1996 Dodge Viper problems
The Dodge Viper is a sports car that was manufactured by Dodge (by SRT for 2013 and 2014), a division of American car manufacturer FCA US LLC from 1992 until 2017, having taken a brief hiatus in 2007, and from 2010 to 2012. Production of the two-seat sports car began at New Mack Assembly Plant in 1991 and moved to Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in October 1995.
Although Chrysler considered ending production because of serious financial problems, on September 14, 2010, then-chief executive Sergio Marchionne announced and previewed a new model of the Viper for 2012. In 2014, the Viper was named number 10 on the "Most American Cars" list, meaning 75% or more of its parts are manufactured in the U.S. The Viper was eventually discontinued in 2017 after approximately 32,000 were produced over the 26 years of production.
The 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time on a Viper varies from around 3.5 to 4.5 seconds. Top speed ranges from 160 mph (260 km/h) to over 200 mph (320 km/h), depending on variant and year.
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Common 1996 Dodge Viper problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Dodge Viper 1996, common problems with this car include:
- Clutch-Related Clicks or Pops: Another common complaint is the presence of clicking or popping noises when the clutch is released. This issue could point towards problems with the clutch assembly, such as a worn throw-out bearing that may require replacement.
- Body-Related Concerns: Some owners have faced challenges related to body components, particularly with the power steering system. Issues like the power steering reservoir bracket breaking or overflowing, and the power steering pulley being less durable, have been highlighted. Solutions involve replacing the bracket with billet versions and addressing the pulley with a kit.
- Difficulty in Finding Parts: Locating specific mechanical components for the Dodge Viper 1996, such as oil pumps, oil pans, cylinder heads, timing covers, crankshafts, and camshafts, has been a significant challenge. Some parts like the 708 cam are no longer available from the manufacturer, necessitating sourcing from salvage yards or the aftermarket.
- Heat Management: Due to the substantial heat generated by the Viper's powerful V-10 engine and exhaust system, heat-related issues can arise. Proper maintenance of the cooling system, including checking the coolant level, condition, and water pump, is crucial to prevent overheating and associated problems.
These problems can impact the performance, safety, and overall driving experience of the Dodge Viper 1996. Addressing these issues promptly through professional inspection and maintenance can help ensure the longevity and reliability of this iconic sports car.
What was wrong with Dodge Viper?
Common Issues with the Dodge Viper
Driveline clunks when accelerating or decelerating. Click or pop in the car when the clutch is released. Water leaks from the top and side curtains.
What year Viper is the most reliable?
On average, you'll find that most people consider Dodge Vipers to be very reliable vehicles, capable of doing well over 40,000 miles without running into any maintenance problems or concerns. However, the most reliable and possibly most popular year for the Dodge Viper was 2013.
How many miles will a Dodge Viper last?
Typically, you can expect a Dodge Viper to survive around 120,000 miles, though some might make it a little longer with the proper maintenance. You can play a role in the lifespan if you put in work whenever problems pop up in the Viper.
Why did Dodge Viper fail?
Initially, Fiat Chrysler cited poor sales as a reason for discontinuing the Viper; however, other sources have stated the car was discontinued because the Viper was unable to comply with FMVSS 226 safety regulation, which requires side-curtain air bags.
Are old Dodge Vipers reliable?
According to motorandwheels.com, many used Dodge Vipers from around 2013 have high reliability ratings. Driving.ca also reports that used Dodge Vipers are pretty reliable on average, though there are of course less good year models. Generally, a Gen IV or Gen V Dodge Viper from 2008 to 2017 will be a good choice.
What is the best year for Dodge Viper?
Best Dodge Viper Years
Here are the best years available for the Dodge Viper on the market: 1996-2002 Dodge Viper (Gen II) 2013-2017 Dodge Viper (Gen V) 1992-1995 Dodge Viper (Gen I)
Why did the Viper fail?
Initially, Fiat Chrysler cited poor sales as a reason for discontinuing the Viper; however, other sources have stated the car was discontinued because the Viper was unable to comply with FMVSS 226 safety regulation, which requires side-curtain air bags.
Why were Dodge Vipers destroyed?
So per the original agreement when the cars were sent to the schools it was no surprise when dodge. Asked for a back viper's rounded up rip to shreds. Never to be dismantled by a high school.
1996 Dodge Viper car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Dodge Viper problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Dodge Viper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Dodge Viper complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Dodge Viper.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-01-03
- VIN: 1B3ER69E9TV
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE VIPER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAIDED OIL LINES IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUBBED TOGETHER AND BURST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR FOR THAT TYPE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. UPDATED 03/03/11
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-30
- VIN: TV100582
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 1. NO PARTICULAR EVENT LEAD TO THE FAILURE 2. DIFFERENTIAL RING GEAR BOLTS/NUTS BECAME LOOSE CAUSING THE BOLTS/NUTS TO BECOME LODGED BETWEEN THE RING GEAR AND CASE CAUSING THE CASE TO CRACK. GEAR OIL LEAKED FROM THE CASE. POSSIBLE RESULTS MAY BE SEIZURE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL,SUDDEN STOPPAGE, AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. 3. 1996 DODGE VIPER R/T 10 WITH 42,000 MILES SINCE NEW 4. PARTS MAY BE AVAILABLE, PHOTOS AVAILABLE FROM INSURANCE COMPANY
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-19
- VIN: 1B3BR65E9TV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING. THERE WAS NO CRASH BUT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE DRUG THE GROUND. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED AND AGREE THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL, # 01V313000 CONCERNING STEERING: RACK AND PINION. THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF A FRACTURE IN THE FRAME. THE RECALL INDICATES A FRAME SEPARATION CAN ACCRUE, HOWEVER BOTH REFUSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-06-24
- VIN: 1B3BR65E2TV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WORK HASN'T BEEN DONE RECALL #998 TO REPLACE FRAME OF THE STEERING COLUMN. THE DEALER NAME IS HOPKINS DODGE SERVICE ,MANAGER [XXX], [XXX]. NO ONE HAS CONTACTED HIM ON HIS REPAIR IN 24 DAYS . DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, WORK HASN'T BEEN DONE AS OF YET.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL #998 ON THE VEHICLE AND HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL IN FINDING A DEALER TO REPAIR. *SCC *NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1B13R69E9TV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DO RECALL CAUSE THERE WAS'NT ANY TECHICIAN THAT COULD DO THE WORK. MR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE CONVERTABLE TOP ALMOST FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-16
- VIN: 1B3BR65E2TV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 60MPH THE CANVAS ROOF ALMOST FLEW OFF. *AK
1996 Dodge Viper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1996 Dodge Viper.
- Manufacturer: BRAKE PARTS, INC.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: 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 BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 27, 2005 THROUGH JANUARY 17, 2006 (DATE CODES 0529 THROUGH 0602) ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL. WHEN SUBJECT TO VERY COLD TEMPERATURES, AN INTERNAL SEAL IN THE MASTER CYLINDER COULD LOSE FLEXIBILITY AND MAY CAUSE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK.
- Consequence: LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN LEAD TO A DECREASE IN BRAKE LINE PRESSURE AND AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- 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 1-800-323-0354.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: THE CRACKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE STEERING RACK FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION OF THE STEERING RACK COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED STEERING LOOSENESS AND LAG.
- 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 DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE INFORMATION WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
- Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: 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 MOUNTING BRACKET.
- Consequence: THE CRACKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO METAL FATIGUE AND DISLODGING OF THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING BRACKET FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION OF THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING BRACKET COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
- 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 DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Positive 1996 Dodge Viper car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Dodge Viper problems:
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1996 Dodge Viper Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
Problem with your 1996 Dodge Viper? Our list of 12 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 Dodge Viper.
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Mar 16, 2005 ... What are the common problems / reliability issues with stock 05 Viper SRT-10's? 2. Does the convertible top leak water or make sound at high ...
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Jul 7, 2020 ... Other well-known issues include leaking from the thermostat gasket on earlier Vipers, and leaks from the rear main seal and timing cover gaskets ...
Other years of Dodge Viper
Are you having problems with your 1996 Dodge Viper?
Ayden Anderson 2024-11-25
The design of this car is truly timeless. It's impossible to get tired of looking at it. Every time I start it up, the engine roars with power. The exhaust note is one of the best on the street. The color combination is also a standout feature - the red exterior with black interior, red shifter and steering wheel, and yellow wheels really make it pop. Whenever I take it to a car show, it always attracts the most attention out of all the super cars.
Clark Legros 2024-08-12
A car that's not only fun to drive but also packs a lot of raw power and is highly reliable.
Trent Grant 2024-02-14
I can tell you that I absolutely adore this car! It's definitely my favorite one yet. Not only is it a blast to drive, but it's also a real head-turner.