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1997 Dodge ViperProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Viper, most often about the structure. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints30 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Structure

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 3, 2003. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Dodge Viper has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Structure20
Seats10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1997 Dodge Viper recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Suspension: rear

Recall 01V-312 · Oct 4, 2001 · 4,645 vehicles

Risk. THE CRACKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO METAL FATIGUE AND DISLODGING OF THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING BRACKET FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Rack and pinion: rack

Recall 01V-313 · Oct 4, 2001 · 7,050 vehicles

Risk. THE CRACKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE STEERING RACK FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Dodge.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Viper year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Viper median. How we score

'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'13'14'15
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Viper owners report

Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

NHTSA#14417-01-V-313-000 STEERING RACCK MOUNTING BRACKET. THE CRACKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE STEERING RACK FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE: CONSUMER STATES THE FRAME HAS BROKE ON BOTH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. TS
Complaint 10001154 · Dec 18, 2002

Own a 1997 Viper?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.