1997 Dodge Viper

○ Not enough data
1997 Dodge Viper
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:09.874Z

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
3

Too few to rank

Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 5 complaints 1995: 3 complaints 1996: 8 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1997 3 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 2000: 4 complaints 2001: 1 complaint 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 5 complaints 2004: 8 complaints 2005: 7 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2013: 4 complaints 2014: 4 complaints 2014 2015: 3 complaints 2016: 0 complaints
1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 5 complaints 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 8 complaints 1997: 3 complaints 1997 3 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 4 complaints 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2003: 5 complaints 2003 2004: 8 complaints 2005: 7 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 4 complaints 2015: 3 complaints 2015 2016: 0 complaints
1993: 2 complaints 1993 1994: 5 complaints 1994 1995: 3 complaints 1995 1996: 8 complaints 1996 1997: 3 complaints 1997 3 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 2 complaints 1999 2000: 4 complaints 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 5 complaints 2003 2004: 8 complaints 2004 2005: 7 complaints 2005 2006: 1 complaint 2006 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 4 complaints 2014 2015: 3 complaints 2015 2016: 0 complaints 2016

1997: 3 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19920
19932
19945
19953
19968
19973
19983
19992
20004
20011
20021
20035
20048
20057
20061
20134
20144
20153
20160

Known problem areas

Only 3 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Structure

2 of 3 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing underbody shields and frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

NHTSA#14417-01-v-313-000 steering racck mounting bracket. The cracks could eventually lead to separation of the steering rack from the frame of the vehicle: consumer states the frame has broke on both side of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-18

Weak point in rear tow link mount when braking excessively and cornering caused frame to break. *ak,

NHTSA ODI report, 2000-06-12

Seats

1 of 3 total reports mentions: seats, most commonly citing recliner.

Show complaint excerpts

The dealer refused to perform recall for frame welding, consumer was informed the manufacturer did not pay enough. Dealer agreed to make repairs.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-03-03

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1997-07-15Air bags97V080000 The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.

  2. R
    2002-05-20Steering01V313000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles used extensively in track type racing events and subjected to aggressive driving conditions could experiencecracking of the steering rack mounting brackets.

    Remedy: All affected vehicles will have a field repair kit installed, consisting of lower frame rail reinforcement gussets and a reinforcement bracket. Owner notification began May 20, 2002. Owners who…

  3. R
    2002-05-20Suspension01V312000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles used extensively in track type racing events and subjected to aggressive driving conditions could experience cracks at the welds of the rear differential…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles and reinforce the vehicle's frame. Owner notification began May 20, 2002. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact…

  4. R
    2006-03-20Service brakes, hydraulic06E022000 Certain aftermarket brake hydraulic master cylinders sold as replacement brake cylinders for certain Ford, daimlerchrysler, and Jeep passenger vehicles. These brake cylinders were sold under the…

    Remedy: Affinia (Brake parts, inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at…

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Dodge Viper — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V080000 · Air bags
  • Recall 01V313000 · Steering
  • Recall 01V312000 · Suspension
  • Recall 06E022000 · Service brakes, hydraulic

FAQ

Is the 1997 Dodge Viper reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Dodge Viper?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Dodge Viper have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.