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Dodge ViperModel year report

2003 Dodge Viper Problems

Complaints
5filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
300miles, 1 complaints with mileage
Recalls
4campaigns on record
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
14 mpgcombined, 8.3L 10-cyl RWD · 11 city / 20 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Dodge Viper (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 Dodge Viper. The part named most often is air bags, with 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by brakes (1) and steering (1). 1 of the complaints include a mileage, and 100% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 300 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 5 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.

This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Example complaints

Air bags: “2003 Dodge Viper. Consumer writes in regards to air bag system occupant restraint control mode recall notice. The dealer informed the consumer, the parts were not available to perform the recall, and there was no estimated time of arrival.”

NHTSA complaint #10531486, filed 2013-07

Brakes: “Intermittently, while driving at very low speed and applying the brakes, the pedal went down to the floor. Also without pressing the accelerator, the vehicle surge. The dealership inspected the several times and has not been unable to duplicate the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10073388, filed 2004-05

Steering: “The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Viper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, a grinding sound was coming from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the steering wheel would not turn. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a building. The police reported to the scene and a report was filed. The contact was unconscious and transported to the hospital via ambulance where he later regained consciousness. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the rear lower control arm and ball joints were fractured. The vehicle was destroyed. …”

NHTSA complaint #10523321, filed 2013-07, 300 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

100% of the 1 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 300 and 300 miles.

100%0–100%10–250%25–500%50–750%75–1000%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (1 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 300 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

20042013220162017
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2003 Dodge Viper version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Viper Convertible RWD8.3L 10-cyl6-speed manual112014$5,850

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2003 Dodge Viper → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 24 bulletins →

Other model years of the Dodge Viper

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2005720,2501—13—Not enough data
2004823,2402—13—Not enough data
200353004—14—Not enough data
1996840,0002—14—Not enough data
19945—0—15—Not enough data

All Dodge Viper model years

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Dodge Viper have?

NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 2003 Dodge Viper as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2003 Dodge Viper is reported most often?

Air bags is named most often, in 2 complaints (40% of the total), followed by brakes with 1.

Has the 2003 Dodge Viper been recalled?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Viper get?

The EPA rates the 2003 Dodge Viper (Viper Convertible, 8.3L 10-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 11 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Dodge Viper reported?

Among the 1 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 300 miles and the middle half falls between 300 and 300 miles; 100% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.