VehicleVerdict

2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs sits mid-pack among Spyder Gs years: 43 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 30, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 47% of all reports (20 of 43), far ahead of electrical system at 7.

43

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Spyder Gs years?

Spyder Gs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted43 complaints2008: 43 complaints2009: 17 complaints
Spyder Gs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder Gs years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2047%
Electrical System716%
Fuel System49%
Body & Structure37%
Engine37%
Brakes25%
Transmission12%
Lighting12%
Seats12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V581000Fuel SystemDecember 12, 2012 · 9,600 units

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.

Consequence

Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and personal injury.

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.

12V582000Fuel SystemDecember 12, 2012 · 33,700 units

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

07V561000BrakesDecember 12, 2007 · 476 units

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.

Consequence

A DRIVER MAY BE UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THREE WHEELED CYCLE STEERING LOCKED/BINDED AT ABOUT 45 MPH. OPERATOR LOST CONTROL AND RAN OFF THE ROAD CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE. THIS WAS THE FOURTH TIME THE STEERING "BINDED" WHILE TRAVELING STRAIGHT AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 30, 2010 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 18, 2018 · crash

“I RIDE A CAN AM SPYDER WHICH IS A 3 WHEELED MOTORCYCLE AND ON 8-8-10 IT SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT ON FIRE, THANK GOODNESS SOMEONE WAS ABLE TO GET A FIRE EX. AND PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT NONE THE LESS IT MELTED A LOT OF PARTS. IT IS NOW AT A DEALER WAITING FOR PARTS TO COME IN THE BE REPLACED. I HAVE READ ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 8, 2010 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER GS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE WAS PARKED, IT BEGAN SMOKING. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 2, 2014 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · June 6, 2016 · fire

2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs — common questions

Is the 2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs reliable?

It is close to typical for the Spyder Gs: 43 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Spyder Gs problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (20 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), fuel system (4 complaints).

Does the 2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Can-AM Spyder Gs. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.