1996 Dodge Viper: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 8 owner complaints on record; most reports concern structure; the 1997 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1996 dodge viper. While driving 5 mph, the contact noticed oil leaking from under the vehicle. After inspecting, he noticed that the braided oil lines in front of the vehicle had rubbed together and burst. The dealer stated that they had no parts available for repair for that type of failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Updated 03/03/11”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2011
“1. No particular event lead to the failure 2. Differential ring gear bolts/nuts became loose causing the bolts/nuts to become lodged between the ring gear and case causing the case to crack. Gear oil leaked from the case. Possible results may be seizure of the differential,sudden stoppage, and loss of control of the vehicle. 3. 1996 dodge viper r/t 10 with 42,000 miles since new 4. Parts may be available, photos available from insurance company”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while turning into a driveway the vehicle lost steering. There was no crash but the bottom of the vehicle drug the ground. The dealer and manufacturer have been alerted and agree the vehicle is included in NHTSA recall, # 01v313000 concerning steering: rack and pinion. The dealer is refusing to repair the vehicle because of a fracture in the frame. The recall indicates a frame separation can accrue, however both refuse to repair the vehicle without charge.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2006
Show 1 more owner reports
“Work hasn't been done recall #998 to replace frame of the steering column. The dealer name is hopkins dodge service ,manager [xxx], [xxx]. No one has contacted him on his repair in 24 days . Dealer is aware of the problem, parts are available, work hasn't been done as of yet.*ak information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2003
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Viper by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Dodge Viper reliable?
NHTSA has 8 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Dodge Viper. The most complained-about area is structure.
Does the 1996 Dodge Viper have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.