Dodge Viper Recalls

The Dodge Viper has 25 recalls spanning 1996 through 2016, with the most serious being a software vulnerability on 2013-2015 models where the infotainment system can be exploited remotely to modify or take control of certain vehicle systems, raising the risk of a crash.

The final production year, 2016, has two airbag-related recalls: pinched wiring on the driver's frontal airbag can prevent it from deploying in a crash, and a faulty weld on the passenger airbag chute can cause the airbag door to detach and become a projectile during deployment. On 2013-2014 models, moisture can get into the door switches and cause the driver or passenger door to swing open while the vehicle is moving. A 2013 model recall covers front seat position sensors that were incorrectly installed, which can cause the frontal airbags to deploy with less force than intended, reducing their protection in a crash.

Going back to the mid-2000s, the 2005-2006 model years share a recall where the occupant restraint controller can malfunction and fire the airbags or seatbelt pretensioners without a crash. The 2006 model also has a clutch pedal position switch with springs that can break, potentially allowing the vehicle to start without the clutch depressed and move unexpectedly. The 2003-2004 model years have a similar inadvertent airbag and pretensioner deployment issue tied to the airbag control module. The 2003 model year alone has additional concerns: fuel pump wiring can chafe against a heat shield edge and blow the fuel pump fuse, stalling the engine, and the multifunction switch park lamp contacts can corrode and cause the headlights, park lamps, or instrument panel lights to flicker or go dark.

Earlier production from 1997 has three separate structural and safety concerns tied to vehicles used in track-type driving: the steering rack mounting brackets can crack and eventually separate from the frame, causing sudden steering looseness; the rear differential mounting bracket welds can crack and allow the bracket to break free from the frame; and the airbag system can deploy unexpectedly when the ignition is shut off. The 1998 model year, specifically those equipped with the ACR or GT2 racing option, has a five-point racing harness that may not meet load specifications and could fail to restrain an occupant in a crash. The 1996 model year shares the rear differential bracket weld issue and the steering rack cracking concern, and also has a compliance issue where reversed oxygen sensor wiring can disable emissions monitoring or trigger a false warning light.