2008 Can-Am Spyder RS problems & reliability
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS. Last verified Aug 8, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering → | 22 | 59% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 6 | 16% |
| Engine | 4 | 11% |
| Electrical System | 3 | 8% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 3 | 8% |
| Power Train | 3 | 8% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 3% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 3% |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 33 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 9,000 miles (middle 50% between 5,800 and 14,588 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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 assist failed. The…”
Electrical System · filed Sep 29, 2017
“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 resumed normal operation…”
Steering · filed Apr 21, 2016
“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 to be replaced. The…”
Steering · filed Sep 22, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
10 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS.
Air scoop retrofit kits.
REV87480 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 5, 2016
Trailer module may fail.
D109338 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 12, 2014
Technical Service Tip (TST) addressing that on some SE5 engines a high pitched or whining noise may be heard under specific RPM only. After investigation the cause of this noise is from a thrust washer vibrating and…
Article 10-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2013
If a customer wants to change the radio pre-set channel number and is unable to do so, here is the reason this is happening.
Article Radio 10 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 22, 2013
Brp: 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…
RC-2010-0015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 17, 2013
Brp: 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. *pe
SB-SE-5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 10, 2012
Brp motorcycle: transmission won't shift; get stuck in gear; check transmission fault scrolls; won't downshift; won't up-shift or change gears. *pe
SPY-081016-01 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 16, 2008
Can-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. *pe
110608 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 11, 2008
Can-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. *pe
2008-0002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 11, 2008
Can-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. *pe csc…
2008-0002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 11, 2008
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 9,000 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.