2013 RT Fire, 26 July 2014

[MikeT]

This is what happens when PROFIT becomes the god, and the customer becomes the PAWN in the game. Seems like this the prevailing attitude in business today.
No one can tell me that BRP didn't know that there was a high likelyhood of a fire producing fuel issue in certain '08-'13 models. Let's not forget the poor chap somewhere on this forum that is having issues with his 622 eating tires, and BRP's reluctance to "do the right thing". Instead he is being made to jump thru many hoops. What about the rear tires on the 1330s?
I've been lurking around here for a little over a year trying to gather information about the RTs knowing full well that I was facing a complicated reconstructive surgery on my left hand/wrist and forearm which could curtail my riding because of not being able to operate the clutch for an extended trip post rehab. I had that surgery on May 16th, and have been on STD since.
I've only known ONE person that BRP responded to in a "timely"and appropriate fashion when her '13 RT model went up in flames. That's ONE out of how many? Is it possible that BRP makes people sign non-disclosure agreements when they receive replacement products,, or compensation and so "we" never find out about their good deeds here?
Just based on the stories I have read, I've come to the conclusion that BRP is way too much of a customer insensitive company for my liking. I'll figure out how to operate my clutch on my current ride, or give up riding all together.
Mike

 

[SpyderAnn01]

This is what happens when PROFIT becomes the god, and the customer becomes the PAWN in the game. Seems like this the prevailing attitude in business today.
No one can tell me that BRP didn't know that there was a high likelyhood of a fire producing fuel issue in certain '08-'13 models. Let's not forget the poor chap somewhere on this forum that is having issues with his 622 eating tires, and BRP's reluctance to "do the right thing". Instead he is being made to jump thru many hoops. What about the rear tires on the 1330s?
I've been lurking around here for a little over a year trying to gather information about the RTs knowing full well that I was facing a complicated reconstructive surgery on my left hand/wrist and forearm which could curtail my riding because of not being able to operate the clutch for an extended trip post rehab. I had that surgery on May 16th, and have been on STD since.
I've only known ONE person that BRP responded to in a "timely"and appropriate fashion when her '13 RT model went up in flames. That's ONE out of how many? Is it possible that BRP makes people sign non-disclosure agreements when they receive replacement products,, or compensation and so "we" never find out about their good deeds here?
Just based on the stories I have read, I've come to the conclusion that BRP is way too much of a customer insensitive company for my liking. I'll figure out how to operate my clutch on my current ride, or give up riding all together.
Mike

Mike, I think that is pretty drastic giving up riding all together because you think BRP might be insensitive to its customers. And just to set the record straight it is a woman who is having issues with the trailer tires on her RT622.

 

[ARtraveler]

This is what happens when PROFIT becomes the god, and the customer becomes the PAWN in the game. Seems like this the prevailing attitude in business today.
No one can tell me that BRP didn't know that there was a high likelyhood of a fire producing fuel issue in certain '08-'13 models. Let's not forget the poor chap somewhere on this forum that is having issues with his 622 eating tires, and BRP's reluctance to "do the right thing". Instead he is being made to jump thru many hoops. What about the rear tires on the 1330s?
I've been lurking around here for a little over a year trying to gather information about the RTs knowing full well that I was facing a complicated reconstructive surgery on my left hand/wrist and forearm which could curtail my riding because of not being able to operate the clutch for an extended trip post rehab. I had that surgery on May 16th, and have been on STD since.
I've only known ONE person that BRP responded to in a "timely"and appropriate fashion when her '13 RT model went up in flames. That's ONE out of how many? Is it possible that BRP makes people sign non-disclosure agreements when they receive replacement products,, or compensation and so "we" never find out about their good deeds here?
Just based on the stories I have read, I've come to the conclusion that BRP is way too much of a customer insensitive company for my liking. I'll figure out how to operate my clutch on my current ride, or give up riding all together.
Mike

There has been an issue with four or so fires on the 2013's. I also recall two or three fires posted on 2008-2009 models. Out of the thousands of :spyder2:'s on the road--I don't think that is an indicator of an endemic problem with the whole line. I am thinking ten fires out of the whole line compared to 50,000 or so :ani29:'s on the road.

I have owned 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and now 2014. Never had heating issues or fires in over 100,000 combined miles.

On issues like this, yes, BRP is going to move slow. This is one reason most people carry full insurance coverage. You cannot expect BRP to take in everyone's 2013 and give them a 2014 because a fire "may" happen. I almost bought a 2013 but when the "issues" started cropping up, I declined.

Those that are expecting a million dollars for pain and suffering for a bike that burned to the ground, are most likely not going to get it. Fortunately, we have not had to factor in grave injuries to either a driver or a passenger. Insurance is never going to cover a burned :ani29: fully, because they look at "current value" not what you paid for it plus accessories.

Companies like BRP do not go public with their settlements in situations like this. That is just the way it goes in today's world.
I did not let the "issues" with 2013 scare me off of my :spyder2: purchase this year.

Any vehicle you purchase can have defects and issues that cause things like fires or accidents. Will you be one of the unlucky ones? That is the $64,000 question.

 

[mxz600]

Glad the OP is OK. That is some scary stuff. I hope BRP can figure these fires out but I do know they're not just sitting on their hands hoping it just goes away.

And another thing. Is it my imagination or do people hold BRP to a higher standard then say GM or Toyota. Both of those large corporations tried to cover up defects that directly led to deaths, but their sales just keep rolling along like nothing happened.

 

[Bob Denman]

Mike T,
The last time I checked; folks rarely go into business for the good of society, or to help their fellow man...
Even the folks that "work the line", aren't doing it for the sole purpose of providing a necessary product that'll make this a better World...
Everybody is in it for the money...

Do you; or did you, work for free? :dontknow:
Probably not.

As a businessowner; I sometimes find myself biting my lower lip when I hear of evil corporations trying to make money... :yikes:
Shoot: I've got my own little "Corporate Thatched-Hut" up here, and I wiould love to find a way to increase my revenues.
I'm not an evil person...Well; maybe a bit immoral and childish.. but never intentionally evil...
:lecturef_smilie: Capitalism puts food on the tables of everybody in this Country; they create the jobs, they take the risks, and they always seem to get it in the neck from folks who would rather try to tear them down. :gaah:

Whew... I feel better now; back off the soapbox!

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Mike T,
The last time I checked; folks rarely go into business for the good of society, or to help their fellow man...
Even the folks that "work the line", aren't doing it for the sole purpose of providing a necessary product that'll make this a better World...
Everybody is in it for the money...

Do you; or did you, work for free? :dontknow:
Probably not.

As a businessowner; I sometimes find myself biting my lower lip when I hear of evil corporations trying to make money... :yikes:
Shoot: I've got my own little "Corporate Thatched-Hut" up here, and I wiould love to find a way to increase my revenues.
I'm not an evil person...Well; maybe a bit immoral and childish.. but never intentionally evil...
:lecturef_smilie: Capitalism puts food on the tables of everybody in this Country; they create the jobs, they take the risks, and they always seem to get it in the neck from folks who would rather try to tear them down. :gaah:

Whew... I feel better now; back off the soapbox!

:agree: What he said!

 

[robmorg]

:agree: with Patti, who agrees with Bob! Plus, every year BRP puts out better products than they did the year before. Not many companies do that with such regularity. That's not to say that they shouldn't continue to find resolutions to the 2013 RT problem. But I don't think that they are the money grabbling company your post implies. ...and PROFIT is not a dirty word.

 

[NZSpyderRyder]

To many

10 fires in 50,000.
ONE FIRE IS TO MANY

 

[ARtraveler]

10 fires in 50,000.
ONE FIRE IS TO MANY

As long as your quoting from my post above which had many details in it--I also said:

"Any vehicle you purchase can have defects and issues that cause things like fires or accidents. Will you be one of the unlucky ones? That is the $64,000 question."


One accident is also to many. They do happen though.

 

[jaherbst]

Mike T,
The last time I checked; folks rarely go into business for the good of society, or to help their fellow man...
Even the folks that "work the line", aren't doing it for the sole purpose of providing a necessary product that'll make this a better World...
Everybody is in it for the money...

Do you; or did you, work for free? :dontknow:
Probably not.

As a businessowner; I sometimes find myself biting my lower lip when I hear of evil corporations trying to make money... :yikes:
Shoot: I've got my own little "Corporate Thatched-Hut" up here, and I wiould love to find a way to increase my revenues.
I'm not an evil person...Well; maybe a bit immoral and childish.. but never intentionally evil...
:lecturef_smilie: Capitalism puts food on the tables of everybody in this Country; they create the jobs, they take the risks, and they always seem to get it in the neck from folks who would rather try to tear them down. :gaah:

Whew... I feel better now; back off the soapbox!

Careful getting down off that soapbox Bob, you might hurt yourself. Yes unfortunately the whole world is run by greed and the "GOD ALMIGHTY DOLLAR" or Yen-Ruble-wan etc. After Flying all over the world for a major Airline for 35 years I found out it is the same where ever you go no matter what country your in or who you are dealing with. You buy your ticket and you take your chances. I especially like the life time warranties. Most companies are in business a few years and never to be heard from again.

I am 99% sure BRP will not fix this problem but R&D it out of future products. Not all 2013 owners are affected anymore than 2010-2012 years. There are a lot of 2013's on the road with no problems and few complaints. My philosophy is and always has been "make the best with what you've got". Or "Dance with the one you brought".

In all reality, it is cheaper for BRP or any other corporation to stall and settle for pennies on the dollar on the few fires that occur rather than fix the whole fleet. Cost of four RT-S =$100,000 Vs cost of approximately 10,000 2013 RT-S = $250,000,000. Well you can do the math an figure the board decision. I do not like it, you do not like it, but that is pretty much how it is. I have served on several large boards and it is always the bottom line that rules.

Back to the subject at hand, I do feel that BRP will handle each case as it comes whether you or we feel it is fair. I do hope no one is seriously hurt or injured in any of this. If so it would be a turning point for Federal help to assist.

BRP is one of the worlds largest corporations and they got there by being the "Big Company with the Small Heart" as did most large corporations. I worked for one for 35 years.

Somebody help me. I have fallen off the "soap box" and can't get up!

Jack

 

[Magdave]

The thing that bothers me most was I really hoped this was behind us. Sure the hot foot is no fun but not a possible death sentence. I have not told my wife about this since she talked me into buying one but every time I start it up now I wonder if this is the day. Yes it could be cager hit me day but I have a little control over that with situation awareness and gear. But when a company says they have a new and different fix coming out at events to help or solve a problem they KNOW about and created and say and do nothing that really irks me. They took my money while telling me the 13 was a new and improved model. They have pretty much ignored my calls with "take it to the dealer that we do not control or can assure they know anything about the product and we won't give you any information just them" Well that is just so wrong on so many levels to me. I will never feel at ease ever riding this again. For those that say sell it and take a loss well that loss puts me in a position in my retirement that destroys what little savings I had left so it is not an option. I have texted BRP Steve never got a return. Never received any follow up to any calls to customer service and case numbers and my dealer has turned over their service dept 3 times since I bought it. I just do not have a warm and fuzzy feeling about this at all with only 3k miles on the bike.:dontknow: Well maybe "Warm and fuzzy" is the wrong way to describe my feelings considering.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

MagDave have you filed a complaint with the NHTSA? I don't know if it will help your case or not but I don't think it would hurt. I filed a complaint after my fire and never heard a word from NHTSA but there is a woman who has actually been contacted by them about her complaint.

 

[finless]

MagDave have you filed a complaint with the NHTSA? I don't know if it will help your case or not but I don't think it would hurt. I filed a complaint after my fire and never heard a word from NHTSA but there is a woman who has actually been contacted by them about her complaint.

I checked the NHTSA site today and this fire is not reported. It would be a shame if it was not filed. I see many others about heat. Frankly if you read what has been reported for a spyder 2013, it's pretty bad reporting. More like complaints than actual data and facts. I read through all of them today. If I was the NHTSA most of those would be filed in the bin as not issues to be looked at. Sorry to say this but the reporting (other than a few) is just not at a quality level based on what I saw

Bob

 

[finless]

FYI if you want to read what has been filed, the site is hard to locate that.

What you do is go to:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

On the left menu is "Search for recalls, complaints, and Investigations".
Click it.

In the middle menu is a pull down for model year. I selected 2013.
Next pull down menu is make. I selected Can-AM
3rd pull down menu is lists a few choices. I selected Spyder RT.

Then click the GO button.

At the simi top of the main display area are tabs. It shows recalls first. Click on the complaints tab.

It will lest them all.. You can go through about 5 pages.

Hope this helps people see what has been reported. The site is VERY HARD to find this on and I spent quite a bit of time finding it.

Bob

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I checked the NHTSA site today and this fire is not reported. It would be a shame if it was not filed. I see many others about heat. Frankly if you read what has been reported for a spyder 2013, it's pretty bad reporting. More like complaints than actual data and facts. I read through all of them today. If I was the NHTSA most of those would be filed in the bin as not issues to be looked at. Sorry to say this but the reporting (other than a few) is just not at a quality level based on what I saw

Bob

Bob, my fire is definitely on there it is under 2013 Can Am Spyder with no model # http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchDetails (edited the link does not work) it does not include everything that I entered in the complaint though. I certainly thought that I would be contacted but never was.

 

[ARtraveler]

The thing that bothers me most was I really hoped this was behind us. Sure the hot foot is no fun but not a possible death sentence. I have not told my wife about this since she talked me into buying one but every time I start it up now I wonder if this is the day. Yes it could be cager hit me day but I have a little control over that with situation awareness and gear. But when a company says they have a new and different fix coming out at events to help or solve a problem they KNOW about and created and say and do nothing that really irks me. They took my money while telling me the 13 was a new and improved model. They have pretty much ignored my calls with "take it to the dealer that we do not control or can assure they know anything about the product and we won't give you any information just them" Well that is just so wrong on so many levels to me. I will never feel at ease ever riding this again. For those that say sell it and take a loss well that loss puts me in a position in my retirement that destroys what little savings I had left so it is not an option. I have texted BRP Steve never got a return. Never received any follow up to any calls to customer service and case numbers and my dealer has turned over their service dept 3 times since I bought it. I just do not have a warm and fuzzy feeling about this at all with only 3k miles on the bike.:dontknow: Well maybe "Warm and fuzzy" is the wrong way to describe my feelings considering.

You state many valid points Dave. I am also dismayed about lack of contact with consumers who have tried to file cases, or problems that have not been resolved by dealers. If they have adopted a "it will go away and be forgotten some day" attitude, that does not bode well. I honestly have believed and felt that customer relations took a turn for the better in the last few months. The latest issue with another 2013 fire has brought out some bad stuff again. We are early into this incident, and realistically, I do not think we can call BRP lax at this point in time. Many are watching this and how it is handled by BRP.

 

[finless]

Bob, my fire is definitely on there it is under 2013 Can Am Spyder with no model # http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchDetails (edited the link does not work) it does not include everything that I entered in the complaint though. I certainly thought that I would be contacted but never was.

Yes Ann, I saw yours or at least thought it was yours as yours in the ONLY ONE that selected FIRE. Meaning you had a fire.
So yes I am pretty sure I saw yours. But where are the others? Sad to see not a single one of the 5 we know about reported except yours

People on SL here expecting things to be done and not doing anything to help themselves.... shame....

Bob

 

[SpyderAnn01]

FYI if you want to read what has been filed, the site is hard to locate that.

What you do is go to:

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/VehicleComplaint/index.xhtml

On the left menu is "Search for recalls, complaints, and Investigations".
Click it.

In the middle menu is a pull down for model year. I selected 2013.
Next pull down menu is make. I selected Can-AM
3rd pull down menu is lists a few choices. I selected Spyder RT.

Then click the GO button.

At the simi top of the main display area are tabs. It shows recalls first. Click on the complaints tab.

It will lest them all.. You can go through about 5 pages.

Hope this helps people see what has been reported. The site is VERY HARD to find this on and I spent quite a bit of time finding it.

Bob

Bob, leave out the RT and you will get all of the complaints. It is funny, yesterday I went on the site and they asked me if I wanted to take a survey about my visit on the site. I let them know just how difficult it is to navigate. Today I went back and signed up for email notifications so we will see who else enters their experiences.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Yes Ann, I saw yours or at least thought it was yours as yours in the ONLY ONE that selected FIRE. Meaning you had a fire.
So yes I am pretty sure I saw yours. But where are the others? Sad to see not a single one of the 5 we know about reported except yours

People on SL here expecting things to be done and not doing anything to help themselves.... shame....

Bob

Bob, you won't see the one from the Demo Event and the one that happened the week before me was in Canada (I think I saw it reported on their equivalent agency) the guy in TX must not have entered his and I don't think you would see Dat Guy's this quickly. The guy in TX had not had the recall work done - he posted on FB that he Googled Spyder fires and that is how he found out about the recall. :yikes:

 

[finless]

OK Ann I got yea but based on all the complaints here on SL you would think there would be a crap load more of filed complaints on NHTSA than there are. And 50% of those are not very well written and sound more like dealer complaints.

That's all I am saying. If this issue is that big, the filed complaints is probably "noise" to the NHTSA based on what is in the database right now.

I am NOT trying to start a campaign of filings or anything like that! I have no complaints so it wont be me!

Just pointing out if you want your tax dollars to help you, and this is an issue YOU have problems with, then use the system! The little that is there now is not going to DRIVE the NHTSA to do anything in my opinion... It's 2 dozen! that's about it...

Bob