Recall 12V581 affects 9,600 2008-2010 Can-Am Spyder RS and Spyder Gs vehicles for fuel-vapor venting. Repair is free at any franchised Can-Am dealer.
Can-Am is recalling 9,600 2008-2010 Spyder RS and Spyder Gs vehicles under recall 12V581 because fuel vapors can exit the fuel vapor canister vent hose into the enclosed engine compartment. Fuel vapors near an ignition source can start a fire and cause personal injury, and the Can-Am dealer repair will be free once available.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The fuel vapor canister vent hose on 2008-2010 Can-Am Spyder RS and Spyder Gs motorcycles is part of the gasoline evaporative emissions system. That system is supposed to manage fuel vapors from the fuel tank and canister, then route them in a controlled path instead of letting vapors collect around hot engine parts.
In NHTSA campaign 12V581, the issue is the vent hose allowing fuel vapors to exit inside the enclosed engine compartment. The recall text does not name a separate broken part or supplier cause. The problem is the location of the vapor release: fuel vapor ends up in a confined, heated area instead of being kept away from ignition sources.
There is no warning sign before failure. If your Spyder is included, the defect is tied to where fuel vapor exits, so do not rely on a smell, light, or change in how the motorcycle rides to decide whether it is affected.
Who's affected?
Covers Spyder Gs and Spyder RS over the 2008-2010 model years, all tied to the same fuel system component.
| 2010 Can-Am Spyder RS | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2009 Can-Am Spyder Gs | fuel system |
| 2008 Can-Am Spyder Gs | fuel system |
| Units affected | 9,600 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific motorcycle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel vapors near an ignition source create a fire and personal injury risk. No warning sign is listed, so schedule recall service soon and avoid ignoring fuel-vapor concerns before another ride. Repair will be free at any franchised Can-Am dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2010 Can-Am Spyder RS or Spyder Gs is included in this recall.
- Watch for Can-Am's owner letter dated December 26, 2012, then contact a franchised Can-Am dealer about the free repair.
- Ask the dealer about the fuel vapor canister vent hose inspection and rerouting, which keeps fuel vapors out of the enclosed engine compartment.
- Reference recall number 12V581 when you call, and bring the owner letter if Can-Am mailed one.
- Avoid ignition sources near the vehicle until the dealer completes the fuel vapor canister vent hose repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Can-Am technician inspects the fuel vapor canister vent hose in the enclosed engine compartment. The repair is to replace the hose and reroute it away from the condition that lets fuel vapors exit in that area, when the inspection shows that work is needed. The dealer repair will be free once available for this VIN, with parts and labor covered under recall 12V581.
Timeline
| December 12, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 26, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V581?
Recall 12V581 covers 9,600 2008-2010 Can-Am Spyder RS and Spyder Gs vehicles with a fuel vapor canister vent hose concern. Fuel vapors can exit into the enclosed engine compartment, increasing fire and personal injury risk. Can-Am dealers inspect the hose and replace and reroute it for free as needed.
What should I do if my 2008-2010 Can-Am Spyder RS or Spyder Gs is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V581. If it is, contact a franchised Can-Am dealer to schedule the fuel vapor canister vent hose inspection. Reference recall number 12V581 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost, and Can-Am dealers inspect the fuel vapor canister vent hose and replace and reroute it as needed for free. Parts and labor are covered.
What is the safety risk in recall 12V581?
The safety risk is fire and personal injury from fuel vapors in the enclosed engine compartment. Recall 12V581 says vapors from the fuel vapor canister vent hose can meet an ignition source. The repair reroutes or replaces the hose to reduce that risk.
What if I bought my Can-Am Spyder used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2008-2010 Can-Am Spyder RS or Spyder Gs is included, then reference recall number 12V581 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V581000 |
|---|---|
| Can-Am customer service | 1-888-638-5397 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V581 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V581000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →