2008 Can-AM Spyder Rs problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.3 times the median Spyder Rs year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 8 Spyder Rs years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 49% of all reports (22 of 45), far ahead of fuel system at 7.
45
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
10
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other Spyder Rs years?
What are the most common 2008 Can-AM Spyder Rs problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 22 | 49% | new |
| Fuel System | 7 | 16% | new |
| Electrical System | 6 | 13% | new |
| Engine | 5 | 11% | new |
| Transmission | 3 | 7% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE IS A 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER ON 2/20/2009 WHILE MOVING THE VEHICLES STEERING LOCKED COMPLETELY. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE THE STEERING EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. WHILE TRYING TO TURN I FELT A "POP" AND THE VEHICLE STEERING RETURNED. THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE WHILE SITTING STILL BUT NEVER WHEN THE VEHICLE…”
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2008 CANAM SPYDER ROADSTER AND IT STARTED ON FIRE - I GOT OFF JUST IN TIME AND BLUE FLAMES WERE COMING UP FROM THE TANK/ SEAT AREA. THE BIKE WAS A TOTAL LOSS AND IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY VS. A BACK ROAD THIS COULD HAVE ENDED WITH INJURIES. THE SPYDER HAD BEEN MAINTAINED…”
“I WAS RIDING MY 2005 CANAM SPYDER MOTORCYCLE TO WORK AND ABOUT 2 BLOCKS AWAY WHILE I WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT I HEARD A POP AND SAW A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKE COME UP FROM UNDER THE COWLING. I IMMEDIATELY RUSHED TO MY WORK PARKING LOT (BECAUSE THERE WERE NO TREES OR ANYTHING FLAMMABLE AROUND) AND…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER RS MOTORCYCLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER DRIVING 5 MPH. WHILE STOPPED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP; HOWEVER AN INSPECTION WAS NOT CONDUCTED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
“BRP, DESPITE ISSUING SERVICE BULLETINS ABOUT HIGH DRIVE BELT TENSION, WILL NOT REPAIR DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE HIGH TENSION SPECIFIED IN MANUFACTURE AND SERVICE FOR THEIR CAN AM SPYDER ROADSTER. TSB 2010-06 ADVISES REDUCED TENSION FROM 1400 NEWTONS TO 450 NEWTONS TO PROTECT AGAINST DAMAGE TO FRONT…”
2008 Can-AM Spyder Rs — common questions
Is the 2008 Can-AM Spyder Rs reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 8 Spyder Rs years. It is one of the Spyder Rs years to avoid.
What are the most common 2008 Spyder Rs problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (22 complaints), fuel system (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).
Does the 2008 Can-AM Spyder Rs have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Can-AM Spyder Rs.
Which Can-AM Spyder Rs years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Spyder Rs years to avoid are 2008. The cleanest record among Spyder Rs years belongs to 2014.
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.