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.
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Learn MoreThe 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.
11 Comments
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LesMarch 23, 2023 at 1:50 pm
Mine caught fire after filling up with fuel at a Walmart gas station. I think it was a static discharge event
DougAugust 5, 2021 at 4:52 pm
I was writing my 2010 cannon spider when it caught on fire July 28th 2021. My Can Am was totally destroyed. I had to jump from the Cycle to save my life!
JarvisAugust 1, 2021 at 12:32 am
My wife is lying in the hospital NOW. Her 2012 Spyder RT caught fire while she was driving it and she had to jump off.
rodneyJuly 11, 2020 at 4:43 pm
2013 RT spider same as above ,, running rough smelling gas , rich smell while running ,, took on a 20 mile ride just to keep battery charged and run fuel through system ,,, got home and motor died went to crank back up and boom into a ball of fire ,,, total loss with only thing left was motor , melted in spots , and frame even wheels melted ,, if you own check for recalls
DonnieNovember 11, 2018 at 11:16 pm
My wife's 2013 Can Spyder RT which had just turn over 1700 miles burst into flames in April 18, 2018 while I was riding it on my way home from work. The bike had just had a state inspection and passed on April 14 to renew the plates. Fire department put out the fire.
JayOctober 6, 2017 at 6:04 pm
My 2011 Can Am Spyder RT Limited which has less than 3,000 miles caught fire today (10/6/2017) at approximately 11am while riding down the highway. I have kept that bike in pristine condition, and although it had less than 3,000 miles, it had received 2 oil changes.... so I don't want to hear any crap about me not performing preventive maintenance. Thank you to the COMCAST cable technician and t[Show More]My 2011 Can Am Spyder RT Limited which has less than 3,000 miles caught fire today (10/6/2017) at approximately 11am while riding down the highway. I have kept that bike in pristine condition, and although it had less than 3,000 miles, it had received 2 oil changes.... so I don't want to hear any crap about me not performing preventive maintenance. Thank you to the COMCAST cable technician and the truck driver who pulled over with extinguishers in hand. Unfortunately, their efforts in putting out the fire was too late to save my $30,000 motorcycle; as it would appears that my bike is totaled. I am currently waiting to hear from my insurance adjuster with PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE. Will someone please give me some advice, I am still really shaken up and not sure who needs to know that this bike literally burst into flames while I was riding down the highway. Thank you :-(
MELISSAOctober 16, 2016 at 11:29 pm
I have a 2008 spyder that I bought used in 2011. Because of the great weather this weekend I've had it out a lot riding pretty hard. I stopped to eat lunch and catch up with a friend after a good ride so it sat for over an hour. When I followed her to her house after with maybe a 5 min ride I noticed it was running a little warm. I shut it off in her driveway and it burst into flames just in f[Show More]I have a 2008 spyder that I bought used in 2011. Because of the great weather this weekend I've had it out a lot riding pretty hard. I stopped to eat lunch and catch up with a friend after a good ride so it sat for over an hour. When I followed her to her house after with maybe a 5 min ride I noticed it was running a little warm. I shut it off in her driveway and it burst into flames just in front of the fuel tank. We got the fire out but there seems to be a lot of damage.
JeffSeptember 26, 2016 at 5:56 pm
I had part of the front rack on my 2011 can am outlander come off and hit me in the face at 60mph and knocked my front teeth out looking for a lawyer
LarryApril 9, 2016 at 7:08 pm
I was taking my daughters 2013 can am with 1,200 miles on it ti the dealer yesterday and it also caught fire about one mile from the dealership here in Naples Florida. Glad I was riding and not her.
BarbMarch 8, 2015 at 5:35 pm
Take it back to your dealer ASAP. mine was 2013 Rt limited. It did same thing was melting lines and firebox. Almost caught on Fire. Ended up turning itin on lemon law. Got. 2914 RT limited no problems. I LOVE MY SPYDER!! TAKE your back in before it catches on fire to another dealer if u need too. I had a lawyer eventually help me but I am happy now.
FredFebruary 2, 2015 at 3:45 am
I have the 2013 limited edition can am spyder RT which I purchased in Oct 2013 from Woods Fun Center in Austin TX I have been reading about problems with the spyder and have found others are having the same problems I'm having 1) excessive heat on legs 2) gas odors while riding. 3)having to leave bike outside garage because the gas fumes fill up my garage and enter the house.4) My mileage has d[Show More]I have the 2013 limited edition can am spyder RT which I purchased in Oct 2013 from Woods Fun Center in Austin TX I have been reading about problems with the spyder and have found others are having the same problems I'm having 1) excessive heat on legs 2) gas odors while riding. 3)having to leave bike outside garage because the gas fumes fill up my garage and enter the house.4) My mileage has dropped from 140 miles per tank to approximately 105 to 120 miles per tank. and the dealer tells me that its the fuel I'm using but this is the same fuel I've used since I bought the bike.Something is wrong because ,things are not getting any better especally when the heat on thew sides is close to the fuel tank.