2003 Dodge Viper: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern air bags; the 2001 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 2015
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2014
“Plastic bushing on clutch lever wears out and disengages from pedal while driving. Causing inability to shift gears. Very dangerous in traffic.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2014
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2013
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“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”Owner report · Suspension · Feb 2006
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH PARK LAMP CONTACTS MAY CORRODE.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP WIRING MAY BECOME CHAFED BY AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE WRAP ON THE FUEL PUMP WIRING HARNESS AND COVER THE EDGE OF THE HEAT SHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 9, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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 2003 Dodge Viper reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Dodge Viper. The most complained-about area is air bags.
Does the 2003 Dodge Viper have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights:switch. 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.