2004 Dodge Viper problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (2) · Air Bags (2) · Structure (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Air Bags:frontal 2015-01-28 · campaign 15V046000 · 752,644 vehicles
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 module (ECM), a component in the ECM may fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensi
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 Chrys
Air Bags 2013-02-06 · campaign 13V040000 · 3,644 vehicles
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.
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.
Service bulletins (27)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Seats 2024-12-18 · 102290 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
module kit - occupant restraint
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:immobilizer/Proximity:key/Sender 2020-07-22 · 9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Structure 2020-04-30 · 23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
disinfectant solution recommended for covid-19
Equipment 2020-04-22 · 08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Structure 2019-11-20 · 3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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.
Showing the 6 most recent of 27 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2014-03-19 · Air Bags · 3,000 mi“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 av…”
2013-10-28 · 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. …”
2013-05-16 · Suspension · 32,000 mi“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 wh…”
2013-05-13 · Suspension · 23,240 mi“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 th…”
2010-11-23 · Electrical System · 24,300 mi“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 v…”
2006-05-30 · 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…”
2006-04-11 · 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. *jb…”
2004-12-14 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages · 2,000 mi“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. *ak…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.