1997 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 1997 Dodge Viper problems
The Dodge Viper, a high-performance sports car produced by Dodge, has been praised for its power and speed. However, like any other vehicle, it is not without its issues. Here are some common problems with the Dodge Viper 1997 based on complaints from owners:
- Sagging doors: The weight of the power window motors and glass in the Dodge Viper can cause the doors to sag over time. This issue can be easily fixed by adjusting the hinges.
- Tire availability: The Dodge Viper comes with unique tire sizes that are not commonly found on other vehicles. This can make finding replacement tires challenging and expensive.
- Power steering reservoir bracket: The power steering reservoir bracket on the Dodge Viper is made of cast material and has a tendency to break. This can be addressed by replacing it with a billet bracket.
- Power steering pulley: The power steering pulley on the Dodge Viper is made of plastic and is not as robust as it should be. This can be addressed by replacing it with a pulley and bracket kit.
- Crankshaft bolt: The crankshaft on the Dodge Viper has a right-handed thread bolt that fully relies on 250 lb-ft of torque to hold it in place. However, not all of these were done tight enough at the factory, which can cause issues when adding boost.
- Parts availability: Some mechanical components, such as oil pumps, oil pans, cylinder heads, timing covers, crankshafts, and camshafts, are difficult to find for the Dodge Viper. This can make replacing parts challenging and expensive.
- Body components: Body components, such as the enormous clamshell hood, are becoming even more rare for the Dodge Viper. This can make repairing damage to the front of the car, especially on the lower valence, challenging and expensive.
It is important to note that while these issues exist, the Dodge Viper is still a high-performance sports car that is praised for its power and speed. With proper maintenance and care, it can be a reliable and enjoyable vehicle to own.
What year Viper was 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.
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.
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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1997 Dodge Viper get?
Powertrain
| Engine | V10, 8.0 Liter |
|---|---|
| Fuel Economy | City 12/Hwy 20/Comb 15 MPG |
| Bore x Stroke | 4.00 x 3.88 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6 |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
What year Viper was 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.
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.
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.
How many miles per gallon does a 1997 Dodge Viper get?
Powertrain
| Engine | V10, 8.0 Liter |
|---|---|
| Fuel Economy | City 12/Hwy 20/Comb 15 MPG |
| Bore x Stroke | 4.00 x 3.88 |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6 |
| Fuel Type | Gas |
1997 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
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Dodge Viper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Dodge Viper complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Dodge Viper.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-03
- VIN: 1B3ER69EXVV
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM RECALL FOR FRAME WELDING, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PAY ENOUGH. DEALER AGREED TO MAKE REPAIRS. *JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1V3ER69E9VV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. TS
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WEAK POINT IN REAR TOW LINK MOUNT WHEN BRAKING EXCESSIVELY AND CORNERING CAUSED FRAME TO BREAK. *AK,
1997 Dodge Viper recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1997 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.
- Manufacturer: CHRYSLER CORPORATION
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT DESIGN ALLOWS THE POTENTIAL FOR AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT UPON VEHICLE IGNITION SHUT DOWN.
- Consequence: UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN RESULT IN OCCUPANT INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED MODULE.
Positive 1997 Dodge Viper car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Dodge Viper problems:
Common Viper Problems? | Dodge SRT Viper Forums : ViperAlley
Aug 19, 2005 ... I am looking to get a 1997 or later GTS, and I intend to drive it regularly. It WON'T be a garage queen. Thanks! Save Share. Like ...
1997 Dodge Viper Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Top 1997 Dodge Viper Problems · Driveline Clunk on Acceleration/Deceleration is Normal · Click or Pop Heard From Rear of Vehicle When Clutch Released · Noise ...
Common Problems With 2008s? | Dodge SRT Viper Forums ...
Mar 12, 2010 ... I currently have an 08 Z06 and I am thinking of upgrading to a 4th gen viper. Are there any major issues or minor issues that I should be ...
Viper motor durability???? | Viper Club of America Discussion Forums
Dec 30, 2002 ... Some overheating with later Vipers is a common problem. Aftermarket radiators seem to fix that. All in all, the V10 is probably not as dead ...
Dodge Viper Buyer's Guide: Common Issues, Pricing, Specs
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 1997 Dodge Viper?
Erick Reynolds 2024-11-24
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.
Fausto Padberg 2024-10-03
A car that's not only fun to drive but also packs a lot of raw power and is highly reliable.
Hermann Gutmann 2024-10-02
This car is still a rock star after two decades! It's one of the most underrated and underpriced supercars out there. The Edmunds value calculator estimates it at $25k, but the going rate for a 20k mile Blue and White GTS is almost double that, which is less than a 50% depreciation rate in all these years. The resale value is great! Forget about the overpriced GTRs, Lambos, etc. which will not have as timeless of a design as this Viper. Even if a GTR wasn't as fast as it is, would you really think it was cool? Lambos would still be cool even if they were slow, but one would think it was way faster than it was for the money. In this particular model Viper, with the forged internals, there's endless amounts of horsepower available with adding turbos and superchargers while costing tens and thousands of dollars less. I purchased this vehicle to enjoy for myself, then realized how much attention and admirers it still gets wherever it's driven. Dodge essentially put a race car on the road and included it with only the essentials. The A/C and power windows were just an added bonus. I rated the survey as well as I did because when you purchase a car like this, gas mileage, luxury, and spa comfort are not a concern. The icing on the cake is that values will only continue to increase while expressing being proud to be an American!
Lionel Bechtelar 2024-08-10
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.
Howard Lehner 2024-02-01
Hey there! It seems like you're looking for a quick and sporty ride, but you're having some trouble with oversteer. Let's see how we can help you out!