2003 Dodge Viper: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Dodge Viper: 4 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V292000 · 2003 · 69 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump wiring May become chafed by an underbody heat shield.
Why it matters: This could cause the fuel pump fuse to open, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #03V388000 · 2003 · 1,739 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the multifunction switch park lamp contacts May corrode.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #13V040000 · 2013 · 3,644 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners could increase the risk of personal injury and the possibility of a crash.
The 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V046000 · 2015 · 752,644 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Speed control / throttle (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (hydraulic) (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2003 Dodge Viper has 5 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 17 Viper model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 4). Complaints peaked in 2013 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 10 years old, at a median of 300 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (8 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.30 L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 20 | 14 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Dodge Viper.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Dodge Viper have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Dodge Viper. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Dodge Viper problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (2), speed control / throttle (1), brakes (hydraulic) (1).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Dodge Viper get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (8.30 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Dodge Viper repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.