FaultScore

FaultScore report

2005 Dodge Viper problems

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2005 Dodge Viper with NHTSA between 2005 and 2022. The largest single group is the airbags.

Not graded

Too few complaints, or too short a model run, to compare fairly.

How this is worked out

The numbers

10

Complaints

7

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

23,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

56%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

How 2005 compares with every other Dodge Viper

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2005 Dodge Viper

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Airbags 4 40.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 17,000 mi

Steering 3 30.0%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 36,000 mi

Suspension 2 20.0%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 29,750 mi

Tires 1 10.0%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 50 mi

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 11.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 22.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 22.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 4 44.4%

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.

Jan 2005 peak 3 Sep 2022

NHTSA investigations into the 2005 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.

PE13010 Opened 26 Apr 2013 Closed 11 Dec 2013 SUSPENSION: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 2005 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 2019629 168 units in Canada

Airbag

Issue: On certain cars, the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) could malfunction. This could cause the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners to deploy without a crash. Safety Risk: Airbags or seat belt pretensioners that deploy without a crash could create a risk of injury and also increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their cars to a dealer to replace the Occupant Restraint Controller with an updated module.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 40,700 miles Chula Vista, CA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S BOTTOM LIP WAS BRUISED AND SWOLLEN AND HIS HEAD JOLTED BACKWARDS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ASSISTANCE TO TUCK THE AIR BAGS BACK INTO THE COMPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,700. *DT

NHTSA complaint #11172630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,500 miles O Brien, FL Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD , THE CAR WAS THROWN OUT OF CONTROL WHICH CAUSED A MULTIPLE ROLL OVER CRASH TOTALING THE CAR AND INJURING THE DRIVER. THERE IS A GAUGED OUT MARK IN THE PAVEMENT ALONG WITH A TIRE SKID MARK SHOWING THE WHEEL TURNED WHEN THE KNUCKLE BROKE. THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE TROOPER [XXX] NOTED SOMETHING ON THE CAR DRUG CAUSING THE MARK IN THE PAVEMENT. HE MAY BE CONTACTED AT 276-694-7258. THERE ARE TWO EYE WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT THAT CAN CONFIRM THE DETAILS ABOVE...UPDATED 12/13/17 *BF *BF *CN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11046479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,100 miles Manorville, NY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10779316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,100 miles Manorville, NY Crash 1 injured

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.

NHTSA complaint #10779316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Milton, FL Crash

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #10492180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Milton, FL Crash

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

NHTSA complaint #10492180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

El Cajon, CA

AIR BAGS

I received this recall notice. I live in the San Diego area and have been unable to get this recall satisfactorily completed due to all (3) Dodge dealership service managers refusing to complete the work telling me, "Dash parts/components can and will be broken during the (ORC) recall/repair process, due to the year of the vehicle (2005), no factory OEM replacement parts exist." Also, service managers state "Third party service/repair shops they recommend are available but they cannot guarantee the work." Generally speaking, it appears the local dodge dealerships do not want to be involved in this NHTSA required recall and have given no satisfactory reason nor opportunity for the consumer to safely and correctly repair their vehicles NHTSA has ordered repaired. The dealers simply say we'll try but there will be damage to your vehicle and parts are not available to fix it!! Not acceptable. I am asking for your assistance. [XXX] Reference: Dec 12,2019 Manufacturer Recall NumberVE4 NHTSA Recall Number19V-885 Recall Status/Recall Incomplete Summary Some 2005-2006 MY Dodge Viper vehicles are equipped with an Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module that may inadvertently deploy the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11483733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 17,000 miles Punta Groda, FL

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VINYL COVER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG WAS STICKY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE GETTEL CHRYSLER DODGE DEALER LOCATED AT 2323 TAMIAMI TRAIL, PUNTA GORDA, FL 33950, AND THE ISSUE WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO THEN REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V885000 (SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT CALLED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE SAME DEALER HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT TO REPAIR THE RECALL, THE CONSOLE NEEDED TO BE REMOVED HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE CONSOLE WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 17,000.

NHTSA complaint #11360922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 40,700 miles Chula Vista, CA 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT'S BOTTOM LIP WAS BRUISED AND SWOLLEN AND HIS HEAD JOLTED BACKWARDS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED ASSISTANCE TO TUCK THE AIR BAGS BACK INTO THE COMPARTMENTS IN ORDER TO DRIVE HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,700. *DT

NHTSA complaint #11172630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 23,500 miles O Brien, FL Crash 1 injured

SUSPENSION

THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD , THE CAR WAS THROWN OUT OF CONTROL WHICH CAUSED A MULTIPLE ROLL OVER CRASH TOTALING THE CAR AND INJURING THE DRIVER. THERE IS A GAUGED OUT MARK IN THE PAVEMENT ALONG WITH A TIRE SKID MARK SHOWING THE WHEEL TURNED WHEN THE KNUCKLE BROKE. THE VIRGINIA STATE POLICE TROOPER [XXX] NOTED SOMETHING ON THE CAR DRUG CAUSING THE MARK IN THE PAVEMENT. HE MAY BE CONTACTED AT 276-694-7258. THERE ARE TWO EYE WITNESSES TO THE ACCIDENT THAT CAN CONFIRM THE DETAILS ABOVE...UPDATED 12/13/17 *BF *BF *CN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11046479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,100 miles Manorville, NY Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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.

NHTSA complaint #10779316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,100 miles Manorville, NY Crash 1 injured

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.

NHTSA complaint #10779316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Milton, FL Crash

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #10492180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Milton, FL Crash

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

NHTSA complaint #10492180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Milton, FL Crash

STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM

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

NHTSA complaint #10492180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50 miles Marlboro, NJ Crash

TIRES

LEFT DEALERSHIP AFTER TAKING DELIVERY. DROVE TO STOP SIGN AT END OF APPROACH RAMP TO HIGHWAY, ACCELERATED TO BLEND INTO TRAFFIC, CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL SWERVED TO RIGHT HIT CURB AND LAMP POST. I WAS TOLD AFTER ACCIDENT BY DEALER THAT TIRES NEEDED TO BE WARMED UP FIRST OR CAR HAS VERY POOR TRACTION. THIS WAS TOLD TO ME AFTER THE FACT BY MANY DIFFERENT SOURCES.

NHTSA complaint #10105957 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.