Can-Am Spyder Motorcycle Fires Being Reviewed by NHTSA

Federal safety regulators have launched an investigation into reports of fires involving Can-Am Spyder three-wheeled motorcycles, following reports that some of the vehicles are bursting into flames.

The Can-Am Spyder investigation (PDF) was initiated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 4, following at least two reports of the vehicles catching fire.

No injuries have been reported and no recall has been announced, as the investigation remains in its preliminary stages and investigators said they are still looking into the veracity of the claims and possible causes.

The investigators indicate that all models from 2008 through 2014 are being examined following the two reports, which may impact an estimated 52,408 vehicles. In one case, a vehicle being used by the Morgantown, West Virginia police department burst into flames on July 20. The 2011 Spyder RT was being used as a traffic enforcement vehicle.

The second incident occurred in the Mojave desert in California six days later on a 2013 Spyder RT SE5. No incident report was filed, but investigators became aware of it after someone posted the incident along with photos to a Spyder aficionado website.

NHTSA investigators noted that the manufacturer, Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP), has already issued three safety recalls due to Spyder defects that could lead to fires. These two incidents do not appear to be related to either of the three previous Spyder fire recalls, the investigators noted.

In December 2012, BRP announced a Spyder recall over fuel cap problems that could cause a fire. Then, a month later in In January 2013 the company issued another Spyder recall because of problems with fuel caps, which may not seal properly. That was followed by a September 2013 recall of several Spyder models because of a defect in the tandem master cylinder manifold inlet that also increased the risk of fires.