2001 Dodge Viper problems

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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.

2001 Dodge Viper

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Common 2001 Dodge Viper problems

The Dodge Viper 2001 is a high-performance sports car with a unique set of characteristics and potential issues that owners should be aware of. Here are some common problems with the Dodge Viper 2001, based on complaints from owners and automotive experts:

  1. Sagging doors: The weight of the power window motors and glass in the coupe version of the Viper can cause the doors to sag over time. This issue can be fixed easily by adjusting the hinges.
  2. Tire availability: The Viper's unique wheel and tire sizes (275/40-17s up front, and 335/35-17s in the rear) can make finding new tires difficult and expensive. Viper clubs often set up group buys to get new tires at a reasonable price.
  3. Steering rack and differential mount: There were two recalls related to the steering rack and differential mount on Vipers from 1996 to 2002. The first recall (number 998) affected cars from 1996 to March 1999 and involved the potential for the steering rack and left differential mount to fail under racing conditions. The second recall (number 999) affected cars from 1999 to 2000 and only included the steering rack potential issue.
  4. Water pump: The 2001 model year had a known issue with the water pump, which used a plastic impeller with a steel drive shaft. The impeller could slip on the shaft and cause an overheating condition.
  5. Harmonic balancer bolt: The bolt used to hold the harmonic balancer to the crankshaft can loosen over time due to the engine's torque. This can potentially cause damage to the engine if it comes off while the car is running.
  6. Motor mounts: The motor mounts on the Viper can fail faster than on regular cars due to the car's high torque. It is important to check the motor mounts regularly and replace them as needed.
  7. Powder coating: The powder coating on the engine can start to flake off over time. This is a cosmetic issue but can be an indicator of other potential problems.
  8. Viper idle hang: The Viper is known for having a unique issue where the engine idles higher than normal for a short period after the car is turned off. This is not harmful to the car but can be alarming for owners who are not aware of it.
  9. Parts availability: Some mechanical components and body parts for the Viper, such as oil pumps, oil pans, cylinder heads, timing covers, crankshafts, camshafts, and the enormous clamshell hood, can be difficult to find. This can make repairs and maintenance more challenging and expensive.

In summary, the Dodge Viper 2001 is a powerful and unique sports car with a dedicated community of enthusiasts. While there are some common problems and issues that owners should be aware of, many of these can be addressed with regular maintenance and inspections. The Viper's unique characteristics and performance capabilities make it a desirable and exciting car for those who are willing to take on the challenges of ownership.

2001 Dodge Viper engine

Are Dodge Viper engines reliable?

Are Dodge Vipers Generally 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 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.

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.

Are Dodge Viper cars reliable?

Are Dodge Vipers Generally 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.

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.

2001 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:

  • Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Dodge Viper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2001 Dodge Viper complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Dodge Viper.

2020-05-18

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-05-09
  • VIN: 1B3ER69E21V
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE FUEL TANK LEAKS AT THE FILL NECK WHEN YOU FILL CAR PAST 3/4 FULL. IT LEAKS BOTH WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN PARKED. THE FUEL LEAKS DOWN THE FRAME AND EXHAUST PIPE TO THE GROUND. IN 2001-2002 DODGE HIRE A DIFFERENT (CHEAPER) COMPANY TO MAKE THEIR FUEL TANKS. AS A RESULT THEY LEAK AT TANK WHERE FILLER NECK ATTACHES. DODGE'S CORRECTION WAS TO PUT A HATCH FOR FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT ON THE R/T MODELS BUT NOT ON THE GTS MODELS. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE (ON EVERY CAR FORUM I FOUND) WITHOUT A RECALL. I WISH THIS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE A FIRE HAPPENS. *TR

2001 Dodge Viper recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2001 Dodge Viper.

2006-03-13
  • 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.
2001-04-11
  • Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
  • Summary: 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 SPECIFICATIONS SET FORTH BY THE FIA (FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE DE L'AUTOMOBILE).
  • Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE HARNESS MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
  • 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 FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
2000-11-09
  • Manufacturer: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
  • Components: CHILD SEAT
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." SOME OF THE OWNER'S MANUALS FOR THESE VEHICLES ARE MISSING INSTRUCTIONS THAT PROVIDE A STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURE, INCLUDING DIAGRAMS, FOR PROPERLY ATTACHING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM'S TETHER STRAP TO THE TETHER ANCHORAGE.
  • Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ATTACHED INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE CHILD.
  • Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDENDUM TO THE OWNER'S MANUALS.

Negative 2001 Dodge Viper car reviews

  1. Napoleon Wyman 2024-11-03

    Great car! It's very fast and sure to turn heads.

  2. Barrett Ratke 2024-03-05

    I bought my car in April 2002 and for the first three months, I couldn't stop smiling while driving it. Unfortunately, it has spent more than 30 days in the shop since September 2002, and I have had to file for the lemon law. While the build quality and comfort are not up to par, I still enjoy driving it occasionally. Overall, I have loved owning it, but I am looking forward to getting rid of it.

Positive 2001 Dodge Viper car reviews

  1. Brenden Kertzmann 2025-02-17

    Hey there! I'm excited to share that I recently got my 2nd Viper! My first one was a 1994 RT/10 that I purchased back in '97. I had a blast driving it both on and off the track, and even got to participate in some awesome events with the IL Region Viper Club of America, including drag racing, autocross, and road racing. My current Viper is a '97 Coupe, which I absolutely love. It's much more refined, has better handling, more power, and better aerodynamics. To make it even better, I've invested about $15k in aftermarket upgrades, including BIG brakes, an aluminum flywheel, a short shifter, hi-ratio roller rockers, smooth tubes, headers/catback exhaust, 3:55 gear, rollbar, and fire extinguisher. The best part? It's still street legal, has all the amenities like air conditioning, power windows, and a stereo, and runs 11's in the quarter mile! Thanks for letting me share my passion with you.

  2. Brent Lindgren 2025-02-06

    After looking at several high-performance vehicles, I was drawn to the Viper GTS. The roar of its mighty V10 brought back memories of the muscle cars of old. The car has proven to be wicked fast, very comfortable, and with supermodel looks. It's definitely not a car for introverts, as fans will swarm you as though you are a major celebrity. Celebrities, forget about blending in. On the track, it performs like no other car. Corvette who? You won't be able to wipe the smile off your face when you own a Viper.

  3. Gonzalo Ullrich 2025-01-27

    You've got yourself a super fast car with excellent handling! It sounds like it's much more refined compared to your 1996 RT-10. It's great to hear that you've been a Viper owner since 1998 and still own one today (2004). It's even better to know that you've never had any problems with it. It's also good to hear that the service is very affordable. It seems like there's not much out there that can keep up with your Viper!

  4. Rowan Graham 2025-01-20

    Operating this car may take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be in for a thrilling ride. The Viper was designed with a focus on performance, prioritizing speed, handling, and braking over luxury features like traction control or a fancy radio. If you're looking for those extras, a Corvette might be a better fit. However, if you want to turn heads and attract attention, the Viper is the car for you. Just be prepared for some extra attention, especially from kids. It's important to note that acceleration can be tricky, so it's best to practice pressing the pedal gently to avoid losing traction. In the event of a flat tire, it's recommended to purchase a used rim and tire rather than relying on the spare. And as always, be mindful of the law while driving.

  5. Baron Kunze 2025-01-13

    Great machine with loads of power and the best handling ride I have ever driven. You have to drive it to believe it.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2001 Dodge Viper problems:

2005 Vipers Reliable? Common Problems? | Dodge SRT Viper ...
2005 Vipers Reliable? Common Problems? | Dodge SRT Viper ...
https://www.viperalley.com/threads/2005-vipers-reliable-common-problems.293823/

Dec 2, 2018 ... A new Classified Ad has been posted to the Vipers For Sale section: Description: 2001 Dodge Viper GTS 1B3ER69E51V704701 18,000 miles Red w ...

Dodge Viper Buyer's Guide: Common Issues, Pricing, Specs
Dodge Viper Buyer's Guide: Common Issues, Pricing, Specs
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/buying-maintenance/a32945059/dodge-viper-buyers-guide/

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 ...

Common Viper Problems? | Dodge SRT Viper Forums : ViperAlley
Common Viper Problems? | Dodge SRT Viper Forums : ViperAlley
https://www.viperalley.com/threads/common-viper-problems.36017/

Aug 19, 2005 ... Water pumps in the 2001 car. Some have bad impellers and causes the car to run hot :nod: 99 GTS ACR Going Twinturbo, ...

2001 Dodge Viper Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
2001 Dodge Viper Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/dodge/viper/2001

Get 2001 Dodge Viper repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Dodge mechanics near you.

Viper motor durability???? | Viper Club of America Discussion Forums
Viper motor durability???? | Viper Club of America Discussion Forums
https://www.viperclub.org/vca/threads/viper-motor-durability.535627/

Dec 30, 2002 ... Some overheating with later Vipers is a common problem. ... By the way people gripe about Dodge on this board, I thought everyone with a Gen1 had ...

Other years of Dodge Viper

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Viper 2002
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Viper 2013
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