Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0 | −56% | 2 | — | Few |
| 2014 | 4 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Few |
| 2013 | 4 | 1.5× | 2 | Electrical | Few |
| 2006 | 7 | 1.5× | 2 | Suspension | Few |
| 2005 | 7 | typical | 1 | Airbag | Few |
| 2004 | 8 | 2.0× | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2003 | 5 | −33% | 4 | Airbag | Few |
| 2001 | 1 | −56% | 2 | Fuel System | Few |
| 2000 | 4 | 1.5× | 3 | Window & Wiper | Few |
| 1999 | 2 | typical | 3 | Steering | Few |
| 1998 | 3 | typical | 3 | Steering | Few |
| 1997 | 3 | 1.3× | 3 | Body | Few |
| 1996 | 8 | 1.8× | 2 | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Viper year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Dodge Viper problems
Latest Dodge Viper recalls
Air bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module may inadvertently deploy the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC module, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2016 MY Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured January 6, 2016, to January 8, 2016. A defective vibration weld on the passenger airbag chute may cause the passenger air bag door to detach during the air bag deployment.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side upper panel assembly, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Air bags › Frontal
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured May 24, 2016, to August 28, 2016. The wires for the driver's frontal air bag may be pinched.
Remedy: Dodge will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag and clockspring, free of charge. The recall is began on November 17, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge.
Power train › Clutch assembly › Pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Dodge Viper should you avoid?
None of the Dodge Viper years has an unusually high number of complaints compared with the others at the same age.
What is the best year for the Dodge Viper?
2001 has the fewest complaints compared with other Viper years at the same age, followed by 2016 and 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Dodge Viper problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the body & structure (13), air bags (13) and steering (12). Body complaints peak in the 1996 model year.
How many recalls has the Dodge Viper had?
15 recalls across 1996–2016. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Dodge Viper recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.