RoadVitals

2000 Dodge Viper

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
4
Latest Jan 15, 2004
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Mar 13, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 4 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2000 Dodge Viper, most frequently naming the body & structure, visibility and brakes categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 22 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure225.0%
  • Visibility225.0%
  • Brakes112.5%
  • Engine112.5%
  • Seat belts112.5%
  • Suspension112.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Mar 13, 2006
7,440 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
The risk: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: AFFINIA (BRAKE PARTS, INC.) WILL REPLACE THE SUBJECT BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS CAN CONTACT AFFINA GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-323-0354.
BRAKE PARTS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

Oct 4, 2001
7,050 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 999View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Apr 11, 2001
615 units potentially affected
The defect: 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).
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE HARNESS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number 979View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Body & structureEngineSeat belts+2 more
Filed Jan 15, 2004

COPY OF REQUEST SENT TO ISO INTERNATIONAL; I HAVE SOME SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FRAME SUPPORTING A DODGE VIPER. I HAVE CONTACTED THE REGISTRAR UL LABORATORIES, INCLUDING TODAY, ON 2 OCCASIONS REGARDING THIS PRODUCT. THE FIRST REQUEST FOR INFORMATION WAS IGNORED. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT TELL ME WE LIVE IN A SELF REGULATING COUNTRY AND ARE UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. THE DEALER INFORMS ME THE MANUFACTURER CONTENDS THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER SAYS THEY ARE HAPPY TO REPAIR ANY WARRANTY ISSUES HOWEVER THEY CAN SEE NO ISSUE. WHAT I HAVE OBSERVED IS VISUALLY THE WELDING ON THE FRAME AT HAND DOES NOT COMPLY WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED WELDING STANDARDS. X-RAY TESTING OF THE FRAME REVEALS 7 OF THE 11 WELDS TESTED HAVE GROSS PEROSITY MEANING THE WELDS ARE NOT DONE PROPERLY THE FRAME SUPPORTS THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS WHICH HOLD THE WHEELS ON THE CAR. AS WELL AS THE MOTOR MOUNTS WHICH SUPPORT A 10 CYLINDER ENGINE. THE DOORS DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHEN PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND A HARDTOP ROOF WEIGHING CLOSE TO 100 POUNDS FLEW OFF THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY, A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER IT WAS INSTALLED BY THE DEALER. I HAVE A LEGITIMATE REASON FOR CONCERN. HOW AM I, WITHIN YOUR SYSTEM, ABLE TO HAVE AN INVESTIGATION COMPLETED WHEN THE REGISTRAR WHO WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INITIAL TESTING WON'T EVEN RESPOND TO MY INQUIRIES? I DON'T BELIEVE A COMPANY RECEIVING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EACH YEAR FROM A MANUFACTURER FOR TESTING ITS PRODUCTS, CAN BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AN UNBIASED OPINION, WITH OBVIOUS REASONS TO BE BIASED. I ALSO REITERATE HOW CAN A COMPANY WHO IS DISJOINTED FROM THE END USERS BY A DEALER NETWORK, A NETWORK THAT HAS NO REASON TO CONFORM TO ISO STANDARDS, CLAIM TO BE ISO COMPLIANT. I SIMPLY WANT TO KNOW WHAT PROCEDURES ARE IN PLACE AT CHRYSLER FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION. WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THEIR PRODUCTS.

NHTSA ID
10071383
Incident
May 15, 2000
Mileage
23,400 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 9, 2002

WHEN BRAKING THERE IS A GRINDING IN RIGHT FRONT AREA OF VEHICLE AND GOES TO THE RIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER AND DEALER CAN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. PH

NHTSA ID
8024002
Incident
Jun 1, 2002
Body & structure
Filed Jul 17, 2002

CONVERTIBLE TOP WOULD UNLATCH ITSELF WHILE DRIVING. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

NHTSA ID
8014153
Incident
Dec 28, 2001
Visibility
Filed Jul 30, 2000

THE WINDSHIELD WAS ONLY INSTALLED WITH A BEAD OF URETHANE AT THE BOTTOM AND THREE (3) ONE INCH STRIPS AT THE TOP. NO URETHANE AT ALL ON BOTH SIDES. THE WINDSHIELD WAS LOOSE AND NOT MEETING FMVSS 212 AND MAY BE FMVSS 216

NHTSA ID
726231
Incident
Jul 19, 2000

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

9004275

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER

KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty.

08-049-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary.

3100319

STRUCTURE

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

31-005-19

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.

31-003-19

EQUIPMENT

Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Dodge Viper by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015310
2014420
2013420
2006110
2005711
2004821
2003541
2002100
2001130
2000Viewing440
1999240
1998340
1997340
1996830
1995311
1994513
1993213
1992012

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.