Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2004 Dodge Viper
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Airbags
327.3%
Median failure at 13,120 miles
Suspension
218.2%
Median failure at 27,620 miles
Body & Structure
19.1%
Brakes
19.1%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
Steering
19.1%
Median failure at 32,000 miles
Electrical System
19.1%
Median failure at 24,300 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
19.1%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
19.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
337.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
337.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
225.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2004 Dodge Viper 2-DR.
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—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2004peak 4Mar 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 Dodge Viper
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE13010Opened 26 Apr 2013Closed 11 Dec 2013SUSPENSION:REAR
Rear suspension knuckle fracture
ODI opened PE13-010 on April 26, 2013, to investigate two complaints alleging loss of control crashes caused by rear suspension knuckle failure in model year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Dodge Viper vehicles.The incidents described in the complaints occurred in November and December 2012.Chrysler's response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter for PE13-010 indicates that the left and right rear knuckles used in MY 2005 and 2006 Dodge Viper vehicles were used in MY 2003 through 2010 Dodge Viper SRT-10 vehicles and in all Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and ACRX race cars (see Figure 1 of attachment to...
Recalls on the 2004 Dodge Viper
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201504049,870 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system (SRS) could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner. Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will replace the SRS control unit and may install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue. Note: This recall supersedes recalls 2012378 and 2013046. Vehicles that were repaired under the previous campaign will also need to be repaired under this campaign.
Recall 2013046441 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a defect in the supplemental restraint system could result in an inadvertent deployment of the front airbag, side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner. Unintended seatbelt pretensioner and/or airbag deployment, in a non-warranted (non-impact) situation, could startle the driver, which could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install an in-line jumper wiring harness to correct the issue.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 23,240 milesCocoa, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10511754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,240 milesCocoa, FL1 injured
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
NHTSA complaint #10511754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, MI1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2004 VIPER BLOWS EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE CABIN AREA. *TS IN ADDITION, THE HEATING ISSUE ALSO CAUSED THE SIDE EXIT PANELS TO BECOME EXTREMELY HOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONSUMERS WIFE BURNING THE BACK OF HER RIGHT CALF WHEN SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE HEAT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED DRIVING WITH THE AIR CONDITION ON AT ALL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10159440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, MI1 injured
STRUCTURE
2004 DODGE VIPER PUTS OUT EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE CABIN AREA, CAUSED CONSUMERS WIFE TO BURN HER CALF WHEN EXITING. *TS ***NAR*** THE SIDE PANELS BECAME VERY HOT WHEN THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10156236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 3,000 milesWest River, MD
AIR 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.
NHTSA complaint #10573562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greesboro, NC
AIR 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.
NHTSA complaint #10549782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesCocoa, FL
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
NHTSA complaint #10512426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesCocoa, FL
SUSPENSION
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
NHTSA complaint #10512426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,240 milesCocoa, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS
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
NHTSA complaint #10511754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,240 milesCocoa, FL1 injured
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
NHTSA complaint #10511754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,300 milesWest River, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 DODGE VIPER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE BECAME DISABLED AND THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT ON THE VEHICLE HAD FAILED. OCCASIONALLY, AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND ON IT WOULD RESET ITSELF AND AT OTHER TIMES IT WOULD BE AN HOUR BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE COMPONENTS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPONENTS EACH TIME PER THE WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. A CLAIM WAS FILED FOR THE FAILURE WITH THE WARRANTY DEPARTMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,300.
NHTSA complaint #10367235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, MI1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2004 VIPER BLOWS EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE CABIN AREA. *TS IN ADDITION, THE HEATING ISSUE ALSO CAUSED THE SIDE EXIT PANELS TO BECOME EXTREMELY HOT WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONSUMERS WIFE BURNING THE BACK OF HER RIGHT CALF WHEN SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE HEAT WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED DRIVING WITH THE AIR CONDITION ON AT ALL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10159440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brighton, MI1 injured
STRUCTURE
2004 DODGE VIPER PUTS OUT EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE CABIN AREA, CAUSED CONSUMERS WIFE TO BURN HER CALF WHEN EXITING. *TS ***NAR*** THE SIDE PANELS BECAME VERY HOT WHEN THE CONSUMERS WIFE WAS INJURED.
NHTSA complaint #10156236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesN. Massapequa, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH PEDAL ON THIS VEHICLE IS RUSTED AND PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE YOUR FOOT EITHER SLIPS OFF OR STICKS TO THE PEDAL DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF SHOE BEING WORN. THE REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER FOR DODGE AND THE DEALERSHIP ADMITS AN INFERIOR METAL WAS USED TO MFG. THE PEDAL BUT WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10102967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesN. Massapequa, NY
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY:PEDAL/HAND LEVER(MOTORCYCLE)
THE BRAKE PEDAL AND CLUTCH PEDAL ON THIS VEHICLE IS RUSTED AND PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD SINCE YOUR FOOT EITHER SLIPS OFF OR STICKS TO THE PEDAL DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF SHOE BEING WORN. THE REGIONAL SERVICE MANAGER FOR DODGE AND THE DEALERSHIP ADMITS AN INFERIOR METAL WAS USED TO MFG. THE PEDAL BUT WILL NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS OR REPLACEMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #10102967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.