VehicleVerdict

2009 Can-AM Spyder Rs problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 14 complaints on file for the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Rs — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

14

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Spyder Rs years?

Spyder Rs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted45 complaints2008: 45 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 15 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 7 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 1 complaints2016: 3 complaints
Spyder Rs NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Spyder Rs years to avoid →

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

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering1071%
Other214%
Fuel System17%
Transmission17%

Does the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Rs have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CAN-AM SPYDER ROADSTER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 21, 2017

“CPSC: X1460470A. 2009 CAN AM SPYDER RS. CONSUMER STATED AFTER HAVING THE BIKE SERVICED 4 TIMES AND RECALLED 3 IT CAUGHT FIRE. *LN”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 12, 0201 · fire

“RIDING ON A TWO LANE RESIDENTIAL STREET WHEN WITHOUT ANY WARNING THE STEERING PULLED HARD TO THE LEFT AND TOOK ME INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. HAD A ONCOMING CAR BEEN COMING IN MY DIRECTION I WOULD HAVE HIT IT HEAD ON AT APPROXIMATELY A 30 DEGREE ANGLE. THIS HAPPENED SO FAST AND I WAS TRYING TO COUNTER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 9, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CAN AM SPYDER RS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WOULD INTERMITTENTLY BECOME LOCKED IN GEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FAILURES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED TO RESPOND IN THE MANNER IN WHICH IT WAS. THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 9, 2009

2009 Can-AM Spyder Rs — common questions

Is the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Rs reliable?

The record is thin — 14 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2009 Spyder Rs problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (10 complaints), other (2 complaints), fuel system (1 complaints).

Does the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Rs have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Can-AM Spyder Rs. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.