VehicleVerdict

2009 Can-AM Spyder Gs problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Gs — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

17

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Spyder Gs years?

Spyder Gs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted43 complaints2008: 43 complaints2009: 17 complaints
Spyder Gs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder Gs years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Can-AM Spyder Gs problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering741%
Engine318%
Other212%
Speed Control16%
Brakes16%
Transmission16%
Electrical System16%
Lighting16%

Does the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Gs have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE OPERATING MY 2009 CAN AM SPYDER, THE POWER STEERING UNIT LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO VEER ACROSS 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED 6 TIMES IN A 1 HOUR PERIOD AND THEN 2 TIMES WHILE RIDING BACK HOME. THIS ISSUE HAPPENED ONCE BEFORE ON AUGUST 10TH BUT THE EFFECTS WERE NOT AS STRONG AND I ATTRIBUTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 29, 2009

“I REFUELED MY MOTORCYCLE, AS I WAS LEAVING I NOTICED MY LEGS GET HOT. I DID NOT PAY IT MUCH MIND UNTIL THERE WAS AN ABSURD AMOUNT OF PAIN THEN I LOOKED DOWN AND I SEEN THAT MY MOTORCYCLE WAS ON FIRE. I THEN PULLED OVER AND CALLED 911 FOR ASSISTANCE AND BE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL TO GET TREATED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 12, 2012 · fire

“ON AUG. 4, 2009 I TOOK MY CAM-AM SPYDER TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A SAFETY RECALL ADDRESSED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSTALLED THE REQUIRED SOFTWARE UPDATE AND RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO ME. AS I WAS LEAVING ABOUT A HALF BLOCK FROM THE DEALER THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE. I TURN THE TRIKE AROUND AND RETURNED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 4, 2009 · fire

“WHILE TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 15MPH, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE OUT OF CONTROL. BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT FINALLY GAVE OUT VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO GET STOPPED. VEHICLE WITH DRIVER JUMPED A CURB WENT OUT OF CONTROL HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. THROTTLE WAS CHECK AND APPEARED TO BE OPERATION OK. SUSPECT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · April 17, 2010 · crash

2009 Can-AM Spyder Gs — common questions

Is the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Gs reliable?

The record is thin — 17 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Spyder Gs problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (7 complaints), engine (3 complaints), other (2 complaints).

Does the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Gs have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2009 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.