RoadVitals

2003 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.
5
Latest Jun 26, 2017
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 Jan 28, 2015
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.
1
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.
1
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 5 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Dodge Viper, most frequently naming the airbags, brakes and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 34 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

  • Airbags228.6%
  • Brakes114.3%
  • Driver assistance114.3%
  • Powertrain (other)114.3%
  • Steering114.3%
  • Suspension114.3%

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

View all 4

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
15V046000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Jan 28, 2015
752,644 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number R06View on NHTSA.gov
13V040000

AIR BAGS

Feb 6, 2013
3,644 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners could increase the risk of personal injury and the possibility of a crash.
The 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.
Chrysler Group LLCManufacturer number N13View on NHTSA.gov
03V388000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

Oct 10, 2003
1,739 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH PARK LAMP CONTACTS MAY CORRODE.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATIONManufacturer number C33View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE13010ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Rear suspension knuckle fracture

Opened Apr 26, 2013
Closed Dec 11, 2013

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 and 2006 Dodge Viper vehicles were used in MY 2003 through 2010 Dodge Viper SRT-10 vehicles and in all Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and ACRX race cars (see Figure 1 of attachment to this resume for a view of the rear suspension in the subject vehicles).Chrysler's response included information about 8 reports related to rear knuckle failures, including the 2 incidents identified by ODI in the opening resume for PE13-010.In addition, after PE13-010 was opened, ODI received 2 additional complaints resulting in a total of 10 incidents of rear knuckle failure in MY 2003 through 2010 Viper vehicles, including 8 alleging crashes.Based on its review of physical evidence from field inspections of 6 of the 8 incident vehicles identified in its response, including the two incidents that were the basis for ODI opening PE13-010 (VOQs 10492180 and 10492169/10491122), Chrysler concluded that collision forces were the causal factor of rear suspension control knuckle failure.Chrysler's assessment was primarily based on examination of knuckle fracture surfaces, as well as evidence of wheel rim damage that would indicate impact loading of the affected suspension components.Each of the fracture surfaces examined by Chrysler displayed clean, granular fracture surfaces indicative of single event, overload failure.None of the parts showed any indication of fatigue crack growth.In addition to the 6 vehicles inspected by Chrysler, ODI obtained a fractured knuckle from a recent incident involving a MY 2004 Viper (VOQ 10510248).NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Testing Center in Ohio submitted this part to a laboratory for fracture surface and metallurgical analysis.The analysis concluded that there was no evidence of fatigue in the part and that the fracture was due to a single overload event (see Figures 2-4 in attachment to this resume).Analysis of the fracture surfaces found evidence of a mix of load states, with some failures associated with rear toe links in tension (Figures 2-4) and some in compression (Figures 5-6).Seven of the 8 incidents in which the side of the knuckle failure was identified involved right knuckles, the side that is generally most common for impact failures involving wheel and suspension components.The single, left side failure was associated with an incident involving an impact with a concrete barrier dividing highway travel lanes.Analysis of the failure data indicated these are random events and do not show any clear patterns related to vehicle build range, vehicle age or mileage.Examination and testing of failed knuckles have not identified evidence of a manufacturing or design defect in the parts.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.VOQs associated with this investigation: 10523321, 10510248, 10492180, 10492169 (duplicate to 10491122).

SUSPENSION:REAR

Recent owner complaints

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

Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 26, 2017

PLASTIC BUSHING ON CLUTCH LEVER WEARS OUT AND DISENGAGES FROM PEDAL WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING INABILITY TO SHIFT GEARS. VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID
11001558
Incident
Mar 30, 2014
Mileage
505,461 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 3, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS) AND 13V040000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10839668
Incident
Jun 17, 2014
Airbags
Filed Jul 25, 2013

2003 DODGE VIPER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG SYSTEM OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL MODE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL, AND THERE WAS NO ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL.

NHTSA ID
10531486
Incident
Jul 1, 2013
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jul 5, 2013
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A GRINDING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE WHERE HE LATER REGAINED CONSCIOUSNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. *TR

NHTSA ID
10523321
Incident
Feb 15, 2006
Mileage
300 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed May 10, 2004

INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. ALSO WITHOUT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE SURGE. THE DEALERSHIP INSPECTED THE SEVERAL TIMES AND HAS NOT BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *JB

NHTSA ID
10073388
Incident
May 10, 2004

Manufacturer communications

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

102290

AIR BAGS; SEATS

MODULE KIT - OCCUPANT RESTRAINT

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.

23-015-20

EQUIPMENT; STRUCTURE

Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19

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.

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—
2003Viewing541—
2002100—
2001130—
2000440—
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.