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2008 Can-Am Spyder GS problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS is steering, typically around 8,500 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Spyder GS model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
31
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
20
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    20
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Engine
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS

Check engine light 6

Recalls 3

Fuel system, gasolineReported December 12, 2012 · 9,600 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 12V581000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and capReported December 12, 2012 · 33,700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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
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.

Recall number 12V582000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported December 12, 2007 · 476 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 depressing.
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.

Recall number 07V561000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS 20

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 20 bulletins for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS

What 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 21, 2019 · Steering · 14,000 miles · CA

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).'

Filed Oct 18, 2018 · Acceleration, Electrical · 4,000 miles · CA · crash

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!

Filed Sep 24, 2017 · Steering · 9,500 miles · CA

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).

Filed Aug 4, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 27,000 miles · TX

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 !!!!

Filed Jun 20, 2016 · Body, Engine · 8,000 miles · CT · fire

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.

Filed Aug 31, 2015 · Steering · 9,500 miles · GA

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v162000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,500.

Filed May 24, 2015 · Driver assistance, Steering · 1,400 miles · AZ

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).?

Filed Mar 17, 2015 · Fuel system · HI

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 the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 09v162000 (steering), 12v581000 (fuel system, gasoline), and 12v582000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Nov 21, 2014 · Engine · 10,000 miles · HI · fire

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.

Filed Nov 18, 2014 · Body, Seats · 4,658 miles · NJ

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 the federal safety agency. The writer can provide pictures and a visual inspection of this failure at my residence.

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Other model years

20082009

Questions about the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS

Is the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS reliable?

Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS, close to a typical Spyder GS model year.

What is the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS year score?

The 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Can-Am Spyder GS: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS?

Steering, with 20 complaints, typically around 8,500 miles. Next is electrical (5).

How many recalls does the 2008 Can-Am Spyder GS have?

3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and service brakes, hydraulic.

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