2003 DODGE VIPER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data
N/A
Safety Rating
7
Owner Complaints
4
Recalls
12
Service Bulletins
0
Investigations
Overview of the 2003 DODGE VIPER
The 2003 DODGE VIPER has received a total of 7 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 4 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, AIR BAGS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Air Bags (2 complaints), Power Train (1 complaint), and Service Brakes Hydraulic (1 complaint).
Recalls for the 2003 DODGE VIPER
NHTSA has recorded 4 recalls for the 2003 DODGE VIPER, potentially affecting up to 758,096 vehicles.
Recall 15V046000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
| 752,644 vehicles affected
Defect: 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...
Consequence: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12V527 and 13V040. All owners that have...
View full details →Recall 13V040000 — AIR BAGS
| 3,644 vehicles affected
Defect: 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.
Consequence: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners could increase the risk of personal injury and the possibility of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. An interim notification iwas sent to owners on March 18, 2013. The recall began on March 26, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
View full details →Recall 03V388000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
| 1,739 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH PARK LAMP CONTACTS MAY CORRODE.
Consequence: THIS CORROSION COULD CAUSE THE PARK LAMPS, HEAD LAMPS AND/OR INSTRUMENT PANEL LAMPS TO FLICKER OR BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REFLASH THE SOFTWARE IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
View full details →Recall 03V292000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
| 69 vehicles affected
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP WIRING MAY BECOME CHAFED BY AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD.
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP FUSE TO OPEN, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE WRAP ON THE FUEL PUMP WIRING HARNESS AND COVER THE EDGE OF THE HEAT SHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 9, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
View full details →Owner Complaints for the 2003 DODGE VIPER
7 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 DODGE VIPER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power Train | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service Brakes Hydraulic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Most Recent Complaints
PLASTIC BUSHING ON CLUTCH LEVER WEARS OUT AND DISENGAGES FROM PEDAL WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING INABILITY TO SHIFT GEARS. VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS) AND 13V040000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
2003 DODGE VIPER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG SYSTEM OCCUPANT RESTRAINT CONTROL MODE RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL, AND THERE WAS NO ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A GRINDING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE WHERE HE LATER REGAINED CONSCIOUSNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A GRINDING SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL VIA AMBULANCE WHERE HE LATER REGAINED CONSCIOUSNESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE REAR LOWER CONTROL ARM AND BALL JOINTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. *TR
Safety Rating for the 2003 DODGE VIPER
NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 DODGE VIPER in its New Car Assessment Program.
Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 DODGE VIPER
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 DODGE VIPER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.
102290 — SEATS
MODULE KIT - OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
N1302072013 — AIR BAGS
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...
N1302072013 — SEAT BELTS
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...
N1302072013 — EQUIPMENT
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...
N1302072013 — LANE DEPARTURE
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...
C31 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION NOTIFICATION NO. C31 - COOLING FAN MODULE. A CHECK BALL RETAINER IN THE COOLING FAN MODULE MAY BECOME DISLODGED. *TT
1803503 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HESITATION OR REDUCED POWER AFTER COMPLETING AN UPSHIFT DURING MODERATE ACCELERATION AND/OR AFTER A PROLONGED CLOSED THROTTLE EVENT. *TT
1100203 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
EXHAUST RATTLE SOUND WHILE DRIVING. *TT
1802403 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATION AND/OR POOR IDLE QUALITY FOLLOWING A COLD START. *TT
03006 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
INTAKE VALVE MACHINING - SUPPLEMENT A. *TT
Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.
NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 DODGE VIPER
There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.
Other Model Years of the DODGE VIPER
- 1998 DODGE VIPER — 4 complaints
- 1999 DODGE VIPER — 2 complaints
- 2000 DODGE VIPER — 9 complaints
- 2001 DODGE VIPER — 1 complaint
- 2002 DODGE VIPER — 1 complaint
- 2003 DODGE VIPER (current)
- 2004 DODGE VIPER — 11 complaints
- 2005 DODGE VIPER — 10 complaints
- 2006 DODGE VIPER — 3 complaints
Other DODGE Models
- DODGE DURANGO — 19,139 total complaints
- DODGE GRAND CARAVAN — 18,729 total complaints
- DODGE RAM 1500 — 15,420 total complaints
- DODGE CARAVAN — 14,266 total complaints
- DODGE DAKOTA — 9,227 total complaints
- DODGE CHARGER — 8,114 total complaints
- DODGE RAM 2500 — 8,092 total complaints
- DODGE INTREPID — 8,078 total complaints