RoadVitals

2008 Can-Am Spyder Gs

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
31
Latest May 21, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Dec 12, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 31 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder Gs, most frequently naming the steering, electrical and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 20 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering2046.5%
  • Electrical511.6%
  • Fuel system49.3%
  • Engine37.0%
  • Body & structure37.0%
  • Driver assistance37.0%
  • Brakes24.7%
  • Interior & seats12.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Dec 12, 2012
33,700 units potentially affected
The defect: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Can-Am Spyder GS, RS, and RT series vehicles. The fuel cap may not fit onto the fuel tank filler neck, preventing it from sealing properly.
The risk: If the fuel cap does not seal properly, it may leak fuel vapors. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and personal injury.
The remedy: BRP will notify owners and send them a replacement fuel cap, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in mid-January 2013. Owners may contact BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Dec 12, 2012
9,600 units potentially affected
The defect: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2008-2009 Can-Am Spyder GS and model year 2010 Can-AM Spyder RS vehicles. Fuel vapors may exit the fuel vapor canister vent hose in the enclosed engine compartment.
The risk: Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and personal injury.
The remedy: BRP will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel vapor canister vent hose and replace and re-route it, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 26, 2012. Owners may contact BRP AT 1-888-638-5397.
Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Dec 12, 2007
476 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THERE IS A PRESENCE OF AN ABNORMAL QUANTITY OF AIR IN THE HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT OF THE FRONT BRAKE. ALSO SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE ONE OR TWO BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAPS THAT ARE SEALED AND THIS COULD CREATE A VACUUM WHICH COULD LEAD TO ADSORPTION OF AIR INTO THE BRAKE CIRCUITS. THE BRAKE PEDAL MAY GO ALMOST TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSING.
The risk: A DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The remedy: BRP HAS NOTIFIED EACH OWNER INFORMING THEM OF THIS PROBLEM AND SCHEDULING A PICK-UP TIME TO RETRIEVE THE VEHICLE. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND PERFORM A BLEEDING OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS NEEDED. THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAPS WILL BE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE SYSTEM PRESSURE WILL BE VALIDATED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRP AT 1-888-864-2002.
BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Manufacturer number 2008-0001View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed May 21, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER GS. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DPS AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DPS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000. *TR *AS *BF *AS 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA ID
11209121
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
14,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 18, 2018
Crash reported

2008 CAN-AM SPYDER GS THIS BIKE IS WORTHLESS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BACK. MY BIKE WILL NOT GO OUT OF LIMP MODE EVER AGAIN. CAN'T BE FIXED. SPENT A LOT OF MONEY AND TIME TRYING TO FIGURE OUT ISSUE AT DEALER. NO TECHNICIAN THAT EVEN KNOW THE YEAR AND ANY PROBLEM ISSUES. RECALL THIS BIKE OR AT LEAST MAKE IT RIGHT!

NHTSA ID
11141368
Incident
Oct 18, 2018
Mileage
4,000 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 24, 2017

I PURCHASED A 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER GS IN 2008. VIN [XXX] VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE 03/06/2008 BRP ISSUED A RECALL ON SEPT 7, 2010 FOR A DYNAMIC POWER STEERING (DPS) UNIT REPLACEMENT HTTPS://CAN-AM.BRP.COM/SPYDER/OWNERS/SAFETY/SAFETY-RECALLS/DYNAMIC-POWER-STEERING--DPS--UNIT-REPLACEMENT.HTML THE RECALL WAS DUE TO A FAULTY POWER STEERING CONTROL UNIT, WHICH SEVERELY HAMPERED THE ABILITY TO TURN THE BIKE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS FOR SHARPER TURNS. I HAD THE DPS REPLACED IN 2011. THE UNIT HAS AGAIN FAILED, AND THE REPAIR SHOP (DEL AMO MOTORSPORTS IN REDONDO BEACH, CA...WHO DID THE ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT) HAS CONFIRMED THAT THE FAILURE IS THE EXACT SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL. I FILED A CASE NUMBER WITH BRP, BRP CASE # 01010694, WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY COVER THE REPLACEMENT AGAIN, AS THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED. UPON FILING THE REQUEST, CAN-AM DID REJECT THE CLAIM AND SAID THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIRS AS A RECALL. THIS IS NOT SIMPLY A REPAIR TO A REPAIR. THIS IS ANOTHER FAILURE OF THE RECALL, WHICH MEANS THIS SHOULD FALL UNDER THE RECALL CONDITIONS AGAIN. I AM NOT ASKING FOR CAN-AM TO COVER ALL OF THE WORK, SIMPLY COVER THE PART (THE DPS UNIT), WHICH COSTS OVER $1200 USD. AS A RECALLED PART THEY SHOULD HONOR THE PART FOR AN ACCEPTABLE PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE. IN THIS CASE, THE REPLACED DPS UNIT HAS ONLY LASTED FOR 2-3000 MILES, WHICH IS UNACCEPTABLE. BRP SHOULD COVER ALL OF THE RECALL REPAIR, OR AT LEAST THE PART (THE NEW DPS UNIT), WHICH TOTALS OVER $1200 USD. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11025222
Incident
Aug 20, 2017
Mileage
9,500 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 4, 2016

MY VSS,ABS, AND 4 OTHER CODES CONSTANTLY FLASH. THIS MACHINE LOSES POWER BEFORE I GET TO THIRD GEAR. I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY CITY STREET DURING LUNCH HOUR TRAFFIC WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE I LOSE POWER AND I GET A CHECK DPS ,VSS FAULT, HIGHTEMP, CHECK ENGINE AND ABS WARNINGS. ALMOST REAR ENDED BEFORE SWAYING OFF THE ONTO THE SHOULDER. ONE DAY ITS RUNNING FINE THE NEXT DAY EVERY WARNING LIGHT ON IT COMES ON THERE ARE SOME REAL ISSUES FOR A BIKE THAT HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND WITH SUCH LOW MILES . THIS PURCHASE HAS CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT PURCHASING A NEW ONE . I LOVE THE WHOLE CONCEPT BUT THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO GET A LOT OF THINGS CORRECTED TO WIN ME OVER AGAIN. I WILL NOT ALLOW MY SON OR WIFE TO RIDE BECAUSE I FEAR FOR THEM IF THIS THING MALFUNCTION IN TRAFFIC. PLEASE BPR DO SOMETHING TO FIX THIS MADNESS. GREAT IDEA BUT IT HAS NOT LIVED UP TO EXPECTATIONS, TOO MUCH MONEY SPENT FIXING THIS BIKE. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 IN REPAIRS AND I STAY IN LIMP MODE. NOT FAIR ! BACK TO THE SHOP AGAIN ,THIS TIME IT WILL HAVE A FOR SALE SIGN ATTACHED !!!!

NHTSA ID
10893331
Incident
Aug 4, 2016
Mileage
27,000 mi
Body & structureEngineFuel system
Filed Jun 20, 2016
Fire reported

WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 CAN AM SPYDER ON CT-2 WEST BOUND IN CONNECTICUT AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM IN SLOW MOVING, STOP & GO TRAFFIC MY WIFE (WHO WAS THE PASSENGER) NOTICED BY HER RIGHT FOOD THERE WERE FIRE FLAMES COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. SIMULTANEOUSLY I NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. I STOPPED THE BIKE IMMEDIATELY AND BOTH ME AND MY PASSENGER DISMOUNTED THE BIKE. WE QUICKLY MOVED AWAY FROM THE BIKE AS WE FEARED OUR SAFETY WAS IN JEOPARDY. WE COULD NOT RETRIEVE ANY OF OUR BELONGINGS. THE BIKE THEN BECAME COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FIRE/FLAMES. WE CALLED 911 EMERGENT. THE BIKE COMPLETELY BURNED TO THE FRAME BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND STATE TROOPER ARRIVED AT THE SCENE. SEE ATTACHED PHOTOS. WE HAVE MORE PHOTOS IF NEEDED.

NHTSA ID
10875439
Incident
Jun 6, 2016
Mileage
8,000 mi
Steering
Filed Aug 31, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER GS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT REQUIRED FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V162000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,500.

NHTSA ID
10760438
Incident
Jul 1, 2015
Mileage
9,500 mi
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed May 24, 2015

THE DYNAMIC POWER STEERING UNIT WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED ON 12-15-2010. WHEN A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK IT IN TO RIDE NOW POWER SPORTS PHOENIX 17202 N. CAVE CREEK RD. PHOENIX, AZ. 85032. IT ALSO FLASHED ON THE DASH THAT THE DPS UNIT NEEDED CHECKED. ON 6-3-2014 THE MILEAGE ON THE UNIT WAS 12,000. THE DEALER NOTIFIED BRP THAT THIS HAD OCCURRED, CLAIM # 313909. BRP MANAGEMENT SAID THE CAN AM SPIDER WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE DEALER TO FIX IT. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $ FOR PARTS PLUS LABOR TO INSTALL. AT $ PER HOUR FOR LABOR, THAT COULD AMOUNT TO A LARGE SUM. THE TECH TOLD ME THAT THE STEERING UNIT WAS WORKING FINE BUT THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED AND COULD NOT BE REPAIRED BY ITSELF, DUE TO THE FACT IT WAS SEALED INSIDE THE DYNAMIC POWER STEERING UNIT. THE WHOLE UNIT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF A COUPLE OF THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPAIR A $ SENSOR. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT IF I CHOSE TO HAVE RIDE NOW SPORTS OF PHOENIX, AZ INSTALL THE NEW DPS UNIT, IT WOULD ONLY CARRY A 90 DAY WARRANTY. WHILE I WAS AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A CUSTOMER WITH A 2014 CAN AM SPIDER CAME IN WITH THE SAME ISSUE ON A NEWER MODEL. THIS REALLY DISCOURAGED ME TO INVEST IN A NEW UNIT TO SOLVE A PROBLEM THAT HASN'T BEEN RECTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE WARRANTY ENDED ACCORDING TO BRP ON 11-25-2013. I FEEL THIS IS NEGLIGENT ON THE PART OF THE MANUFACTURER TO NOT HANDLE THIS AT THEIR EXPENSE. PLEASE HELP ME, (THE CONSUMER), IN HOLDING THESE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DESIGN FLAWS THAT AFFECT THE SAFE OPERATION OF THEIR VEHICLES ON AMERICAN ROADS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION THIS MATTER SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).? *JB

NHTSA ID
10721267
Incident
Dec 15, 2010
Mileage
1,400 mi
Fuel system
Filed Mar 17, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER ROADSTER GS 5S Y (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL FUMES EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 09V162000 (STEERING), 12V581000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), AND 12V582000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10694869
Incident
Aug 1, 2010

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

D109338

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Trailer module may fail.

POSTING 12-20

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

POSTING DISCUSSING THE TWO RECALLS POSTED ON TRANSPORT CANADA AND NHTSA CONCERNING THE FUEL VAPOR CANISTER VENT HOSE TO BE REPLACE OR RE-ROUTE AND FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE FUEL CAP MAY NOT FIT ONTO THE FUEL TANK FILTER NECK.

Article Radio 10

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

If a customer wants to change the radio pre-set channel number and is unable to do so, here is the reason this is happening.

Bulletin 2013-9

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Service bulletin informing dealers that a new procedure has been developed to improve the replacement of the tandem master cylinder (TMC) without the necessity of bleeding the whole brake system.

ARTICLE 01-17

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

TECHNICAL SERVICE TIP (TST) ADDRESSING THE DETAILS OF THE RECALL FUEL CAP REPLACEMENT, WHERE THE FUEL CAP MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY ONTO THE FUEL TANK FILTER NECK. FUEL VAPORS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. BRP IS SENDING OUT REPLACEMENT FUEL CAPS TO ALL CANADIAN AND USA REGISTERED OWNERS.

RC-2010-0015

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

BRP: ON THE CAN-AM ROADSTER, THE FUEL CAP FAILS TO SEAL PROPERLY, ON FUEL TANK FILLER NECK, CAUSING FUEL VAPORS AND IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, MIGHT RESULT IN A FIRE AND NEEDS REPLACING. MODELS 2008-2012 CAN-AM SPYDER GS, RS, AND RT. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Can-Am Spyder Gs by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012000
2011000
2010000
2009142054.8
2008Viewing313053.3

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.