Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2003 Dodge Viper, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags2
- Steering1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Suspension1
- Power train1
- Vehicle speed control1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 1 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2003 Dodge Viper failed the safety check 0.58% of the time — 72% less often than the average 2003 passenger car (2.11%). Median odometer at inspection: 16,393 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In New Zealand
4 2003 cars are on the New Zealand register; 50% arrived as used imports, 25% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 1 variant: combined 17.2 L/100 km (about 14 mpg US), CO₂ 396 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viper SRT-10 · Two-seater · Premium gasoline | 21.4 | 12.0 | 17.2 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
4 Transport Canada recalls for the 2003 Dodge Viper.
| 2015040 28 Jan 2015 | 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/… |
| 2013046 7 Feb 2013 | 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 sea… |
| 2003244 14 Oct 2003 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the multifunction switch park lamp contacts may corrode over time, increasing the resistance in the low current circuit. The increase in r… |
| 2003195 25 Aug 2003 | Fuel System On certain vehicles, the fuel pump wiring could become chafed by an underbody heat shield metal edge. This could cause the fuel pump fuse to open and result in… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30, 2004. Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2001, through June 30, 2004. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH PARK LAMP CONTACTS MAY CORRODE.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP WIRING MAY BECOME CHAFED BY AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Dodge told its dealers about the 2003 Dodge Viper: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 634272 | FLASH PROGRAMMING FAILURE RECOVERY. *SLC |
| 10229256 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10229181 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10223854 | Service - Four Piece Oil Pan Gasket All Cummins Equipped Vehicles ONLY - The replacement oil pan gasket can be a four piece gasket rather than a single piece gasket. This applies to Cummins 5.9L and 6.7L engines only. Installation: 1. Clean the oil pan T-joints.~ 2. Fill the T-joint between the pan rail/gear housing and pan rail/rear seal retainer with sealant. Use Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant or equivalent. 3. Apply a 2-mm [0.063-in] bead of Mopar Engine Sealant RTV Silicone Rubber Adhesive, to the oil pan flange.~ 4. The four piece gasket will need to be assembled to make |
| 10223602 | Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine. |
| 10221686 | KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not program to the vehicle, use the "AC" NIC level part and submit a part warranty. |
| 10220995 | Part Description: Insulator on Lever Assy Manual Valve - Valve Body - RWD Transmission Issue Description: The manual valve insulator, attaching rivet and instruction sheet are now available as a kit. If the insulator requires replacement please order kit 68253161AA. Insulator only used on Auto-RWD transmission Note: The color of the insulator is not relevant for service. |
| 10220101 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10220099 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10220097 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10216424 | Advanced Field Action Communication ? N1302072013 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on 2003 and 2004 model year (ZB) Dodge Viper vehicles. The above vehicles may experience a front airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner inadvertent deployment. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to install an in-line diode filter jumper harness. The jumper harness incorporates diodes to perform the intended function of an internal Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module component which filters transient electrical signals from firing the Application Sp |
| 10191460 | Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling. |
| 10175743 | Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19 |
| 10175735 | Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery replacements are necessary. |
| 10169249 | Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts. |
| 10169247 | Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts. |
| 10169245 | Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage. |
| 10141321 | Do Not Apply Corrosion Protection On Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) Plastic Panels This bulletin involves discussing SMC plastic panels and applying corrosion protection. |
| 10140093 | Advanced Field Action Communication ? N1302072013 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on 2003 and 2004 model year (ZB) Dodge Viper vehicles. The above vehicles may experience a front airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner inadvertent deployment. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to install an in-line diode filter jumper harness. The jumper harness incorporates diodes to perform the intended function of an internal Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module component which filters transient electrical signals from firing the Application Sp |
| 10139015 | Advanced Field Action Communication ? N1302072013 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on 2003 and 2004 model year (ZB) Dodge Viper vehicles. The above vehicles may experience a front airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner inadvertent deployment. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to install an in-line diode filter jumper harness. The jumper harness incorporates diodes to perform the intended function of an internal Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module component which filters transient electrical signals from firing the Application Sp |
| 10129008 | 82212076, 82203694 - Fabric Cleaner This "fabric cleaner" is not intended for sale in California, the otc states (Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington dc), and some ladco states (Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio). Mopar offers an alternative product (82213192) which is a water based product approved for sale in the aforementioned states.~ ~ Please inform the customer & your prep dept that spraying excessive amounts of the fabric protector on load floors will result in the breaking down of the adhesive (glu |
| 10128977 | Advanced Field Action Communication ? N1302072013 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on 2003 and 2004 model year (ZB) Dodge Viper vehicles. The above vehicles may experience a front airbag and/or seatbelt pretensioner inadvertent deployment. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to install an in-line diode filter jumper harness. The jumper harness incorporates diodes to perform the intended function of an internal Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module component which filters transient electrical signals from firing the Application Sp |
| 10064485 | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. |
| 10013683 | CONVERTIBLE TOP TONNEAU COVER DAMAGE. *SC |
| 10009240 | POWERTRAIN DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION. SERVICE INFORMATION TUNEUPS. *TT |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Rear suspension knuckle fracture
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation