pembroke pines florida on a beautiful sunday afternoon at a traffic light I looked down to find flames coming up through the glove compartment cover and through the side panels thank god I was stopped and some people in cars helped me put it out now brp says it's not there problem but after the gas cap was changed under the recall I could still smell gas fumes when I came to a stop I wonder how they can say it's not there problem and did / won't even look at the bike that's a load of crap

Filed May 5, 2016 · Electrical, Lights · 6,867 miles · FL

Have a problem with my spyder rt motorcycle headlights not working. I bought the mc 2/2012. Have had the headlight relay replaced 4 times since 7/23/13. In april 2015, I was riding in the west virginia mountains at night and my head lights went out. This is very dangerous. The spyder dealer called the home office and they said that they could not fix it because it was not under warranty. It was under warranty when I first had the problem. I called the home office today and they told me the same thing. After arguing with technician he hung up on me. This is a very dangerous problem and needs to be addressed immediately before someone loses their life.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Engine · 9,000 miles · IL

I am filing a complaint regarding the ongoing heat problem with my 2012 rs-se5 and the lack of urgency with brp in assisting and fixing my motorcycle. I have provided written communication to brp since january of this year regarding the excessive heat problem since the purchase of this spyder in may of 2013 as a new vehicle from a dealer in springfield, missouri. I was finally able to obtain a case number from the brp rep and I have delivered the bike to a dealer in cuba, missouri and I still am waiting for any contact from brp regarding the written request sent to their representative. I was told that the dealer was contacted but in talking with them they have had no contact with anyone from brp. I not only have excessive heat problems but the motorcycle was sold to me with the fuel cap that should have been replaced because of the recall notice. I was not notified by the selling dealer or brp that I should have this cap replaced. Thankfully I noticed their disregard when reading about the investigations regarding the fire hazard. I have experience with the brp products because I owned a 2008 gs-se5 for three years that never had the heat issues that I am experiencing with the 2012. I know about right leg heat and I wear full motorcycle gear and with the new 2012 and even that protection is not enough in 70 degree temperatures. The heat is extreme on the left upper, middle, and center panels. On a day with temperatures at 80 degrees even the seat becomes hot and I have a pad over the brp seat. The heat is also extreme on the right side. I have wrapped pipes, remove lower panels, etc. And still no relief. I did not file my complaint until now because I wanted to give brp some room to make things right but I am tired of being ignored. I also know that I am not the only rs 2012 owner with these problems.

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Transmission · 7,800 miles · AZ

While driving at 45 to 50 MPH with the display showing that the bike was in 4th gear, the transmission went into a neutral state where I could not shift up or down, could only drift to the side of the road. This happened on a 2 lane road, during a sand storm and my life and others on the road could have been at stake. This is the 3rd transmission problem I have had. First incident in 2012 I couldn't get it into gear, second incident in sept 2013, couldn't get it out of 1st gear.

Filed Apr 17, 2013 · Engine · 374 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 can-am spider rs. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the limp home mode light illuminated. The vehicle then decelerated independently and failed to accelerate more than 10 MPH. The failure had recurred two times previously. A dealer was notified and advised the contact to bring the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 374. Updated 9/4/13

Filed Jan 28, 2013 · Steering · NC · crash · 1 injury

5 miles into a test ride the motorcycle developed a shaking in the front end from side to side that was felt in the handle bars. Before motorcycle could be stopped front wheels turned on their own causing the motorcycle to go left of center into on coming traffic.

Compare the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS

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Questions about the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS

Is the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS reliable?

Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS, close to a typical Spyder RS model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS?

Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is electrical (1).

How many recalls does the 2012 Can-Am Spyder RS have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

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