2008 Can-Am Spyder RS Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 29, 2017 · 37 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Spyder RS years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 8 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS. That is the most of any Spyder RS model year in the database (8 years). The most reported problem area is steering (22 complaints, 59%), typically at around 5,800 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 8 fires, 1 injury. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering22 · ~5,800 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline6 · ~9,000 mi
Engine4 · ~11,225 mi
Electrical System3 · ~17,500 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)3 · ~5,800 mi
Power Train3 · ~6,500 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~36,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion System1 · ~15,000 mi
Service Brakes1 · ~14,588 mi
Suspension1 · ~5,800 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering2259%5,800——
Fuel System, Gasoline616%9,000——
Engine411%11,225——
Electrical System38%17,500——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)38%5,800——
Power Train38%6,500——
Engine and Engine Cooling13%36,500——
Fuel/propulsion System13%15,000——
Service Brakes13%14,588——
Suspension13%5,800——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2009, with 15 complaints
2009: 152009152010: 6201062011: 5201152012: 4201242013: 1201312014: 3201432015: 1201512016: 1201612017: 120171

n = 37 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2008 Can-Am Spyder RS recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CAN-AM SPYDER ROADSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THE MOTORCYCLE WAS INCLUDED IN AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING, WHICH CALLED FOR THE SOFTWARE CLUSTER CONSOLE TO BE REPLACED. THE MOTORCYCLE RECEIVED THE REPAIR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING…

Steering · received Sep 29, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 11030468

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 can-am spyder roadster motorcycle. While driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle independently steered to the right and then the opposite direction. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact disconnected the power steering fuse. The vehicle…

Steering · received Apr 21, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10860731

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 can-am spyder roadster. Once the contact began riding the vehicle, the steering failed and a check dps warning indicator illuminated. This was a recurring failure. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the dps unit needed…

Steering · received Sep 22, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10767422

Excessive heat coming from the body panel area causing the fuel in the gas tank to boil. *js

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jul 27, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10616635

Driving on i 75 northbound in troy, mi, the motorcycle overheated, even though it was only 78 degrees outside. It went into limp mode, causing rapid deceleration, nearly causing a rear end collision, which the driver behind just avoided hitting me. This has happened to my other can am spider also…

Engine · received Jun 19, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10604634

Other Can-Am Spyder RS years

2009 Spyder RS →

See all Can-Am Spyder RS problems by year, every Can-Am model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS?

Owners most often report steering, fuel system, gasoline, engine problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 22 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Spyder RS model years, the 2008 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.