Can-AM Spyder RS Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 69 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Can-AM Spyder RS (2008–2012) that have at least 5 complaints. 2008 has the most, with 37. Across all years, the part named most often is steering (37 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Spyder RS model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6 | 7,800 | 1 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 5 | 6,500 | 1 | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 2010 | 8 | 5,075 | 3 | 15 | — | Not enough data |
| 2009 | 13 | 2,000 | 1 | 7 | — | Not enough data |
| 2008 | 37 | 9,000 | 0 | 10 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Steering37 46%
- Fuel system13 16%
- Engine7 8.8%
- Transmission and drivetrain6 7.5%
- Electrical system6 7.5%
- Engine cooling4 5.0%
- Electronic stability control4 5.0%
- Vehicle speed control3 3.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2008: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10558649, filed 2014-01, 14,588 miles2010: “I purchased my Can-Am spyder in 2013 it was brand new. It now only has 5,000 miles on it. I got the dps error and took it to the Can-Am dealer they said it is going to cost me 2500 to get it fix (and that this error isn't one that could be put off). I asked if it is covered by warranty or a recall system they said no that my VIN # didn't fall in that category. I looked it up on the Can-Am website and all the website says is the make and model and year of the recall not that it is limited to a VIN # range.”
NHTSA complaint #11000262, filed 2017-06, 5,000 miles2012: “My 2012 spyder caught fire while riding it in west pembroke pines florida on a beautiful sunday afternoon at a traffic light I looked down to find flames coming up through the glove compartment cover and through the side panels thank god I was stopped and some people in cars helped me put it out now brp says it's not there problem but after the gas cap was changed under the recall I could still smell gas fumes when I came to a stop I wonder how they can say it's not there problem and did / won't even look at the bike that's a load of crap”
NHTSA complaint #11062761, filed 2018-01, 14,000 milesOther Can-AM models
260 complaintsCan-AM Ryker
131 complaintsCan-AM Spyder GS
45 complaintsCan-AM Spyder
26 complaintsCan-AM Spyder ST
21 complaintsCan-AM Spyder F3
19 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology