The 2003 Dodge Viper has 7 recalls, the most serious being a defect in the airbag control module that can cause the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy without warning while the vehicle is moving.
An unexpected airbag blast or seatbelt lockup while driving can startle the driver and cause a sudden loss of control, raising the risk of a crash. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, and it has been addressed through multiple campaigns over the years.
The fuel system also has a concern that has been addressed in multiple filings: wiring running to the fuel pump can chafe against the metal edge of an underbody heat shield, wearing through the insulation and blowing the fuel pump fuse. When that fuse goes, the engine stalls without warning, which can put the vehicle in a dangerous situation in traffic.
On the electrical side, the contacts inside the multifunction switch that control the park lamps can corrode over time, increasing resistance in the circuit enough to cause erratic communication with the body control module. The result is that the parking lights, headlights, and instrument panel lights can flicker or go dark entirely, cutting visibility for the driver and making the vehicle harder for others to see at night.
At a glance
What can fail
Electrical interference can damage the airbag control module, causing front airbags, side airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the airbag control module and side impact sensors at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The supplemental restraint system may deploy the front airbag, side curtain airbag, and/or seatbelt pretensioner without a crash occurring. This unexpected deployment can startle the driver and cause a crash, or cause minor injuries to occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the supplemental restraint system defect.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the air bag control module may fail, causing the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy unexpectedly while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the air bag control module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The multifunction switch park lamp contacts can corrode over time, raising electrical resistance. This causes faulty communication with the body control module, which may make park lamps, headlamps, or dashboard lights flicker or stop working.
What the fix does
The dealer will reprogram the body control module to correct the communication issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The park lamp contacts in the multifunction switch may corrode, potentially affecting lamp operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the body control module software to address the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump wiring can rub against a sharp edge of the underbody heat shield, causing it to wear through. This can blow the fuel pump fuse and stall your engine.
What the fix does
Your dealer will add a protective edge guard to the heat shield and cover the wiring with a braided sleeve to prevent rubbing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump wiring may rub against the underbody heat shield and become damaged, which could cause wiring failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will wrap the fuel pump wiring harness with protective material and cover the sharp edge of the heat shield.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
