2004 Dodge Viper Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jan 28, 2015 · 8 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Viper years
Not enough data 1st of 15 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Dodge Viper. That is the most of any Viper model year in the database (15 years). The most reported problem area is air bags (3 complaints, 38%), typically at around 13,120 miles. Complaints mention 3 injuries. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

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

Compare with another car

Most common 2004 Dodge Viper problems

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

Air Bags3 · ~13,120 mi
Suspension2 · ~27,620 mi
Electrical System1 · ~24,300 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Power Train1 · ~2,000 mi
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1 · ~2,000 mi
Steering1 · ~32,000 mi
Structure1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags338%13,120——
Suspension225%27,620——
Electrical System113%24,300——
Engine and Engine Cooling113%———
Power Train113%2,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic113%2,000——
Steering113%32,000——
Structure113%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 3 complaints
2004: 1200412006: 2200622010: 1201012013: 3201332014: 120141

n = 8 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2004 Dodge Viper recalls (2)

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

Air bags:frontalJan 28, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V046000 · 752,644 vehicles

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.

Air bagsFeb 6, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V040000 · 3,644 vehicles

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.

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.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Rear suspension knuckle fracture (PE13010) — opened Apr 26, 2013, closed Dec 11, 2013.

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 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…

Air Bags · received Mar 19, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10573562

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.

Air Bags · received Oct 28, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10549782

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…

Suspension · received May 16, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10512426

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…

Air Bags · received May 13, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10511754

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…

Electrical System · received Nov 23, 2010 · NHTSA complaint 10367235

Other Dodge Viper years

← 2003 Viper · 2005 Viper →

See all Dodge Viper problems by year, every Dodge model, or the Dodge VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Dodge Viper?

Owners most often report air bags, suspension, electrical system problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Dodge Viper?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2004 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 2004 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.