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2008 Can-Am SpyderProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 2 owner complaints about the 2008 Can-Am Spyder, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints20 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage2kSteering, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 28, 2026. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Can-Am Spyder has problems

2 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
Steering20
Electrical system10

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

1 recall

2008 Can-Am Spyder 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.

–no report yet

Steering

Recall 09V-162 · May 19, 2009 · 16,361 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, IT CAN LEAD TO A TEMPORARY OUT OF LANE EXCURSION OF THE VEHICLE WHICH INCREASES THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH WITH OTHER TRAFFIC AND OR A DRIVE…

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

2008 vs. every other Spyder 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 median. How we score

'08'09'10'13
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Spyder owners report

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

WANTED ONE OF THESE FOR A LONG TIME, FOUND THIS ONE WITH 1520 MILES ON IT. JUST RODE IT HOME, 160 MILES, AND I WAS ABOUT KILLED. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT TURN UNLESS I EXERTED A LOT OF PRESSURE AND THEN IT WOULD "BREAK LOOSE" AND DART ANOTHER DIRECTION.…
Complaint 11143560 · Oct 28, 2018 · 1,550 miles

Own a 2008 Spyder?

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