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2008 Can-Am Spyder RS problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS is steering, typically around 6,000 miles. It has 6.2 times the complaints of a typical Spyder RS model year.

Typical year6.2x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
37
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
10
Worst area
Steering

The worst 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS 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
    22
  • Fuel system
    7
  • Engine
    5
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS

Fire or smoke 7

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS 10

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

What 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 29, 2017 · Electrical, Steering · 10,000 miles · FL

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 contact had to apply excessive force in order to steer the motorcycle. The contact took the motorcycle to the tampa bay power sports dealer (13521 n florida avenue, tampa, fl; 813‑968‑7888) and informed the contact that the failure was related to the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v162000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The motorcycle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that due to the previous recall and warranty, the vehicle was deemed repaired and would not receive a second repair free of charge. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 10,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2016 · Steering · 15,000 miles · NM

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; however, a check dps warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times for the same failure. On one occasion, the dps was reset. The vehicle was also taken to an independent mechanic where the rotor alternator was replaced. In 2010, the previous owner had the vehicle serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 09v162000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.

Filed Sep 22, 2015 · Steering · 19,500 miles · MS

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 manufacturer was notified. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 19,500.

Filed Jul 27, 2014 · Fuel system · 15,000 miles · CA

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

Filed Jun 19, 2014 · Engine · 17,000 miles · MI

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. The dealer claims this is a normal thing, and bombardier says it is suppose to happen in extreme heat. But 78 degrees is not extreme heat. Someone is going to die because of this defect.

Filed Jan 6, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 14,588 miles · FL

I purchased a 2008 can-am spyder and had issues with the brake failure light. As I investigated more into it, I discovered multiple recalls listed for this particular bike. I took the bike to a certified can am dealer in st augustine in may 2013 first coast power sports. They kept the bike the first time 62 days, when it was returned to me, I was able to use for 1 week before I had to return to the shop. When it was returned to me the second time, I was able to keep for about a month when the brake failure light came on again, when I returned it to the shop, I was advised the bike needed the brakes bled and it would cost $700. I have been told that the bike was unrepairable and I needed to get a different bike by this dealer ship. The bike was suppose to returned to me during the thanksgiving weekend but the delivery driver was not available. I was assured I would receive the bike within the week. I received a phone call a week later from the new service manager and was told they used parts off my bike to repair someone elses bike instead of delivering my bike to me. Six weeks later, I still do not have my bike as they are waiting for a replacement part. I was told the person who originally worked on my bike was not certified to work on can am products and caused more harm then good. I attempted to talk with the owner of the company and he refused to discuss the situation with me. Bob (the service manager) keeps advising me there is not part and unsure how long the delay is going to be. The spyder is my primary form of transportation during the last two years, I have lost shift of work because of the repair delays. I am unsure exactly how many parts were removed from my bike or how many used parts were placed on my bike which may lead to the reason the repairs were not effective. It appears to me that this company is dealing in stolen parts for profit.a

Filed Feb 26, 2013 · Fuel system · 7,100 miles · KY · fire

Can am spyder was being ridden by owners when it caught fire and within 5 minutes the gas tank had exploded and bike was engulfed in flames . The motorcycle had been in the dealership less than a month before the incident and nothing was mentioned of problems with the evaporation canister which we have since heard there was problems with this make and year. We have contacted the brp company and they have not acknowledged there was a problem until they issued a recall in december 2012. We could have been killed very easily had someone not spotted the fire underneath the spyder close to the gas tank and alerted us to get off the bike. Within minutes the bike was consumed in flames and the fire dept. Had to extinguish the fire. We had all routine maintenance done on the bike and all recalls performed. We still have not been able to get brp to respond to our correspondence.

Filed Jul 11, 2012 · Engine · 12,000 miles · IL · fire

Tl* the contact owned 2008 can-am spyder rs motorcycle. The contact stated that she came to a complete stop after driving 5 MPH. While stopped, the vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was towed to a repair shop; however an inspection was not conducted. There were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileages were 12,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2012 · Engine · 10,450 miles · MT · fire

It appears the foil-foam heat shield ignited from the heat of the exhaust pipe.

Filed Jun 4, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 7,500 miles · OK

Clutch failed causing motorcycle to stall in gear. Back wheel locked up and bike could not be pushed out of the road. When the clutch failed it ruined the motor and transmission beyond repair.

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Questions about the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS

Is the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS reliable?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 2008 Can-Am Spyder RS, 6.2 times a typical Spyder RS model year.

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

Steering, with 22 complaints, typically around 6,000 miles. Next is fuel system (7).

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

No recalls on record.

What year does the Can-Am Spyder RS have bad steering?

The Can-Am Spyder RS model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (22 complaints) and 2009 (10 complaints).

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