1998 Dodge Viper
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 8 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 2 |
| 2000 | 4 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 4 |
| 2015 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FOR STEERING GEAR AND CROSSMEMBER FRAME. HAS CONTACTED EVER DEALER WITHIN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY, WHO HAVE ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE NOT LICENSED OR CERTIFIED TO PERFORM THE REMEDY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030529
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER FOR STEERING GEAR AND CROSSMEMBER FRAME. HAS CONTACTED EVER DEALER WITHIN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY, WHO HAVE ADVISED CONSUMER THAT THEY WERE NOT LICENSED OR CERTIFIED TO PERFORM THE REMEDY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030529
1 of 3 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING COLUMN, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER SHIP FOR SERVICE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO SERVICE RECALL AND REQUESTED CONSUMER TO TAKE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, CONSUMER STATES HAS NO TIME OR THE MONEY TO HAVE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20020703
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 DODGE VIPER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE BREATHER HOSE ON THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED LARGE OIL SPOTS WHEREVER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20080806
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RACING OPTION (ACR OR GT2). THE 5-POINT RACING SEAT BELT HARNESS, WHICH IS OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ON THE VIPER MAY NOT MEET THE VOLUNTARY LOAD SPECI
Remedy: THE 5-POINT RACING HARNESS WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 25, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE
Campaign 01V120000 — check if this car was fixed
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 D
Campaign 01V313000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MOU
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 DAIMLERC
Campaign 01V312000 — check if this car was fixed
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 BRAN
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 1-800-32
Campaign 06E022000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Dodge Viper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 01V120000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V313000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 01V312000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E022000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 Dodge Viper?
The most-reported component is structure:frame and members, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Dodge Viper have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.