AI Damage2009 CAN-AM Spyder GS: common problems
Owners of the 2009 CAN-AM Spyder GS filed 14 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 14
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 50% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 14% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 7% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 7% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 7% of all complaints
- 6 Powertrain 7% of all complaints
- 7 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- 8 Vehicle speed control 7% of all complaints
- Steering: 7 complaints (50% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 2 complaints (14% of all).
- Electrical system: 1 complaints (7% of all).
- Engine: 1 complaints (7% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 1 complaints (7% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 14 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 2 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While traveling at less than 15mph, the engine continued to accelerate out of control. Brakes were applied but finally gave out vehicle was not able to get stopped. Vehicle with driver jumped a curb went out of control hit another vehicle. Throttle was check and appeared to be operation ok.
Put it in reverse then it blows the fuse for the running lights and brake lights
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.
I did not pay it much mind until there was an absurd amount of pain then I looked down and I seen that my motorcycle was on fire. I then pulled over and called 911 for assistance and be transported to the hospital to get treated for my burns. My motorcycle was destroyed.
The contact stated that the while driving at any speed the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer four times. They have been unable to duplicate the failure. The owner became aware of a recall but she never received a letter even though her vin was included. The vehicle was not repaired.
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.
Had to apply excessive force to correct drift, then steering broke loose and sharply jerked to the left. No on-coming traffic but it was enough to enter the oncoming lane. This continued to occur and scheduled a steering update with dealer. After the dealer installed the update, on the way home (approx.
The vehicle is a semi automatic model ( se-5) as you come to a stop the vehicle is supposed to down shift. But doesn't always do this remaining in a higher gear such as 4th or 5th. The result is when you go to take off from a stop the vehicle doesn't want to move and sometimes just dies.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,552 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 26% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Spyder GS has 23 complaints (2 years in the data). This year has 14, below average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 CAN-AM Spyder GS?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, engine and cooling, electrical system. Total complaints: 14. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: steering or power steering problems (29%), smoke, burning smell, fire (21%), jerking, harsh shifts (14%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 CAN-AM Spyder GS?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 CAN-AM Spyder GS from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.