Dodge Viper Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 33 consumer complaints across the 5 model years of the Dodge Viper (1994–2005) that have at least 5 complaints. 2004 has the most, with 8. Across all years, the part named most often is air bags (9 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Viper 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 7 | 20,250 | 1 | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 8 | 23,240 | 2 | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 5 | 300 | 4 | 24 | — | Not enough data |
| 1996 | 8 | 40,000 | 2 | 9 | — | Not enough data |
| 1994 | 5 | — | 0 | 2 | — | Not enough data |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Air bags9 24%
- Body and structure8 22%
- Steering6 16%
- Suspension5 14%
- Transmission and drivetrain3 8.1%
- Engine cooling3 8.1%
- Brakes2 5.4%
- Vehicle speed control1 2.7%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2005: “Left dealership after taking delivery. Drove to stop sign at end of approach ramp to highway, accelerated to blend into traffic, car immediately went out of control swerved to right hit curb and lamp post. I was told after accident by dealer that tires needed to be warmed up first or car has very poor traction. This was told to me after the fact by many different sources.”
NHTSA complaint #10105957, filed 2005-01, 50 miles2004: “The brake pedal and clutch pedal on this vehicle is rusted and presents a safety hazard since your foot either slips off or sticks to the pedal depending on the type of shoe being worn. The regional service manager for Dodge and the dealership admits an inferior metal was used to mfg. The pedal but will not make any repairs or replacements.”
NHTSA complaint #10102967, filed 2004-12, 2,000 miles1996: “1. No particular event lead to the failure 2. Differential ring gear bolts/nuts became loose causing the bolts/nuts to become lodged between the ring gear and case causing the case to crack. Gear oil leaked from the case. Possible results may be seizure of the differential,sudden stoppage, and loss of control of the vehicle. 3. 1996 Dodge Viper r/t 10 with 42,000 miles since new 4. Parts may be available, photos available from insurance company”
NHTSA complaint #10166846, filed 2006-08, 41,900 milesOther Dodge models
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About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology