2003 Dodge Viper recalls and problems

The 2003 Dodge Viper has 4 safety recalls and 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Dodge dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
5
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Dodge Viper vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Dodge Viper recalls

Recall 15V-046: Air Bags

Reported Jan 28, 2015 · 752,644 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.

Fix: 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 not had the recall repair performed under safety recalls 12V527 or 13V040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on December 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R06.

Recall 13V-040: Air Bags

Reported Feb 6, 2013 · 3,644 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners could increase the risk of personal injury and the possibility of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-388: Exterior Lighting

Reported Oct 10, 2003 · 1,739 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the multifunction switch park lamp contacts may corrode.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 03V-292: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Aug 12, 2003 · 69 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump wiring may become chafed by an underbody heat shield.

Risk: This could cause the fuel pump fuse to open, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2003 Dodge Viper problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags2
Vehicle Speed Control1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Steering1
Suspension1
Power Train1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 300 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Dodge Viper complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Jun 26, 2017
Plastic bushing on clutch lever wears out and disengages from pedal while driving. Causing inability to shift gears. Very dangerous in traffic.
Air Bags · reported Mar 3, 2016
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.
Air Bags · reported Jul 25, 2013
2003 dodge viper. Consumer writes in regards to air bag system occupant restraint control mode recall notice. The dealer informed the consumer, the parts were not available to perform the recall, and there was no estimated time of arrival.
Steering · at 300 miles · reported Jul 5, 2013
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…
Vehicle Speed Control · reported May 10, 2004
Intermittently, while driving at very low speed and applying the brakes, the pedal went down to the floor. Also without pressing the accelerator, the vehicle surge. The dealership inspected the several times and has not been unable to duplicate the problem.

Other Dodge Viper years

Compare all Dodge Viper years · All Dodge models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Dodge Viper have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Dodge Viper: 15V-046 (air bags), 13V-040 (air bags), 03V-388 (exterior lighting), 03V-292 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Dodge Viper?

Owners report air bags problems most often (2 reports), followed by vehicle speed control (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 300 miles.

Are Dodge recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Dodge dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.