1998 Dodge Viper problems

Common 1998 Dodge Viper problems

The Dodge Viper, produced from 1992 to 2017, is a high-performance sports car with a loyal following. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. This article will focus on the 1998 Dodge Viper and the most frequently reported issues by owners.

• Clicking or Popping Noise from Clutch or Transmission: Another common complaint from Dodge Viper owners is a clicking or popping noise from the clutch or transmission. This issue affects 16 model years ranging from 1992 to 2009 and is often caused by a misalignment between the rear axle and the driveline. Repairs typically involve installing matched hubs and yokes on the rear axle. The cost of this fix varies depending on the extent of the damage and whether it has caused additional issues.

• Water Leakage Between the Top and Side Curtains: Water leakage between the top and side curtains is another common Dodge Viper problem, reported by 16 owners and affecting 14 model years from 1992 to 2009. This issue can be fixed by installing updated right- and left-side rails to prevent water from seeping through.

• Worn Door Hinges: The Viper can be difficult to get in and out of, and the door often becomes the victim of people helping themselves in and out of the car. The result of this additional leverage is often found with worn door hinges. If the door drops down and/or drags along the sill when it’s opened, you may be in for a pricy repair.

• Extreme Heat Damage: The catalytic converters of the car live in the side sills, which get extremely hot. This area of the car can reach high temperatures, indicated by the door’s warning labels. When purchasing a Viper, it’s essential to check for bubbles in the paint resulting from the extreme heat in those areas. Also, look for any tell-tale signs of track rash along the bottom, as the sills are comprised of aluminum, unlike the rest of the car, which is primarily fiberglass.

• Power Steering Pulley: The original pulley is plastic and can crack and/or come apart with little-to-no warning. Thankfully, there are plenty of billet aluminum pulley kits available from the aftermarket.

• Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Cap: These atmospheric vent caps can work loose or crack over time. Given the close proximity to the manifolds, a dislodged cap can create a fiery disaster under the hood in a hurry.

• Hood Fiberglass Cracks: The hood can be damaged easily if not closed properly. The key to shutting the hood is to put pressure further up the hood (directly over the hinges) and not at the nose of the hood. If you plan on adding boost to your Viper find, know that cars produced after 2000 were fit with cast pistons. Before that, all Vipers had forged pistons, which were considerably stronger.

While these issues may not be deal-breakers for some shoppers, they are still essential to remember when considering a 1998 Dodge Viper. Regular maintenance and proper care can help prevent many of these problems.

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.

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.

Why is the Viper so hard to drive?

The lack of driver aids, and diarrhoea of power sent to the rear wheels with a manual gearbox, meant the Viper was a handful on the road.

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.

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.

Is Dodge Viper a safe car?

Besides the excessive use of torque on the 1992 Dodge Viper, the biggest reason for the vehicle's dangerous reputation is due to lack of safety equipment. In other words, a fast car with as much torque as this one needs built-in safety barriers.

1998 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:

• Steering problems
• Engine and engine cooling problems
• Structure problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Dodge Viper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.