1998 Dodge Viper Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 6, 2008 · 3 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Viper years
Not enough data 8th of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Dodge Viper. That ranks 8th out of 15 Viper model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is steering (2 complaints, 67%). There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1998 Dodge Viper problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Steering2
Engine and Engine Cooling1 · ~24,000 mi
Structure1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Steering267%———
Engine and Engine Cooling133%24,000——
Structure133%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2002, with 1 complaints
2002: 1200212003: 1200312008: 120081

n = 3 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1998 Dodge Viper recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Suspension:rearOct 4, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V312000 · 4,645 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles used extensively in track type racing events and subjected to aggressive driving conditions could experience cracks at the welds of the rear differential mounting bracket.

Risk: The cracks could eventually lead to metal fatigue and dislodging of the differential mounting bracket from the frame of the vehicle. Separation of the differential mounting bracket could result in loss of vehicle control.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and reinforce the vehicle's frame. Owner notification began may 20, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Steering:rack and pinion:rackOct 4, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V313000 · 7,050 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles used extensively in track type racing events and subjected to aggressive driving conditions could experiencecracking of the steering rack mounting brackets.

Risk: The cracks could eventually lead to separation of the steering rack from the frame of the vehicle. Separation of the steering rack could result in unexpected steering looseness and lag.

Fix: All affected vehicles will have a field repair kit installed, consisting of lower frame rail reinforcement gussets and a reinforcement bracket. Owner notification began may 20, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free information within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Seat belts:front:anchorageApr 11, 2001 · NHTSA campaign 01V120000 · 615 vehicles

Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with racing option (acr or gt2). The 5-point racing seat belt harness, which is optional equipment on the viper may not meet the voluntary load specifications set forth by the fia (federation internationale de l'automobile).

Risk: In the event of a crash, the harness may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: The 5-point racing harness will be replaced. Owner notification began february 25, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 dodge viper. While driving at any speed, the breather hose on the engine leaks oil. The contact also noticed large oil spots wherever the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the breather hose needed to be replaced. The contact did…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Aug 6, 2008 · NHTSA complaint 10237221

Consumer received recall letter for steering gear and crossmember frame. Has contacted ever dealer within the state of kentucky, who have advised consumer that they were not licensed or certified to perform the remedy. Consumer then contacted manufacturer, who advised can not tell consumer where to…

Steering · received May 29, 2003 · NHTSA complaint 10021863

Consumer received a recall regarding the steering column, took vehicle to dealer ship for service dealership refused to service recall and requested consumer to take vehicle to another dealership, consumer states has no time or the money to have vehicle transported to an hour destination for recall…

Steering · received Jul 3, 2002 · NHTSA complaint 8013272

Other Dodge Viper years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Dodge Viper?

Owners most often report steering, engine and engine cooling, structure problems. The top one, steering, accounts for 2 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Dodge Viper?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1998 Dodge Viper a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Viper model years, the 1998 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.