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2009 Can-Am Spyder GSProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 14 owner complaints about the 2009 Can-Am Spyder GS, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 12V-581 the manufacturer reports only 50% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Lowest repair rate 50%Owner complaints146 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage4kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 15, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2009 Can-Am Spyder GS has problems

14 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Steering70
Engine and engine cooling21
Power train10
Service brakes10
Electrical system11
Vehicle speed control11
Engine11
Exterior lighting10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2009 Can-Am Spyder GS recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

50%repaired · 2015 Q4

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 12V-581 · Dec 12, 2012 · 9,600 vehicles · 4,768 repaired

Risk. Fuel vapors in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and personal injury.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

73%repaired · 2015 Q4

Tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Recall 12V-582 · Dec 12, 2012 · 33,700 vehicles · 24,533 repaired

Risk. If the fuel cap does not seal properly, it may leak fuel vapors.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Can-Am.

Best & worst years

2009 vs. every other Spyder GS year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Spyder GS median. How we score

'08'09
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Spyder GS owners report

Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

BIKE WENT IN (LIMP MODE) BECAUSE DYNAMICPOWER STEERING(DPS) UNIT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, CAN AM/BRP HAD A RECALL OF THE (DPS) UNITS ON SEPTEMBER 7,2010, HOWEVER IS NOW REFUSING TO REPAIR MY CAN-AM PURSUANT TO SAID RECALL.
Complaint 10763317 · Sep 12, 2015 · 11,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CAN-AM SPYDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH ON MAY 26, 2010, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE SUDDENLY CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE CONTACT HAD TO SLOWLY APPLY THE BRAKES TO GAIN CONTROL. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPAIRED FOR RECALL 09V162000…
Complaint 10332370 · May 26, 2010 · 4,674 miles
STEERING LOCK ON CAN AM SPYDER WHILE DRIVING. STEERING LOCKED UP SEVERAL TIMES AND HAD TO BE PUSHED QUITE HARD TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, THUS CAUSING THE IMMEDIATE JERKING OF THE WHEELS, WHILE MOVING. THIS WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND HAS LED TO A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
Complaint 10326677 · Apr 20, 2010 · 6,800 miles

Own a 2009 Spyder GS?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.