Recall 11V081 affects 378 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT roadsters for a defective reverse actuator cable. Repair is free at any franchised Can-Am dealer.
Can-Am is recalling 378 2011 Spyder RT roadsters because a defective reverse actuator cable can let reverse engage during a downshift without pressing the reverse button. If reverse engages while moving forward, the rear wheel can lock and the engine can stall; the Can-Am dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT SM5 uses a manual transmission with a shift assembly that lets the rider move through the forward gears and select reverse only through the intended reverse control. The reverse actuator cable is part of that control path. Its job is to keep reverse locked out unless the rider presses the reverse button.
On affected Spyder RT roadsters, that cable is defective. During a downshift, the shift mechanism can move far enough to engage reverse even though the reverse button was not pressed. That means the transmission can select the wrong direction during normal riding input, instead of staying in the forward gear range.
There is no warning sign before failure. A rider would not have a separate light, sound, or pedal feel change that confirms the reverse lockout is about to fail.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 378 |
Not every 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT motorcycle is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
The reverse actuator defect can lock the rear wheel and stall the engine while the vehicle moves forward. When stopped, it can cause unexpected reverse movement. A stall without warning or unexpected reverse movement increases crash risk and risk of injury or death. Schedule the recall inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Can-Am dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT is included in this recall.
- Review the Can-Am owner letter if you have it; owner notices were mailed in 2011.
- Contact a franchised Can-Am dealer to ask for the free reverse-actuator inspection and replacement that stops unintended reverse engagement while downshifting.
- Bring the recall notice if Can-Am mailed one. If not, reference recall number 11V081 when you call.
- Avoid riding until the dealer checks the reverse actuator, especially if the shifter feels abnormal or the roadster moves in reverse unexpectedly.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Can-Am technician checks that the reverse actuator operates correctly. The actuator controls reverse engagement, so the inspection focuses on whether the Spyder RT shifts into reverse only through the intended control. If the actuator is defective, the technician replaces the reverse actuator assembly. The recall file does not list the final repair as available, so confirm scheduling with a Can-Am dealer before you go. The dealer repair will be free once available.
Timeline
| February 7, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 11, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V081?
Recall 11V081 covers 378 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT SM5 roadsters with a defective reverse actuator cable. During downshifting, reverse can engage without pressing the reverse button. Can-Am dealers will validate the reverse actuator operation and replace the reverse actuator assembly for free if defective.
What should I do if my 2011 Can-Am Spyder RT is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific roadster is included in recall 11V081. If it is, contact a franchised Can-Am dealer and ask for the reverse actuator inspection. Reference recall number 11V081 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 11V081, Can-Am dealers will check the reverse actuator and replace the reverse actuator assembly free of charge if the part is defective.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is loss of control or unexpected reverse movement. If reverse engages while the Spyder RT is moving forward, the rear wheel can lock and the engine can stall. If it happens while stopped, the vehicle can back up. NHTSA campaign 11V081 identifies increased crash risk and risk of injury or death.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V081000 |
|---|---|
| Can-Am customer service | 1-888-638-5397 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V081 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V081000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →