RoadVitals

2005 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.
7
Latest Sep 9, 2022
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.
1
Latest Dec 12, 2019
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.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 7 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Dodge Viper, most frequently naming the airbags, steering and suspension categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 26 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

  • Airbags444.4%
  • Steering222.2%
  • Suspension222.2%
  • Tires & wheels111.1%

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

1 campaign 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

AIR BAGS; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Dec 12, 2019
3,329 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The unexpected deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury and a crash.
The 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number VE4View 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

Airbags
Filed Sep 9, 2022

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!! Not acceptable. I am asking for your assistance. [XXX] Reference: Dec 12,2019 Manufacturer Recall NumberVE4 NHTSA Recall Number19V-885 Recall Status/Recall Incomplete Summary Some 2005-2006 MY Dodge Viper vehicles are equipped with an Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module that may inadvertently deploy the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11483733
Incident
Dec 12, 2019
Airbags
Filed Sep 24, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VINYL COVER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS STICKY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE GETTEL CHRYSLER DODGE DEALER LOCATED AT 2323 TAMIAMI TRAIL, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950, AND THE ISSUE WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO THEN REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V885000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SAME DEALER HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT TO REPAIR THE RECALL, THE CONSOLE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE CONSOLE WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.

NHTSA ID
11360922
Incident
Sep 3, 2020
Mileage
17,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 28, 2019
1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S BOTTOM LIP WAS BRUISED AND SWOLLEN AND HIS HEAD JOLTED BACKWARDS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ASSISTANCE TO TUCK THE AIR BAGS BACK INTO THE COMPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,700. *DT *AS

NHTSA ID
11172630
Incident
Jan 28, 2019
Mileage
40,700 mi
Suspension
Filed Nov 16, 2017
Crash reported1 injury reported

THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD , THE CAR WAS THROWN OUT OF CONTROL WHICH CAUSED A MULTIPLE ROLL OVER CRASH TOTALING THE CAR AND INJURING THE DRIVER. THERE IS A GAUGED OUT MARK IN THE PAVEMENT ALONG WITH A TIRE SKID MARK SHOWING THE WHEEL TURNED WHEN THE KNUCKLE BROKE. THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE TROOPER [XXX] NOTED SOMETHING ON THE CAR DRUG CAUSING THE MARK IN THE PAVEMENT. HE MAY BE CONTACTED AT 276-694-7258. THERE ARE TWO EYE WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT THAT CAN CONFIRM THE DETAILS ABOVE...UPDATED 12/13/17 *BF *BF *CN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11046479
Incident
Nov 2, 2017
Mileage
23,500 mi
AirbagsSteering
Filed Oct 2, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

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.

NHTSA ID
10779316
Incident
Sep 23, 2015
Mileage
6,100 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jan 10, 2013
Crash reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY AND THE REAR AND FRONT QUARTER PANELS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,000...UPDATED 07/13/16 *BF *TR

NHTSA ID
10492180
Incident
Dec 30, 2012
Mileage
36,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Jan 7, 2005
Crash reported

LEFT DEALERSHIP AFTER TAKING DELIVERY. DROVE TO STOP SIGN AT END OF APPROACH RAMP TO HIGHWAY, ACCELERATED TO BLEND INTO TRAFFIC, CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL SWERVED TO RIGHT HIT CURB AND LAMP POST. I WAS TOLD AFTER ACCIDENT BY DEALER THAT TIRES NEEDED TO BE WARMED UP FIRST OR CAR HAS VERY POOR TRACTION. THIS WAS TOLD TO ME AFTER THE FACT BY MANY DIFFERENT SOURCES. *AK

NHTSA ID
10105957
Incident
Dec 31, 2004
Mileage
50 mi

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

9004009

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.

9004009

POWER TRAIN

Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins are present in the engine block, which align the transmission center line to the crank shaft centerline and visually inspect the dowel alignment holes in the transmission case. If the holes are damaged or elongated the transmission should be replaced to prevent further damage to the transmission/flexplate or pump bushing due to the inability to properly align the engine to the transmission during the repair. 3. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If pump bushing is scored or damaged and the dowel pin alignment holes are ok, replace the pump assembly as opposed to complete transmission. 4. All 62TE equipped vehicles. If vehicle is jerking/slipping with MIL code(s) P0740 or P2764, check TCC Solenoid operation. If TCC Solenoid is ok, the codes are indicative of a torque converter failure. Replace the torque converter.

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

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
2005Viewing711
2004821
2003541
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.