Dodge Viper
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2005–2017). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific Dodge Viper? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
Medium ConfidenceAverageNHTSA complaints for the 2005–2017 Dodge Viper are concentrated in the electrical system, with 10 reports. Structure and air bags also show notable complaint counts. The 2006 model year accounts for the most complaints, while several years have zero complaints.
- Electrical system complaints are the most frequent, with 10 reports.
- Structure complaints total 5, and air bags account for 4 complaints.
- The 2006 model year has the highest number of complaints (9).
- Model years 2005, 2009, and 2016 have zero complaints.
- Electrical system issues, such as wiring or component failures.
- Structure problems, possibly related to body or frame integrity.
- Air bag system concerns, including non-deployment or inadvertent deployment.
The 2006 model year has the most complaints (9), driven primarily by electrical system and structure issues. The 2013 and 2014 years also show elevated complaints, with air bags and suspension being notable components.
Model years 2005, 2009, and 2016 have zero complaints, which may indicate fewer reported issues, but the small sample size means this could be due to low reporting or low production volumes.
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring harnesses and battery connections.
- Check for any open recalls related to air bags or structure at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for any reported electrical or suspension repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle's structure and air bag system before purchase.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
9 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
Safety Recall
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Safety Recall
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2005–2017. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 23 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
23 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact was driving a 2006 Dodge Viper. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the rear differential locked, causing the rear tires to not rotate. The rear of the vehicle then skidded and crashed into a ditch, and flipped, coming to a stop 100-150 feet upside down in the ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that the rear differential was previously serviced at a dealer. The contact sustained neck and back injuries. Medical attention was later required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for an air bag recall, and when asked the technician who performed the recall remedy why the air bags did not deploy, it was informed that the dealer did not have adequate software to complete the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,378.
THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE, R13 AND VE4 BUT I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET THESE COMPLETED BECAUSE THE DEALER AND DODGE STATE THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR WELL OVER 1 YEAR. I HAVE CALLED MANY TIMES TO BOTH THE DEALER AND DODGE BUT ALL I GET IS WE HAVE NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR THESE PARTS. I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT THESE TWO RECALLS BEING COMPLETED. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU CAN TO DO HELP IN GETTING THIS TWO RECALLS COMPLETED? THANK YOU
I GOT A RECALL NOTICE BUT CANNOT FIND A DEALERSHIP WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE THAT IS WILLING TO PERFORM THE RECALL WORK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE VIPER ROADSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, THE TURNING SIGNALS AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHICH REDUCED VISIBILITY SIGNIFICANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN WHEN BATTERY POWER WAS OUT. DOOR WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE CABLE TO THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM HAD A FATIGUE FAILURE AT THE CABLE TO HANDLE JUNCTION. WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURS THERE IS NOTHING THAT ALLOWS ONE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF MISUSE BUT OF A POOR DESIGN. IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHERE BATTERY POWER IS LOST THE AFFECTED DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED. THIS FAILURE IS MOST LIKELY TO BE THE DRIVER DOOR AS IT IS MOST FREQUENTLY USED. ANY FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATION OF TRAPPED OCCUPANTS IS UNLIKELY TO DISCOVER THIS PARTICULARLY IF A FIRE MELTS THE DOOR COMPONENTS. I SUSPECT THAT THE DOOR MECHANISM IS LIKELY COMMON TO MANY OTHER MAKES AND MODELS AND THUS FAR MORE IMPORTANT FOR INVESTIGATION.
I STARTED HEARING A CLUNK THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP. I PULLED ALL 4 TIRES OFF TO GREASE THE CAR. ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, IT APPEARS THAT THE RUBBER BOOT ON THE SUSPENSION KNUCKLE IS LEAKING AND MAY BE TORN. I CAN'T BE SURE AT THIS TIME IF THE SUSPENSION KNUCKLE IS DAMAGED. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE MILEAGE IS VERY LOW (10,300 MILES). I STARTED TO RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOR ANY KNOWN ISSUES AND CAME ACROSS THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION ON VIPER SUSPENSION. I WILL HAVE TO HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM I HAVE. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE KNUCKLE IS DAMAGED OR IF THE ONLY ISSUE IS THE LEAKING RUBBER BOOT ON THE KNUCKLE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR & CHRYSLERS FINDINGS INDICATED THAT KNUCKLE DAMAGE REPORTED IN 2013 WERE DEEMED TO BE CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS, AND THEREFORE THE INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IS THERE ANY INTEREST FROM THE NHTSA POINT OF VIEW TO FOLLOW MY INCIDENT? P.S. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN LAS VEGAS. I HAVE A RESIDENCE IN LAS VEGAS ALTHOUGH I AM A CANADIAN CITIZEN. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE VIPER COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL KNUCKLE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO AIRBORNE AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,500. *DUPLICATE TO 10491122* SMCH
AT APPROXIMATELY 9:50 AM ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2012, DR. X LEFT HIS GARAGE AND PROCEEDED PAST HIS GATE IN HIS 2006 DODGE VIPER. HE TURNED NORTH TO VIEW THE LAKE AND TURNED AROUND AT THE END OF THE ROAD (1/2 MILE) AND HEADED BACK TO GO FOR A SHORT RIDE IN THE COUNTRY. AS HE PASSED THE GATE (72745) AT ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR STARTED TO COME AROUND AND ALL TRACTION WAS LOST. DR. X TURNED INTO THE SLIDE TO NO AVAIL. THE CAR WENT AIRBORNE TO THE RIGHT OVER A 2 -3 FOOT DITCH AND UP THE EMBANKMENT BEFORE IT STOPPED IN THE WOODS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND PERSONAL INJURY. A MECHANIC FROM SPRINGDALE CHRYSLER WAS PASSING BY. AFTER DR. X DESCRIBED WHAT HAPPENED AS HE WAS DRIVING UP A STEEP HILL ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF THE ROAD, THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED AFTER DR. X'S DESCRIPTION AND INSPECTION THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEPARATED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BECOME DETACHED AND THUS CAUSING THE CRASH. DR. X WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT RELEASE (DEPLOY). DR. X SUFFERED LOWER BACK INJURIES. UPDATED 01/28/13 UPDATED 05/02/13* DUPLICATE TO 10492169* SMCH....UPDATED 06/15/16 *BF
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE VIPER COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN OPENING THE DOORS, THE WINDOW WOULD SCRAPE THE ROOF LINE. UPON RESEARCH, HE FOUND THAT IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR THAT POSSIBLY FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
WHILE AT THE NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM MOTORSPORTS PARK IN BOWLING GREEN, KY, I WAS DRIVING THE ROAD COURSE, COMING DOWN THE STRAIGHT AWAY (BEFORE CORNER 15), WHEN I FELT MY CAR "JERK HARD" TO THE RIGHT CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND SLAM INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE BACK RIGHT TIRE WAS TURNED IN AT 45 DEGREES AND CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE. AT THE REPAIR SHOP IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR KNUCKLE BROKE, WHICH IS WHAT CAUSED ME TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ALSO CAUSING THE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE CONSISTING OF REAR QUARTER PANEL REPLACEMENT, REAR BUMPER REPLACEMENT, AIR FOIL DAMAGE, BATTERY DAMAGE, FRONT AIR DAMAGE. *TR
AS MANY 2013-2015 DODGE VIPER OWNERS REPORT ONLINE, THE HORN TURNS ON AND OFF, STICKING ON FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITH NO CONTACT, RANDOMLY. MOST VIPER OWNER OF THIS YEAR MODEL ARE PULLING THE FUSE SO THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THIS IS A PART OF THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG ASSEMBLY THAT IS TIED IN WITH THE HORN MECHANISM. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VERY EXPENSIVE SIX FIGURE VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A SAFETY CONCERN BY DODGE IMMEDIATELY AS A RECALL AS THIS IS NEEDED FOR STATE SAFETY INSPECTION.
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND SOMETHING LIKE A RUBBER/ELECTRICAL SMELL WAS NOTICED. I LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SEEN I HAD SMOKE FILLING THE REAR OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. GOT OUT AND OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AND AS I LOOKED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON MY REAR LIFT GATE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES. IT WAS AS LOUD AS A SHOTGUN GOING OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY I HAD STOPPED MY CAR AS IT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE CAUSE ME OR SOMEONE DRIVING BEHIND ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE WASN'T A PIECE OF GLASS NO BIGGER THAN A DIME LEFT OF THE REAR GLASS. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I DIDN'T GET CUT OR GLASS IN MY EYES. SHORTLY AFTER IT HAPPENED I REMEMBERED THAT IF THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS TURNED ON THAT THE REAR GLASS COULD EXPLODE OUT. I THEN REMEMBERED THAT I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING THE RADIO CHANNEL AND MUST HAVE TOUCHED THE BUTTON FOR THE REAR DEFROSTER. MY DASH SCREEN WAS DIMMED SINCE I WAS RUNNING MY PARKING LIGHTS AND COULD NOT SEE MY RADIO BUTTONS AND INSTEAD PRESSED THE BUTTON TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER INSTEAD OF TRYING TO CHANGE THE RADIO CHANNEL. SOMETHING ABOUT IF THE CARBON FIBER PANELING WAS TOUCHING THE GLASS IT COULD CAUSE A MISHAP. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON IT AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT AND THAT THERE WAS ONLY A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT IT. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. NOW I HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE MY GLASS AND ALSO I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO USE MY DEFROSTER IN THE FUTURE. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE OR WORSE CAUSE SOMEONE TO HAVE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEALERSHIP NEVER ENSURED MY CAR WAS UPDATED TO PREVENT THIS FROM EVER HAPPENING. FCA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND CORRECT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM ASAP. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE ROOF SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LEE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM LOCATED AT: 3700 RALEIGH ROAD PARKWAY W, WILSON, NC 27896, TEL: (855)217-8742 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DURING PRODUCTION, ADHESIVE WAS NOT ADDED TO THE SUB FRAME AND THE CARBON FIBER ROOF CAUSING AIR TO GET UP UNDER THE CARBON FIBER CAUSING THE SEPARATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,700.
I OWN A 2013 DODGE VIPER SRT, TURNED ON MY REAR HATCH WINDOW DEFROSTER WHILE DRIVING TO CLEAR MY REAR WINDOW FOR THE FIRST TIME AND SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM REAR HATCH AREA. I QUICKLY RUSHED TO TURN IF OFF, THE SMOKE STARTED TO CLEAR. SECONDS AFTER MY REAR HATCH WINDOW SHATTER. A LOUD POP NOISE WAS HEAR AT THE TIME OF SHATTERING, ALMOST LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I QUICKLY TURNED BACK HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALER AND DODGE IS NOT OWNING UP TO THE ISSUE. *TR
2008 MODEL DODGE VIPER SRT10 CONVERTIBLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED ENTIRELY MAYBE BEFORE A SOMEWHAT MINOR COLLISION. HAVE TALKED TO EMERGENCY AMBULANCE WORKERS AND WRECKER DRIVERS AND THEY VERIFIED THAT THIS WAS COMMON (3RD INCIDENT IN THE HOUSTON, TX AREA). *TR
FOOT CONTROL SWITCH BEZEL DEFECTIVE, CAN NOT REPLACEMENT PART. *TR
my drivers door will come open with out touching the door handle, there was a recall on this in 2015, r-14/nhtsa15-178 but because my build date was after February Chrysler did not send me a recall on it will not fix it. this is not safe and they need to fix the problem and let the other viper owners know about this before somebody gets killed! Is there anything you can do to help get this fixed it does not cost that much to fix it but they need to let people know about it.
The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Viper. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was parked and then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced due to failure of the rod bearing in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
My Viper is displaying the symptoms of your recall 15V-178 (see below) unsafe door release. I called Dodge and they said my vehicle was serviced for this recall in Sept 2015, but cannot produce receipt for the work. The same door lock problems as 15V-178 are now showing up on both of my doors. I would like to know if I have any recourse here? https://chrysler.oemdtc.com/246/safety-recall-r14-nhtsa-15v-178-outside-door-handle-switch-2013-2014-dodge-viper
2014 DODGE VIPER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE 14V-529 ISSUES. *SMD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL. *JB
Showing 20 of 23 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific Dodge Viper
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Dodge Viper has 23 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Dodge Viper has 9 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 5 of the Dodge Viper's 23 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Dodge Viper vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Dodge Viper vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Dodge Viper has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.