VehicleVerdict

2004 Dodge Viper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 11 complaints on file for the 2004 Dodge Viper — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

11

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Viper years?

Viper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted11 complaints1992: 0 complaints1993: 2 complaints1994: 5 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 8 complaints1997: 3 complaints1998: 4 complaints1999: 2 complaints2000: 9 complaints2001: 1 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 7 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 10 complaints2006: 3 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 4 complaints2015: 5 complaints2016: 0 complaints
Viper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Viper years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Dodge Viper problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags327%
Suspension218%
Electrical System19%
Engine19%
Steering19%
Body & Structure19%
Transmission19%
Brakes19%

Does the 2004 Dodge Viper have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V046000AirbagsJanuary 28, 2015 · 752,644 units

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 pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

13V040000AirbagsFebruary 6, 2013 · 3,644 units

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 1, 2013

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 20, 2013

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 21, 2005

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 2004

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 15, 2013

2004 Dodge Viper — common questions

Is the 2004 Dodge Viper reliable?

The record is thin — 11 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2004 Viper problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (3 complaints), suspension (2 complaints), steering (1 complaints).

Does the 2004 Dodge Viper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Dodge Viper. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Dodge Viper under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.