Most common 2005 Dodge Viper problems
Share of the 7 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Dodge Viper complaints by model year
Best Viper years: 2001, 2016, 2003. Compare all years →
2005 Dodge Viper recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Dodge Viper:
Rear suspension knuckle fracture
ODI opened PE13-010 on April 26, 2013, to investigate two complaints alleging loss of control crashes caused by rear suspension knuckle failure in model year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Dodge Viper vehicles.The incidents described in the complaints occurred in November and December 2012.Chrysler's response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter for PE13-010 indicates that the left and right rear knuckles used in MY 2005…
What 2005 Dodge Viper owners say
Air bags
I received this recall notice. I live in the San Diego area and have been unable to get this recall satisfactorily completed due to all (3) Dodge dealership service managers refusing to complete the work telling me, "Dash parts/components can and will be broken during the (ORC) recall/repair process, due to the year of the vehicle (2005), no factory OEM replacement parts exist." Also, service managers state "Third party service/repair shops they recommend are available but they cannot guarantee the work." Generally speaking, it appears the local dodge dealerships do not want to be involved in this NHTSA required recall and have given no satisfactory reason nor opportunity for the consumer to safely and correctly repair their vehicles NHTSA has ordered repaired. The dealers simply say we'll try but there will be damage to your vehicle and parts are not available to fix it!! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Viper. While traveling at an unknown rate of speed on a straight road, the power steering failed and became tight. While veering to the left, the contact applied force to the steering wheel with the brake pedal applied. When the brake pedal was not applied, the vehicle veered back to the left. The contact applied force to the brake pedal again and crashed into a fire hydrant and a telephone pole. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained bruises to the feet, arms, chest, and back that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was damaged and towed to a repair shop. The contact was waiting on instructions from the dealer and the manufacturer to determine how the failure occurred and the remedy to repair the vehicle. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 6,100.
2005 Dodge Viper engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3L 10-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 11 / 19 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Sports car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Dodge Viper a good car?
Based on 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Viper rates few complaints: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Viper at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Dodge Viper?
The air bags — 4 complaints, 57% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (2) and suspension (2).
How many recalls does the 2005 Dodge Viper have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Dodge Viper, the most recent from December 12, 2019 (air bags). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Dodge Viper?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001, 2016 and 2003. See the full Dodge Viper years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Dodge Viper problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 24,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.