Summary
The Dodge Viper has 23 recalls spanning the 1996–2016 production run, with the most serious being a faulty airbag control module on 2003–2006 models that can deploy the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners without a crash, startling the driver and raising the risk of injury.
The 2013–2014 generation has two recalls worth noting. On 2013 models, front seat position sensors may have been installed incorrectly, causing the frontal airbags to deploy at lower force than designed and reducing their ability to protect an occupant. Also on 2013–2014 vehicles, moisture can get into the door switches and cause either door to swing open unexpectedly while the car is moving. The final production year, 2016, carries two airbag-related recalls: pinched wiring in the driver's airbag circuit can prevent it from deploying in a crash, and a poorly bonded passenger airbag door can detach and fly into the cabin during deployment.
The 2008 model year has a compliance issue where the electronic immobilizer does not engage passively as required, which means the vehicle does not automatically lock out unauthorized starts.
The 2006 model year has a recall for the clutch pedal position switch, where internal springs can break and allow the vehicle to start without the clutch pedal depressed, creating an unexpected-movement risk.
Going back to the 2003 model year, fuel pump wiring can chafe against the edge of an underbody heat shield, blow the fuel pump fuse, and stall the engine. That same model year also had a multifunction switch where park lamp contacts corrode, causing headlights, park lamps, and instrument panel lighting to flicker or go dark.
The 1998 model year, in vehicles equipped with the optional ACR or GT2 racing harness, has a five-point seatbelt that may not meet load specifications and could fail to restrain an occupant in a crash.
On 1997 models used heavily on track, steering rack mounting brackets can crack and eventually separate from the frame, producing sudden steering looseness, and rear differential mounting bracket welds can crack and allow the differential to break free of the chassis. That same year also has an airbag control circuit that can inadvertently fire the front airbag at ignition shutoff.
The 1996 model year shares the rear differential bracket weld cracking issue with the 1997, and separately has steering rack bracket cracking that can cause steering lag. A compliance-related recall also covers 1996 models where reversed rear oxygen sensor wiring disables catalyst efficiency monitoring or triggers false warning lights.
