2008 Can-Am Spyder GS
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Can-Am › Spyder GS › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
31 complaints3 involved a crash3 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
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.…
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
- Electrical system · Power train · Vehicle speed control
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!
- Steering
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…
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
- Electrical system · Engine · Service brakes
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…
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 !!!!
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body
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…
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.
- Steering
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.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Steering
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…
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
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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.
- Engine
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 destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000. The vin was not available.
- Seats · Structure › Body
The backrest, which holds the passenger from falling off the rear of this 3 wheeled motorcycle, IS manufactured from materials not substantial enough to handle the stress placed upon it, and has broken on one side. If the remaining side fails the passenger can be through from the vehicle. it IS…
The backrest, which holds the passenger from falling off the rear of this 3 wheeled motorcycle, IS manufactured from materials not substantial enough to handle the stress placed upon it, and has broken on one side. If the remaining side fails the passenger can be through from the vehicle. it IS my belief that this product IS engineered and manufactured in a manor in which someone will be catastrophically injured or the end result will be death if this problem IS not corrected. this issue has been discussed in detail with the representing dealership and the manufacturer bombardier recreational products (brp) both parties have been requested to correct this situation, and both have declined stating the failing assembly IS ?out of warranty? this issue should be thoroughly investigated by nhtsa. The writer can provide pictures and a visual inspection of this failure at my residence. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 can-am spyder GS. The contact stated that while attempting to drive, the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the power steering failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Structure › Body
While riding home from work my rear lights suddenly went out. Upon inspection the next day I found that the right fender support had cut into the taillight harness causing it to ground out. Both fender supports had begun to separate to the point that the rear fender itself would eventually come off…
While riding home from work my rear lights suddenly went out. Upon inspection the next day I found that the right fender support had cut into the taillight harness causing it to ground out. Both fender supports had begun to separate to the point that the rear fender itself would eventually come off and completely severing the taillight harness. I took pictures and opened a case with the dealer. I was rejected for being out of warranty. They said I should purchase part # 219800246 with two new supports to fix the problem, which I did all at my cost and labor. A website spyderlovers.com has cases where brp had fixed some bikes with this problem out of warranty. Other individuals that are mechanically inclined went ahead and made the repairs themselves letting brp off the hook. I was told by brp that my bike was too far out of warranty. If brp fixed one bike they should fix them all and/or offer a recall. I spent $254 on parts and 1 1/2hrs. Labor. I have the defective fender supports in my possession for inspection and pictures before the repair was made. The rear fender supports on these bikes are a hazard waiting to happen. That IS why brp came out with part # 219800246 to remedy this design flaw on their bikes. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2008 can-am spyder roadster GS motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph around a curve, the engine and power steering warning indicators illuminated with the loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 can-am spyder roadster GS motorcycle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph around a curve, the engine and power steering warning indicators illuminated with the loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and the engine was turned off. The power steering was reset upon restarting the ignition. In 2010, the vehicle was repaired under a recall related to nhtsa campaign ID number: 09v162000 (steering). The failure recurred two and a half years later. The vehicle had not been repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 9,500.
- Steering
Bike would veer into other lanes at highway speeds. Dealership repeatedly said nothing was wrong. In october 2010 I got a recall notice. After reprogramming my computer, steering worked but dps/engine light came on constantly. Dealer again repeatedly can't find problem. They reset codes and sent me…
Bike would veer into other lanes at highway speeds. Dealership repeatedly said nothing was wrong. In october 2010 I got a recall notice. After reprogramming my computer, steering worked but dps/engine light came on constantly. Dealer again repeatedly can't find problem. They reset codes and sent me on my way. In march 2013 again I took it to dealership. This time it needs a new dps computer for $1200 plus labor. They told me to call brp to see if they will pay for new computer. Brp case #4090722. I just get the run around. Too busy to get to it now. The dealer should have fixed it the first time. Excuses! It IS still at the dealership 3 weeks later, with no end in sight. My bike has a total of 4000 miles on it because I might get killed with this problem. I am afraid to drive it. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Since purchasing brand new in 2008, this unit has had terrible gas fumes when riding, and a terrific buildup of raw gas fumes in the garage upon parking. this has been an ongoing problem. several trips to the (now defunct) dealer, visits to different dealers, several e-mails to brp in canada, and…
Since purchasing brand new in 2008, this unit has had terrible gas fumes when riding, and a terrific buildup of raw gas fumes in the garage upon parking. this has been an ongoing problem. several trips to the (now defunct) dealer, visits to different dealers, several e-mails to brp in canada, and no solutions. nobody wants to address this problem, and most owners of these motorcycles have the same complaint: gas smell, carbon monoxide, lack of dealer support, and no solutions. it IS not right that every time we ride our motorcycle, we get headaches and our clothing stinks like gas fumes and exhaust. this IS an unhealthy, dangerous situation, which needs your attention. this motorcycles have a design problem that IS being ignored by can-am (brp). thank you very much for your help! *tr
- Service brakes
My 2008 can am spyder was parked with the emergency brake on. The vehicle rolled down my driveway narrowly missing my children and it finally came to rest in my neighbors fence. I have taken the vehicle into the dealer 4 times now for the emergency brake not holding and the vehicle rolling…
My 2008 can am spyder was parked with the emergency brake on. The vehicle rolled down my driveway narrowly missing my children and it finally came to rest in my neighbors fence. I have taken the vehicle into the dealer 4 times now for the emergency brake not holding and the vehicle rolling backwards or forwards. The vehicle has no warning system to tell you the brake IS not holding. This IS the only thing that holds this 1000 pound vehicle. *tr
- Electrical system
On multiple occasion due to the problems while traveling at highway speeds the vehicle lost power and I was nearly rear ended. As of 5/1/12 brp has failed to return my emails all repairs including towing has been paid out of pocket and the bike IS under warranty until 2013. *tr
- Steering
Consumer writes regarding recall on can-am bombardier spyder concerning the computer software *tgw the consumer stated he received another recall regarding the power steering unit. The consumer stated he has been unsuccessful at getting the recalls taken care of. The power steering unit malfunctioned which caused the motorcycle to veer into oncoming traffic. *Jb
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
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 several web sites that this has happened before, maybe a recall IS in order. No one was hurt. *Tr
- Steering
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
- Steering
Vehicle - 2008 brp can am spyder. While riding at approximately 60 mph on a 2 lane highway in the rain after dark the dynamic power steering (dps) seized up and I was unable to steer the unit with the normal amount of pressure on the handgrips. When enough pressure was applied to the handle bar to…
Vehicle - 2008 brp can am spyder. While riding at approximately 60 mph on a 2 lane highway in the rain after dark the dynamic power steering (dps) seized up and I was unable to steer the unit with the normal amount of pressure on the handgrips. When enough pressure was applied to the handle bar to overcome the resistance excessive over steering resulted. The over steering caused me to drive into the opposing lane and alternately on to the shoulder. The only way I was able to prevent the steering from locking up in any one position was to continuously move the handlebar from left to right ' right to left. I was lucky not to have had an accident. I know that brp IS aware of this problem but has not provided any remedy that protects the owners from serious accidents. Brp's approach IS to provide software updates to the dps units which my spyder had installed sept. 2009. According to a number of forums; many spyder owners have had dps failures. Please look into this situation before someone gets killed. *Tr
- Steering
While riding along on a long sweeping left turn the steering locked and I needed to physically force it to unlock. I since returned it to the dealer and I'm awaiting for a steering part needed for repair.
- Steering
2008 can-am spyder displayed dps and vss errors. Reset error by turning off and letting set for a few minutes. Then drove for 40 miles on highway. Upon exiting the highway at about 40 mph the bike's steering stopped working. the vehicle wanted to drift to the right only. It could not be steered…
2008 can-am spyder displayed dps and vss errors. Reset error by turning off and letting set for a few minutes. Then drove for 40 miles on highway. Upon exiting the highway at about 40 mph the bike's steering stopped working. the vehicle wanted to drift to the right only. It could not be steered even with great force applied to the handle bar. After about 10-15 seconds the ability to steer kicked back in. The same symptoms occurred again 6-7 times in the next 1.5 miles. Bike was later towed to the can-am dealer it was purchased from. They replaced the dps module which after only 60 miles IS still working fine.
- Steering
Dynamic power steering (dps) unit failure on my 2008 can am spyder. did not appear until the software update was installed as part of the manufacturer's recall when I took it in for the 12000 mile service just before the 2 year warranty expired. up until then I had no symptoms. the dealer has ordered a replacement dps unit from brp. *Tr
- Steering
Following recall service work relating to the dynamic power steering I immediately noticed smoother power steering accompanied by a small "bump" or "hiccup" when steering which appears to be a prelude to power steering failure. following an 18 mile trip after the recall was done the unit began to…
Following recall service work relating to the dynamic power steering I immediately noticed smoother power steering accompanied by a small "bump" or "hiccup" when steering which appears to be a prelude to power steering failure. following an 18 mile trip after the recall was done the unit began to display codes indicating problems with the vehicle stability system and the dynamic power steering (dps) including "vss fault", "check engine", and "dps fault". I was forced to "limp" my unit back to the dealer for further testing and repair. prior to the recall I had no codes or engine issues. the unit has approximately 22,700 miles. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10191376If a customer wants to change the radio pre-set channel number and is unable to do so, here is the reason this is happening.
- 10186274Trailer module may fail.
- 10129603Revision #1 of warranty bulletin 2009-4 about engine performance optimization, informing dealers that this bulletin has been superseded by safety campaign bulletin 2010-12.
- 10129602Posting informing the community that some of them may have seen an alert from Transport Canada regarding a recall on certain Spyder models. (recall 2012-13)
- 10129601Article informing dealers of Safety Campaign 2012-13 - Fuel Cap replacement. The fuel cap may not seal properly the fuel tank filler neck. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
- 10129600Article informing dealers that the bulletin 2009-4 (Engine performance optimization) has been superseded by safety Campaign bulletin 2012-12.
- 10129599Article discussing the safety campaign 2010-12 - Fuel Vapor Canister Vent hose inspection/replacement. In some circumstances, fuel vapors may exit the fuel vapor canister vent hose in the enclosed engine compartment. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. The proposed solution is to inspect the fuel vapor canister vent hose to determine if the proper hose is installed. replace and re-route the fuel vapor canister vent hose if required.
- 10124113Service 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.
- 10107194Technical 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.
- 10107192Posting 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.
- 10052086Brp: 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.
- 10051563Brp: the shift up and down paddle fails to work and adjustment IS needed that might improve the situation on certain model motorcycles. Model spyder gs/rs. No model years listed.
- 10032372Can-am roadster (brp): some SM5 and SE5 vehicles may experience any of the following symptoms: e or incorrect number in cluster gear indicator; intermittent power steering operation; difficulty shifting (SE5 only).
- 10030827Can-am (brp): brake pads featuring a new compound are available for all spyder GS models. These new pads are of a different color for easy identification and are designed to reduce brake induced noise.
- 10026725Brp motorcycle: transmission won't shift; get stuck in gear; check transmission fault scrolls; won't downshift; won't up-shift or change gears.
- 10026543Can-am service campaign: see document search button for owner letter.brp: a limited quantity of roadster spyder vehicles may have one or two defective brake fluid reservoir caps. Csc letter was received.
- 10026521Can-am service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Brp: csc letter referring to brake fluid reservoir caps replacement for can-am roadster vehicles.
- 10026462Can-am service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Bombardier recreational products: a limited quantity of roadster spyder vehicles may have one or two defective brake fluid reservoir caps. Csc letter was received. 1/23/09.
- 10026161Can-am motorcycle: revision 1: steering column hub and riser block installation. When installing a riser block kit over torquing the M10 nut to push the riser block on the steering column may cause damage to the threaded stud.
- 10026150Can-am motorcycle (brp): when installing a riser block kit, inappropriate torque values and/or improper block insertion method may result in a damaged steering stern.
Every Can-Am Spyder GS model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.