VehicleVerdict

2005 Dodge Viper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 10 complaints on file for the 2005 Dodge Viper — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

10

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Viper years?

Viper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Viper years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Dodge Viper problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags440%
Steering330%
Suspension220%
Tires & Wheels110%

Does the 2005 Dodge Viper have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V885000AirbagsDecember 12, 2019 · 3,329 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module may inadvertently deploy the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.

Consequence

The unexpected deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury and a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC module, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE4.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN RATE OF SPEED ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND BECAME TIGHT. WHILE VEERING TO THE LEFT, THE CONTACT APPLIED FORCE TO THE STEERING WHEEL WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL APPLIED. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT APPLIED, THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 23, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE KNUCKLE ASSEMBLY FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 30, 2012 · crash

“THE LEFT REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BROKE WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD , THE CAR WAS THROWN OUT OF CONTROL WHICH CAUSED A MULTIPLE ROLL OVER CRASH TOTALING THE CAR AND INJURING THE DRIVER. THERE IS A GAUGED OUT MARK IN THE PAVEMENT ALONG WITH A TIRE SKID MARK SHOWING THE WHEEL TURNED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 2, 2017 · crash

“LEFT DEALERSHIP AFTER TAKING DELIVERY. DROVE TO STOP SIGN AT END OF APPROACH RAMP TO HIGHWAY, ACCELERATED TO BLEND INTO TRAFFIC, CAR IMMEDIATELY WENT OUT OF CONTROL SWERVED TO RIGHT HIT CURB AND LAMP POST. I WAS TOLD AFTER ACCIDENT BY DEALER THAT TIRES NEEDED TO BE WARMED UP FIRST OR CAR HAS VERY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · December 31, 2004 · crash

2005 Dodge Viper — common questions

Is the 2005 Dodge Viper reliable?

The record is thin — 10 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 Viper problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (4 complaints), steering (3 complaints), suspension (2 complaints).

Does the 2005 Dodge Viper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Dodge Viper. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 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.