Dodge Viper Complaints
80 consumer complaints on file.
- #10822943January 28, 2016ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE VIPER ROADSTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH, THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH, THE TURNING SIGNALS AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHICH REDUCED VISIBILITY SIGNIFICANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10806825October 27, 2015AIR BAGS
2014 DODGE VIPER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE AIRBAG RECALL NOTICE 14V-529 ISSUES. *SMD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE THE RECALL. *JB
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10779316October 2, 2015AIR BAGS, STEERING
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.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10732401July 7, 2015STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN WHEN BATTERY POWER WAS OUT. DOOR WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE CABLE TO THE DOOR LATCH MECHANISM HAD A FATIGUE FAILURE AT THE CABLE TO HANDLE JUNCTION. WHEN THIS CONDITION OCCURS THERE IS NOTHING THAT ALLOWS ONE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS IS NOT A CASE OF MISUSE BUT OF A POOR DESIGN. IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHERE BATTERY POWER IS LOST THE AFFECTED DOOR CAN NOT BE OPENED. THIS FAILURE IS MOST LIKELY TO BE THE DRIVER DOOR AS IT IS MOST FREQUENTLY USED. ANY FOLLOW-UP INVESTIGATION OF TRAPPED OCCUPANTS IS UNLIKELY TO DISCOVER THIS PARTICULARLY IF A FIRE MELTS THE DOOR COMPONENTS. I SUSPECT THAT THE DOOR MECHANISM IS LIKELY COMMON TO MANY OTHER MAKES AND MODELS AND THUS FAR MORE IMPORTANT FOR INVESTIGATION.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10644317October 13, 2014SUSPENSION
WHILE AT THE NATIONAL CORVETTE MUSEUM MOTORSPORTS PARK IN BOWLING GREEN, KY, I WAS DRIVING THE ROAD COURSE, COMING DOWN THE STRAIGHT AWAY (BEFORE CORNER 15), WHEN I FELT MY CAR "JERK HARD" TO THE RIGHT CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL AND SLAM INTO THE GUARDRAIL. THE BACK RIGHT TIRE WAS TURNED IN AT 45 DEGREES AND CAR WAS UNDRIVEABLE. AT THE REPAIR SHOP IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE RIGHT REAR KNUCKLE BROKE, WHICH IS WHAT CAUSED ME TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL ALSO CAUSING THE ADDITIONAL DAMAGE CONSISTING OF REAR QUARTER PANEL REPLACEMENT, REAR BUMPER REPLACEMENT, AIR FOIL DAMAGE, BATTERY DAMAGE, FRONT AIR DAMAGE. *TR
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10631659September 8, 2014SUSPENSION
I STARTED HEARING A CLUNK THAT SEEMED TO COME FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL WELL WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP. I PULLED ALL 4 TIRES OFF TO GREASE THE CAR. ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE, IT APPEARS THAT THE RUBBER BOOT ON THE SUSPENSION KNUCKLE IS LEAKING AND MAY BE TORN. I CAN'T BE SURE AT THIS TIME IF THE SUSPENSION KNUCKLE IS DAMAGED. ALTHOUGH MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THE MILEAGE IS VERY LOW (10,300 MILES). I STARTED TO RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET FOR ANY KNOWN ISSUES AND CAME ACROSS THE NHTSA INVESTIGATION ON VIPER SUSPENSION. I WILL HAVE TO HAVE MY VEHICLE INSPECTED TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM I HAVE. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE KNUCKLE IS DAMAGED OR IF THE ONLY ISSUE IS THE LEAKING RUBBER BOOT ON THE KNUCKLE. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR & CHRYSLERS FINDINGS INDICATED THAT KNUCKLE DAMAGE REPORTED IN 2013 WERE DEEMED TO BE CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS, AND THEREFORE THE INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED. MY VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. IS THERE ANY INTEREST FROM THE NHTSA POINT OF VIEW TO FOLLOW MY INCIDENT? P.S. I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN LAS VEGAS. I HAVE A RESIDENCE IN LAS VEGAS ALTHOUGH I AM A CANADIAN CITIZEN. *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10596699June 6, 2014SUSPENSION, VISIBILITY/WIPER
MY WIFE AND I LEFT THE STORE AFTER PURCHASING GAS IN OUR 8 DAY PURCHASED CAR. ON A RURAL TWO LANE ROAD, MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 35. I WAS IN 2ND GEAR, THE CAR WENT TO THE LEFT AND THE BACK END SPUN TO THE RIGHT 180 DEGREE OUT OF CONTROL. THE BACK OF THE CAR AIR BORNE HIT A TREE AND FENCE. MY WIFE AND I WERE WEARING SEAT BELT. THE REAR TAIL LIGHT SECTION IS PUSHED UP AGAINST THE SEATS. MY WIFE AND I SUFFERED HEAD, NECK, LEGS AND BACK PAINS. THERE WAS NO OTHER PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THIS ACCIDENT. THERE IS PROPERTY DAMAGE OF THE FENCE. AT THIS POINT, THE ADJUSTOR IS STILL REVIEWING THE DAMAGE. *TR
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10573562March 19, 2014AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR WARNING LIGHT WOULD SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATE, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DISABLED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:13V040000 (AIR BAGS) BUT THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE NOTICE MONTHS AGO. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED AND PROVIDED AN UNREASONABLE DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10549782October 28, 2013AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V040000 (AIR BAGS) HAD A EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR, THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10531486July 25, 2013AIR BAGS
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.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10523321July 5, 2013STEERING, SUSPENSION
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
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10512426May 16, 2013SUSPENSION, STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL THUMPING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT NOTICED A WHINING SOUND COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE POWER STEERING CONNECTER HAD EXPANDED, CAUSING POWER STEERING FLUID TO LEAK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. *TR DUPLICATE TO 10511754*SMCH
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10511754May 13, 2013AIR BAGS, SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 10 MPH AND VEERED OFF THE ROADWAY. THE AIR BAGS IMMEDIATELY DEPLOYED, ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HAD NOT IMPACTED ANYTHING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK INJURIES FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,240. *TR DUPLICATE TO 10512426 *SMCH
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10510248May 1, 2013SUSPENSION
THIS IS REGARDING THE RECENT NEWS BRIEF THAT I SAW YESTERDAY. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY CAR. I WAS DRIVING AND A DEER JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON THE HIGHWAY, I SWERVED VERY SLIGHTLY AS IT WAS NOT DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN DID A SHARP RIGHT AND I WENT DOWN INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND HIT A TREE MAKING MY CAR A TOTAL LOSS. THE NEXT DAY I VISITED THE CAR AND NOTICED THE MY RIGHT REAR WHEEL WAS TURNED INWARDS WITH NO OTHER DAMAGE AROUND OR ON THE WHEEL. I LOOKED UNDER THE SUSPENSION AND NOTICED THE KNUCKLE WAS SNAPPED. I JUST WANTED TO SHARE THAT IT HAPPENED TO ME. I WALKED AWAY WITH ONLY A BRUISE ON MY KNEE BUT THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR ....UPDATED 06/15/16 *BF UPDATED 09/19/2017*JS
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10492169January 10, 2013STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE VIPER COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL KNUCKLE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO GO AIRBORNE AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,500. *DUPLICATE TO 10491122* SMCH
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10492180January 10, 2013STEERING, STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM, SUSPENSION
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
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10491122December 24, 2012SUSPENSION, STEERING, AIR BAGS
AT APPROXIMATELY 9:50 AM ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2012, DR. X LEFT HIS GARAGE AND PROCEEDED PAST HIS GATE IN HIS 2006 DODGE VIPER. HE TURNED NORTH TO VIEW THE LAKE AND TURNED AROUND AT THE END OF THE ROAD (1/2 MILE) AND HEADED BACK TO GO FOR A SHORT RIDE IN THE COUNTRY. AS HE PASSED THE GATE (72745) AT ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR STARTED TO COME AROUND AND ALL TRACTION WAS LOST. DR. X TURNED INTO THE SLIDE TO NO AVAIL. THE CAR WENT AIRBORNE TO THE RIGHT OVER A 2 -3 FOOT DITCH AND UP THE EMBANKMENT BEFORE IT STOPPED IN THE WOODS CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND PERSONAL INJURY. A MECHANIC FROM SPRINGDALE CHRYSLER WAS PASSING BY. AFTER DR. X DESCRIBED WHAT HAPPENED AS HE WAS DRIVING UP A STEEP HILL ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF THE ROAD, THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED AFTER DR. X'S DESCRIPTION AND INSPECTION THAT THE STEERING KNUCKLE ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL SEPARATED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO BECOME DETACHED AND THUS CAUSING THE CRASH. DR. X WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT RELEASE (DEPLOY). DR. X SUFFERED LOWER BACK INJURIES. UPDATED 01/28/13 UPDATED 05/02/13* DUPLICATE TO 10492169* SMCH....UPDATED 06/15/16 *BF
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10484956November 16, 2012VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
IT IS KNOWN FACT THAT ALL DODGE VIPERS BUILT BETWEEN 2003-2010 HAVE POWER WINDOW REGULATORS THAT FAIL ON A REGULAR BASIS. THE PLASTIC TUBING BREAKS AND THE WINDOWS WILL NO LONGER MOVE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN ON MULTIPLE FRONTS WHERE A NEED COULD ARISE TO ESCAPE THE CAR THROUGH THE WINDOW. IF THE REGULATOR HAS FAILED, AND THE WINDOW IS IN THE "UP" POSITION, THERE ADDITIONAL HAZARDS. BECAUSE THE REGULATOR IS DESIGNED TO SLIGHTLY LOWER THE WINDOW WHEN CLOSING THE DOOR, IF IT STOPS FUNCTIONING, THE CLOSING OF THE VEHICLE DOORS CREATES STRESS ON THE GLASS. THERE ARE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF WINDOWS BREAKING WHILE A VEHICLE IS SIMPLY PARKED AND STILL OTHERS WHERE THE WINDOW FINALLY GIVE WAY TO THE STRESSES OF THE EXTRA PRESSURE AND EXPLODE WHILE DRIVING. THIS CAUSES FLYING GLASS TO HIT THE OCCUPANTS CAUSING CUTS AND POSSIBLE BLINDNESS, AND COULD ALSO LEAD THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. REPLACEMENT REGULATORS ARE NOT ONLY HARD TO FIND, BUT ARE $1,000 EACH. DODGE HAS KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE (AND KNOWN SINCE 2003 WHEN PROBLEMS BEGAN), BUT REFUSES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. PLEASE SEE THE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS ON VIPER CLUB OF AMERICA'S WEBSITE OR VIPER ALLEY. APPARENTLY THE DESIGN HAS FINALLY BEEN FIXED FOR THE 2013 VIPER, BUT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THIS REGULATOR CAN RETROFITTED TO 2003-10 CARS. WITH THIS BEING A KNOWN (AND ADMITTED TO ISSUE) BY DODGE, AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED BY DODGE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEMS AT NO CHARGE TO CURRENT OWNERS. IF DODGE CONTINUES TO BURY IT'S HEAD IN THE SAND ABOUT THIS, THEY ARE JUST AWAITING A LAWSUIT FOR WRONGFUL DEATH CAUSED BY THEIR NEGLIGENCE, WHICH WILL CARRY A HUGE PRICE TAG. *TR
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10460772June 6, 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE VIPER COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN OPENING THE DOORS, THE WINDOW WOULD SCRAPE THE ROOF LINE. UPON RESEARCH, HE FOUND THAT IT WAS THE WINDOW REGULATOR THAT POSSIBLY FAILED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #10378004January 20, 2011ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0