Recalls (4)
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2003 Dodge Viper. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment
- Summary
- 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.
Inadvertent Airbag Deployment
- Summary
- 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.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH PARK LAMP
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH PARK LAMP CONTACTS MAY CORRODE.
- Consequence
- THIS CORROSION COULD CAUSE THE PARK LAMPS, HEAD LAMPS AND/OR INSTRUMENT PANEL LAMPS TO FLICKER OR BECOME INOPERATIVE. THIS COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REFLASH THE SOFTWARE IN THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-992-1997.
DAIMLERCHRYSLER/FUEL PUMP WIRING CHAFFING
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP WIRING MAY BECOME CHAFED BY AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP FUSE TO OPEN, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE WRAP ON THE FUEL PUMP WIRING HARNESS AND COVER THE EDGE OF THE HEAT SHIELD. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 9, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (6)
6 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 2 | 33.3% |
| Power train | 1 | 16.7% |
| Service brakes | 1 | 16.7% |
| Steering | 1 | 16.7% |
| Suspension | 1 | 16.7% |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 16.7% |
| Visibility | 1 | 16.7% |
How 2003 compares with other Viper years
Best and worst Viper years →| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 2 | 3 |
| 2000 | 4 | 3 |
| 2001 | 1 | 2 |
| 2002 | 1 | 0 |
| 2003 | 6 | 4 |
| 2004 | 9 | 2 |
| 2005 | 8 | 1 |
| 2006 | 9 | 2 |
| 2008 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | 1 | 0 |
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 14 mpg combined
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $5,850
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 635 g/mi
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
What it costs you to run
Miles ÷ 14 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3 L 10-cyl · 6-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 20 / 14 | $5,850 | 635 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2003 Viper for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2003 Dodge Viper FAQ
How many recalls does the 2003 Dodge Viper have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns: 15V046000 (air bag), 13V040000 (air bag), 03V388000 (lighting), 03V292000 (fuel pump). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2003 Dodge Viper problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (2), Power train (1), Service brakes (1) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2003 Dodge Viper get?
EPA rates the 8.3 L 10-cyl · 6-speed manual version at 11 city, 20 highway and 14 combined mpg.
How does the 2003 Viper compare with other years?
Among the 1999–2010 Dodge Viper model years at least five years old, the 2001 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2006 the most (9). The 2003 drew 6. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.