MotorDeets

2004 Dodge Viper: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Dodge Viper: 2 recalls, 8 owner complaints and up to 13 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
8owner complaints
0mention a crash
13best combined mpg
2004 Dodge Viper
Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

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, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags3
Suspension2
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Transmission & drivetrain1
Body & structure1
Engine & cooling1
Electrical1
Steering1

What owners describe

The 2004 Dodge Viper has 8 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 17 Viper model years for complaints (2.1× the average Viper year). Complaints peaked in 2013 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 23,240 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (5 complaints, 4 recalls), 2005 (7 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
8.30 L 10-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive111913Premium

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 2004 Dodge Viper.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Dodge Viper manual

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FAQ

Does the 2004 Dodge Viper have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Dodge Viper problems?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), suspension (2), brakes (hydraulic) (1).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Dodge Viper get?

EPA ratings run up to 13 mpg combined (8.30 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 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.

Other Viper years

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