NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2015

Dodge Viper recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns and 57 owner complaints for the Dodge Viper, covering model years 1995 to 2015. The 1996 and 2004 model years drew the most complaints (8 each), and Structure is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Dodge Viper VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

12 recall campaigns on file
57 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
15 model years with data (1995–2015)

most complaints: 1996, 2004 (8 for that model year)
top component: Structure (14 complaints)
latest recall 19V885000 (reported Dec 12, 2019)

5 complaints reporting a crash (8.8%)
0 complaints reporting a fire (0.0%)
7 complaints reporting an injury (12.3%)
0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Dodge Viper complaints by model year

15 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1996 and 2004 model years share the highest count, 8 complaints each. Next come 2005 (7) and 2003 (5). The fewest are for 2006, with 1 complaint.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years

Show the figures for all 15 model years

Dodge Viper complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death

Dodge Viper complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model year	Complaints	Reporting a crash	Reporting an injury
1995	3	0	0
1996	8	0	0
1997	3	0	0
1998	3	0	0
1999	2	0	0
2000	4	0	0
2001	1	0	0
2002	1	0	0
2003	5	1	1
2004	8	0	3
2005	7	4	3
2006	1	0	0
2013	4	0	0
2014	4	0	0
2015	3	0	0
All model years	57	5	7

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Dodge Viper components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Structure is the component named most often, in 14 complaints (24.6% of all 57), followed by Air Bags (11) and Steering (10).

Components named most often in Dodge Viper complaints (top 15)

Components named most often in Dodge Viper complaints (top 15)
Component	Complaints	Share of complaints
Structure	14	24.6%
Air Bags	11	19.3%
Steering	10	17.5%
Electrical System	8	14.0%
Engine and Engine Cooling	6	10.5%
Suspension	6	10.5%
Power Train	5	8.8%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	3	5.3%
Unknown or Other	3	5.3%
Visibility	3	5.3%
Engine	2	3.5%
Seats	2	3.5%
Fuel/Propulsion System	1	1.8%
Seat Belts	1	1.8%
Tires	1	1.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Dodge Viper recalls

12 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Viper, newest first. The 12 campaigns cover model years 1996 to 2015. The 2003 model year appears in the most campaigns (4).

12 recall campaigns

Dodge Viper recall campaigns covering each model year
Decade	Years ending in 0	Years ending in 1	Years ending in 2	Years ending in 3	Years ending in 4	Years ending in 5	Years ending in 6	Years ending in 7	Years ending in 8	Years ending in 9
1990s							1996: 2 campaigns	1997: 3 campaigns	1998: 3 campaigns	1999: 3 campaigns
2000s	2000: 3 campaigns	2001: 2 campaigns	2002: no campaigns	2003: 4 campaigns	2004: 2 campaigns	2005: 1 campaign	2006: 1 campaign	2007: no campaigns	2008: no campaigns	2009: no campaigns
2010s	2010: no campaigns	2011: no campaigns	2012: no campaigns	2013: 2 campaigns	2014: 2 campaigns	2015: 1 campaign

Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

NHTSA campaign 19V885000
Reported Dec 12, 2019
Seat Belts › Pretensioner; Air Bags
Model years 2005–2006
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.
Consequence:
The unexpected deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury and a crash.
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. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE4.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 15V461000
Reported Jul 23, 2015
Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/CD ETC.
Model years 2013–2015
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. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence:
Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 15V178000
Reported Mar 27, 2015
Structure › Body › Door
Model years 2013–2014
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured October 1, 2012, to February 6, 2014. Moisture may get into the door switch, resulting in the driver or passenger door opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.
Consequence:
If the driver or passenger door opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash and injury.
Remedy:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door handle assemblies and top covers, free of charge. The recall began on July 10, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R14.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 15V046000
Reported Jan 28, 2015
Air Bags › Frontal
Model years 2003–2004
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Consequence:
Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Remedy:
Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12V527 and 13V040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12V527 or 13V040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on December 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R06.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 13V040000
Reported Feb 6, 2013
Air Bags
Model years 2003–2004
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2001, through June 30, 2004. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Consequence:
Inadvertent deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners could increase the risk of personal injury and the possibility of a crash.
Remedy:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. An interim notification iwas sent to owners on March 18, 2013. The recall began on March 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 03V388000
Reported Oct 10, 2003
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Model year 2003
On certain passenger vehicles, the multifunction switch park lamp contacts may corrode.
Consequence:
This corrosion could cause the park lamps, head lamps and/or instrument panel lamps to flicker or become inoperative. This could affect driver visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will reflash the software in the body control module. Owner notification began on December 1, 2003. Owners should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 03V292000
Reported Aug 12, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Model year 2003
On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump wiring may become chafed by an underbody heat shield.
Consequence:
This could cause the fuel pump fuse to open, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy:
Dealers will install a protective wrap on the fuel pump wiring harness and cover the edge of the heat shield. Owner notification began September 9, 2003. Owners should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 01V313000
Reported Oct 4, 2001
Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack
Model years 1996–2000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles used extensively in track type racing events and subjected to aggressive driving conditions could experiencecracking of the steering rack mounting brackets.
Consequence:
The cracks could eventually lead to separation of the steering rack from the frame of the vehicle. Separation of the steering rack could result in unexpected steering looseness and lag.
Remedy:
All affected vehicles will have a field repair kit installed, consisting of lower frame rail reinforcement gussets and a reinforcement bracket. Owner notification began May 20, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free information within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 01V312000
Reported Oct 4, 2001
Suspension › Rear
Model years 1996–1999
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles used extensively in track type racing events and subjected to aggressive driving conditions could experience cracks at the welds of the rear differential mounting bracket.
Consequence:
The cracks could eventually lead to metal fatigue and dislodging of the differential mounting bracket from the frame of the vehicle. Separation of the differential mounting bracket could result in loss of vehicle control.
Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the vehicles and reinforce the vehicle's frame. Owner notification began May 20, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 01V120000
Reported Apr 11, 2001
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Model years 1998–2001
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with racing option (acr or GT2). The 5-point racing seat belt harness, which is optional equipment on the viper may not meet the voluntary load specifications set forth by the fia (federation internationale de l'automobile).
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, the harness may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy:
The 5-point racing harness will be replaced. Owner notification began February 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Show 2 more recalls

NHTSA campaign 00V366000
Reported Nov 9, 2000
Child Seat
Model years 2000–2001
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." Some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly attaching a child restraint system's tether strap to the tether anchorage.
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, the child seat may not be properly attached increasing the risk of injury to the child.
Remedy:
Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
NHTSA campaign 97V080000
Reported May 16, 1997
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Model year 1997
The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
Consequence:
Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
Remedy:
Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
Filed by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means

What each recall field means
Field	What it tells you
Campaign number	NHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
Component	The system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
Summary	What the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
Consequence	The safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
Remedy	What the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.

Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Dodge Viper questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Dodge Viper have?

NHTSA lists 12 vehicle recall campaigns for the Dodge Viper, covering model years 1995 to 2015. The most recent, 19V885000, was reported on December 12, 2019 and is filed under “Seat belts”. The 2003 model year is covered by the most campaigns (4).

Which Dodge Viper model year has the most complaints?

The 1996 and 2004 model years tie, with 8 complaints each out of 57. The next are 2005 (7) and 2003 (5). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Dodge Viper complaint?

Structure is the component named most often: 14 complaints, or 24.6% of all 57. Air Bags (11) and Steering (10) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Dodge Viper?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Dodge dealer.

How many Dodge Viper complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 57 complaints, 5 report a crash, 0 a fire, 7 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The Dodge models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Dodge VIN decoder with every Dodge model page, WMI code and VIN note.

Dodge Durango 1997–2026 · 73 recalls · 13,762 complaints
Dodge Grand Caravan 1995–2020 · 58 recalls · 12,534 complaints
Dodge Ram 1500 1995–2014 · 28 recalls · 12,283 complaints
Dodge Caravan 1995–2017 · 32 recalls · 6,646 complaints
Dodge Ram 2500 1995–2012 · 22 recalls · 6,188 complaints
Dodge Dakota 1995–2011 · 34 recalls · 5,780 complaints
Dodge Charger 2001–2027 · 48 recalls · 5,736 complaints
Dodge Journey 2007–2020 · 26 recalls · 5,281 complaints

All Dodge models and WMI codes Look up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.

Dodge Viper complaints by model year

Most-reported Dodge Viper components

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

Dodge Viper recalls

Seat Belts › Pretensioner; Air Bags

Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/CD ETC.

Structure › Body › Door

Air Bags › Frontal

Air Bags

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Rack

Suspension › Rear

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage

Child Seat

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive