8 Most Common Can-Am Maverick Sport Problems- How to Fix

The Can-Am Maverick Sport is a rugged and powerful sport utility vehicle that can take you anywhere. With its unbeatable performance and customization options, it is no wonder that the Maverick Sport is a favorite among off-roading enthusiasts. But, despite its many advantages, like all vehicles, the Maverick Sport has common problems.

The most common problems associated with Can-Am Maverick Sport include:

• Faulty front and rear knuckles

• Low-quality suspension and low-ground clearance

• The issue with the belt and clutch

• Broken radius rods and plates

• Lousy shock tower

• Fragile door handles

• Lousy alternator

• Failed engine

In this article, I will look at some of the most common issues with the Maverick Sport and discuss how to handle them.

Basic Features of 2023 Can-Am Maverick Sport:

1. The Issue with Front and Rear Knuckles:

With a 17,000 lbs capacity, the stock knuckles on the Can-Am Maverick Sport are not equipped to handle the immense weight and power of the Sport.

For some drivers, this has caused the middle radius rod to bend due to the added weight and pressure of the larger vehicle.

This becomes a severe issue when cornering and hauling down the trail, as it can cause the vehicle to become difficult to handle.

How to Fix:

It is advisable to replace the front and rear knuckles if you want to increase the capacity of your Can-Am Maverick. The replacement of the front and rear knuckles prevents the center radius rod from bending.

Replacing the rear knuckle can increase its capacity up to 72,000 lbs. On the other hand, the front knuckle can be upgraded up to 86,000 lbs. It will cost you around $1600 - $2000.

It is essential to keep in mind that the upgraded knuckles are only tested up to their rated capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the vehicle’s load capacity when selecting the right knuckles.

It is also important to note that the knuckles are not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be selected based on the vehicle’s specific needs.

2. The Issue with Tires, Suspension, and Ground Clearance:

Users encounter problems regarding tires, suspension, and ground clearance when taking their Can-Am Maverick out on the trails.

1. Tire Quality: The tires that come with the Maverick are not known for their quality or durability. The tires are not designed for the terrain and may become worn out after a few outings.

This can cause the vehicle to be unstable and the ride to become more bouncy and uncomfortable.

2. Suspension: The Maverick suspensions are made of plastic instead of metal or rubber. This makes the vehicles less able to withstand the terrain and can lead to a bumpier ride.

3. Ground Clearance: The Maverick has a ground clearance of only 12 inches (30.5 cm). This is not a lot, and you may get stuck in mud or on large rocks.

How to Fix:

From problems with tires and suspension to ground clearance, Can-Am Maverick owners must take extra steps to ensure their vehicles remain in peak condition.

1. Fixing Tire Problems:

The Can-Am Maverick Sport is designed to handle rugged terrain but can quickly lose traction with the factory tires. The stock tires provide excellent grip in most conditions, but if you want to push your Maverick to the limits, upgrading to aftermarket tires can help.

Upgrading to a more aggressive set of tires can provide better grip and traction in wet and dry conditions. Furthermore, investing in larger tires can improve the suspension and overall ground clearance.

2. Fixing Suspension Problems:

The Can-Am Maverick Sport can be prone to poor suspension caused by the factory suspension system. If you want to upgrade your suspension, anti-roll bars, sway bars, and strut tower braces can help improve the suspension. 

These upgrades can help reduce body roll, improve cornering, and provide a smoother ride overall.

3. Fixing Low Ground Clearance:

The Can-Am Maverick Sport is not known for its ground clearance, but there are a few ways to increase it. Investing in larger tires can increase ground clearance, as can investing in a high-clearance suspension system. You can add a ground clearance of about 1.5 inches to your Can-Am vehicle.

Furthermore, adding a skid plate or rock slider can help to protect the underside of your vehicle from rocks, stumps, and other obstacles.

These are just a few of the common issues that can affect the performance of your Can-Am Maverick Sport. Taking the time to upgrade your tires, suspension, and ground clearance can make all the difference in your off-roading experience.

3. The Issues with Belt and Clutch:

Few Can-Am Maverick users have reported issues related to the vehicle’s clutch, belt, and overheating.

The belt and clutch are two of the most critical components of the Can-Am Maverick Sport. These components are responsible for helping to transfer power from the engine to the drivetrain and transmission.

Unfortunately, the belt and clutch can be prone to failure due to a fault in assembling. This can lead to problems such as being stuck in a certain gear, difficulty engaging, inability to go up hills, and more.

The belts in the Can-Am Maverick can blow up the vehicle’s transmission, creating problems for the rider.

The excess load on the clutch can cause the belts in the vehicle to blow away. This generates a lot of heat due to clutch stress and limits lifespan.

How to Fix:

If there is an issue with the belt and clutch of your SxS, you can adopt some ways of making them more efficient. It is recommended to fill the housing of the clutch with liquid nitrogen.

It will help maintain the environmental temperature and extend the belts’ lifespan. You can seek assistance from an experienced mechanic to repair the clutch and belt issues. 

4. The Issues with Radius Rod and Plates:

The radius rod and plates of the Can-Am Maverick Sport are known to be weak points.

The radius rods in the Can-Am Maverick could be more durable. They are often too weak to withstand harsh conditions, and the plates tend to wear out quickly. As a result, they can easily break or bend under the pressure of rough terrain.

This problem can be especially problematic during off-roading. The radius rods can easily break or bend when driving on uneven terrain.

Even when they don’t, they’re often unable to clear the wheel assembly of the Can-Am Maverick. This can cause a lodged rock or other objects to get stuck in the rod, leading to further damage.

The stock radius rods are also not strong enough to withstand the pressure of off-roading. As a result, many Can-Am Maverick users hit rocks or sticks that can break or bend their radius rods.

How to Fix:

You can replace the radius rods of your vehicle by installing the better option of high clearance radius rods that are more durable. Adding some ground clearance in the vehicle is advisable for better reliability.

The high-clearance radius rods are available for $750, while one radius rod plate costs about $150.

5. The Issue with Shock Tower:

The shock tower brace is one of the most common issues with the Can-Am Maverick Sport. This brace is designed to strengthen the upper shocks and provide great suspension strength, but when too much pressure is applied to the shocks during hauling, the shock tower brace can break off prematurely. 

How to Fix:

This issue can be avoided by ensuring that the shock tower is sufficiently lubricated before and during use.

Also, If there is an issue with the shock tower, it is better to reinforce the upper shocks with a tower brace.

It adds strength to the suspension and prevents the tearing of the vehicle. It is easy to install and remove the shock tower brace in the vehicle. The average cost of installing the shock tower brace falls under $200.

6. The Issue with Fragile Door Handles:

Some users reported the issue of flimsy door straps in the vehicle. These issues can be caused by the factory-installed door straps being too fragile.

The door straps are the parts of the vehicle that keep the door shut and prevent it from swinging open while driving. If they are too flimsy, they cannot control the door closed securely, which could open while driving, leading to a dangerous situation.

In addition to being a safety issue, door straps that are too flimsy can make it difficult to open and close the door. The door handle may be too small to grip and pull, making it difficult to enter and exit the vehicle.

How to Fix:

You can replace your fragile door handles with billet aluminum handles. This material is much stronger and more durable than the factory plastic door handles. It can also be powder-coated for added protection and a stylish look.

When replacing your door handles, you want to ensure that you get the right ones for your specific Can-Am Maverick Sport model.

It is essential to know your vehicle’s exact model and size to find the correct handles. You can usually find the information on the underside of your door handles or in the owner’s manual.

7. The Issue with the Alternator and Steering Rack:

If you are one of the many owners of a Can-Am Maverick Sport, you may be familiar with one of the common problems you may experience with your vehicle: a bad or faulty alternator.

The factory-installed alternator on your Can-Am Maverick can only handle so much, and it will likely malfunction at some point. This is because the alternator was not originally designed to handle the additional electrical components on your vehicle, such as a stereo, lights, or music system.

If you are experiencing low-voltage issues with your Can-Am Maverick, your alternator likely is to blame.

Another common problem that Can-Am Maverick owners experience is a death grip when driving in rugged terrain. 

This problem is caused by the lack of a steering rack, which is not included as a factory-installed component on some models. This can make it difficult to turn your vehicle and make it harder to maneuver on rugged terrain.

How to Fix:

You can take some simple steps to identify and fix a bad alternator. Here’s what you need to know.

• STEP 1- Diagnose Your Alternator:

The first step is to diagnose the problem. If your Can-Am Maverick Sport isn’t running at its usual speed, it could be a sign of a faulty alternator.

Next, you can check the battery and all the wiring associated with the alternator to ensure everything is in working order.

• STEP 2- Upgrade Your Alternator:

Once you’ve identified the issue, it’s time to upgrade your alternator. An alternator kit will help you increase voltage output and boost the power of your Can-Am Maverick Sport.

It’s important to note that different models of Can-Am Maverick Sport will require different alternator kits.

• STEP 3- Install the Kit:

Once you’ve selected the appropriate kit, you’ll need to install it. Start by disconnecting the negative battery cable and then disconnecting the alternator from the engine.

Then, install the alternator kit according to the instructions included in the package.

• STEP 4- Test the Alternator:

Once the kit is installed, you’ll need to test the alternator. The easiest way is to start the engine and check the voltage output. If the output is within the manufacturer’s specifications, the alternator works correctly.

8. The Issue with the Engine, Air Filters:

The most common problem with the Can-Am Maverick is its tendency to overheat. The riders of these powerful vehicles can easily get their engine up to 3 or 4 bars in normal temperatures. And, as the engine gets hotter, it can experience problems.

The engine of the Can-Am Maverick is reliable and robust, but the wear and tear of the engine can cause problems for riders.

The air filters and fuel of the Can-Am Maverick can also be problematic. If they aren’t maintained properly, they can cause other associated components to malfunction. This can lead to more problems with the engine and other parts of the UTV.

How to Fix:

It’s also important to regularly check and maintain your fuel quality. Poor fuel quality can lead to excessive engine wear and tear, reducing the performance of your Maverick Sport.

Make sure you use fuel with the proper ratio of octane and lubricants to ensure your engine is running at peak performance.

If there are engine problems in your Can-Am Maverick, it is better to seek mechanical assistance and replace the engine with the new one if needed.

Limp Mode in Can-Am Maverick Sport:

Limp mode occurs when the engine detects a fault. The ECU will automatically reduce power and shut off less essential features such as air conditioning to protect you and your vehicle. As a result, your speed will be reduced, and the engine may run rough.

While this feature is designed to help protect the car from further damage, it can be incredibly frustrating for drivers trying to get from point A to point B.

Reasons Behind Turning ON Limp Mode on a Can-Am Maverick:

There are various reasons behind the ON position of limp mode on Can-Am Maverick, which is due to some common malfunctions. These malfunctions include:

• Overheating of engine
  
• Low engine oil in the vehicle
  
• Low battery voltage in the vehicle
  
• Electrical issues with the vehicle
  
• Sensory malfunctioning

Getting the Can-Am Out from the Limp Mode:

When the fault is eliminated from the vehicle or when the engine cools down, the limp mode on Can-Am usually turns off in a vehicle.

However, if the limp mode still stays ON, this indicates malfunctioning in the vehicle. To eliminate this issue:

• STEP 1: Disconnect the battery
  
• STEP 2: Wait for 30 minutes
  
• STEP 3: Reconnect the battery again and start the engine

This can remove the issue with the limp mode.

Cost of Can-Am ATVs and UTVs:

The major ATVs of the Can-Am category fall between the price of $6000-$15000, and models for kids fall under the category of $2500.

The starting price of major UTV vehicles of Can-Am is around $10000 and can exceed up to $20000, which is higher than usual compared to other brands.

The Lineup of ATVs and UTVs for Can-Am :

There are 4 models of ATV in the Can-Am range. One is the Outlander model, which is divided into other different models, including Outlander 450 and Outlander 570. The outlander series of Can-Am is considered a flagship model and has various specs and features in it.

Next is the Renegade model, known for its performance on on-road trails and tracks.

Next, the Maverick model has three variations:

• Maverick Trail
  
• Maverick Sport
  
• Maverick X3

Finally, the commander and the Defender model of Can-Am are designed to offer comfort at the worksites.

Final Thought:

The Can-Am Maverick Sport is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and robust off-road vehicle. With its unique features and capabilities, it can provide excellent performance and a great driving experience.

However, it is essential to understand that certain issues may arise in this model. Therefore, it is best to take the time to understand potential limitations or problems before making the final decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Are the Can-Am Maverick Sport vehicles considered reliable?

Can-Am Maverick Sport vehicles are considered the most reliable vehicles capable of off-roading in different terrains. This vehicle is packed with a triple-cylinder engine and holds an innovative design. There are adjustable racing shocks on it; the best part is its performance clutch.

Which model of the Can-Am Maverick is considered the fastest one?

The quickest vehicle of Can-Am Maverick is Can-Am X3 which can cover 112 mph.

Does the Can-Am Maverick consider a suitable vehicle in terms of fuel consumption?

Can-Am Maverick is a good vehicle in terms of fuel and can cover 30 mpg. It was tested in the 75-mph fuel economy test, where this vehicle returned 30 mpg.

How long can the Maverick vehicle last?

The Maverick vehicle can last for about 200,000 miles if maintained well. This vehicle can last up to 14 years if it is maintained well.

Which vehicle is better: Can-Am or Polaris?

If we compare the specs and working of Can-Am and Polaris, we can conclude that Can-Am is much better at working with respect to the engine. Therefore, although both vehicles perform well according to their engine and features, Can-Am is still considered the better.

Is it possible to turbo the Maverick Sport vehicle?

The turbo pump fuel system in the Can-Am Maverick is designed for better performance. The Maverick Sport has a boosted and high-volume design that provides additional horsepower and reduces the motor’s stress.