2013 Dodge Viper problems

General information about Dodge-Viper
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

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 2013 Dodge Viper problems

The Dodge Viper 2013, a high-performance sports car, is known for its powerful V10 engine and impressive performance. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the most common issues with the Dodge Viper 2013:

Soft Clutch: If the clutch pedal in the Viper you're test driving feels soft or requires some pumping action to build pressure back up to functional levels, the likely culprit is a leaking slave cylinder located in the transmission bellhousing. If this part is leaking hydraulic fluid, the clutch pedal will be soft and mushy, may fail to return after it's released, and ultimately, will render the clutch inoperable if not repaired. Repairing this problem is not overly involved or expensive.

Fluid Leaks: Fluid leaks can cause issues, so be on the lookout. Have the technician inspect the vehicle fully, paying special attention to possible leakage from oil cooler lines, coolant lines, the transmission, and the rear differential. Though reported with relative rarity, fluid leaks can cause issues, so be on the lookout.

Dipstick Reading: Owners have reported that the dipstick is hard to read, and that it must be read only after the vehicle is parked on a level surface and left turned off for an extended period. Remove the dipstick and read it immediately. Do not wipe it off, reinsert, and re-read.

Transmission Issues: Some owners reported difficulty shifting or clutch issues, which could be caused by worn or damaged transmission components. This required a rebuild or replacement of the transmission.

Fuel System Issues: Some owners reported fuel leaks or issues with the fuel pump, which could cause poor performance or even engine damage. This issue was more common in early model years and required a replacement of the fuel system components.

Suspension Issues: Some owners reported difficulty controlling the vehicle or excessive tire wear, which could be caused by worn or damaged suspension components. This required a replacement or rebuild of the suspension system.

Electrical Issues: Some owners reported issues with the car's instrument cluster, such as gauges not functioning properly or displaying incorrect information, which could be caused by faulty electrical components. Replacing the faulty components or the entire instrument cluster was necessary to resolve this issue.

Seat Position Sensors: The 2013-2014 SRT models had ill-placed sensors which could cause the airbags to deploy at a lower velocity. If moisture gets into the door switch, the driver or passenger door could open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.

These common issues with the Dodge Viper 2013 should be taken into consideration when purchasing or maintaining this vehicle. Proper maintenance and timely troubleshooting are crucial to keeping the car in good condition and preventing more serious issues down the line.

What is the recall on the 2013 Dodge Viper?

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured October 1, 2012, to February 6, 2014. Moisture may get into the door switch, resulting in the driver or passenger door opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.

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.

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 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.

Is the Dodge Viper engine 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 did the Viper fail?

What is the recall on the 2013 Dodge Viper?

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.

2013 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:

Electrical system problems
Structure problems
Air bags problems
Visibility problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2013 Dodge Viper vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2013 Dodge Viper complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Dodge Viper.

2020-08-11

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-08-01
VIN: 1C3ADEAZ5DV
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Summary: AS MANY 2013-2015 DODGE VIPER OWNERS REPORT ONLINE, THE HORN TURNS ON AND OFF, STICKING ON FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME WITH NO CONTACT, RANDOMLY. MOST VIPER OWNER OF THIS YEAR MODEL ARE PULLING THE FUSE SO THE HORN DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. THIS IS A PART OF THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG ASSEMBLY THAT IS TIED IN WITH THE HORN MECHANISM. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE VERY EXPENSIVE SIX FIGURE VEHICLES AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A SAFETY CONCERN BY DODGE IMMEDIATELY AS A RECALL AS THIS IS NEEDED FOR STATE SAFETY INSPECTION.

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2020-06-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-06-13
VIN: 1C3ADEBZ7DV
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND SOMETHING LIKE A RUBBER/ELECTRICAL SMELL WAS NOTICED. I LOOKED IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SEEN I HAD SMOKE FILLING THE REAR OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. GOT OUT AND OPENED THE REAR LIFT GATE AND AS I LOOKED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON MY REAR LIFT GATE GLASS EXPLODED INTO A MILLION PIECES. IT WAS AS LOUD AS A SHOTGUN GOING OFF. I WAS VERY LUCKY I HAD STOPPED MY CAR AS IT COULD POSSIBLY HAVE CAUSE ME OR SOMEONE DRIVING BEHIND ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT IF I HAD BEEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD. THERE WASN'T A PIECE OF GLASS NO BIGGER THAN A DIME LEFT OF THE REAR GLASS. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I DIDN'T GET CUT OR GLASS IN MY EYES. SHORTLY AFTER IT HAPPENED I REMEMBERED THAT IF THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS TURNED ON THAT THE REAR GLASS COULD EXPLODE OUT. I THEN REMEMBERED THAT I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF CHANGING THE RADIO CHANNEL AND MUST HAVE TOUCHED THE BUTTON FOR THE REAR DEFROSTER. MY DASH SCREEN WAS DIMMED SINCE I WAS RUNNING MY PARKING LIGHTS AND COULD NOT SEE MY RADIO BUTTONS AND INSTEAD PRESSED THE BUTTON TURNING ON THE REAR DEFROSTER INSTEAD OF TRYING TO CHANGE THE RADIO CHANNEL. SOMETHING ABOUT IF THE CARBON FIBER PANELING WAS TOUCHING THE GLASS IT COULD CAUSE A MISHAP. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE WASN'T A RECALL ON IT AND THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT AND THAT THERE WAS ONLY A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT IT. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. NOW I HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE MY GLASS AND ALSO I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO USE MY DEFROSTER IN THE FUTURE. SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS BEFORE THIS HAPPENS TO SOMEONE ELSE OR WORSE CAUSE SOMEONE TO HAVE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE DEALERSHIP NEVER ENSURED MY CAR WAS UPDATED TO PREVENT THIS FROM EVER HAPPENING. FCA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND CORRECT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM ASAP. *TR

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2017-08-29

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2017-08-28
VIN: 1C3ADEBZ8DV
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 DODGE VIPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE ROOF SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LEE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM LOCATED AT: 3700 RALEIGH ROAD PARKWAY W, WILSON, NC 27896, TEL: (855)217-8742 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DURING PRODUCTION, ADHESIVE WAS NOT ADDED TO THE SUB FRAME AND THE CARBON FIBER ROOF CAUSING AIR TO GET UP UNDER THE CARBON FIBER CAUSING THE SEPARATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,700.

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2016-12-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2016-12-17
VIN: 1C3ADEBZ8DV
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
Summary: I OWN A 2013 DODGE VIPER SRT, TURNED ON MY REAR HATCH WINDOW DEFROSTER WHILE DRIVING TO CLEAR MY REAR WINDOW FOR THE FIRST TIME AND SMOKE STARTING COMING FROM REAR HATCH AREA. I QUICKLY RUSHED TO TURN IF OFF, THE SMOKE STARTED TO CLEAR. SECONDS AFTER MY REAR HATCH WINDOW SHATTER. A LOUD POP NOISE WAS HEAR AT THE TIME OF SHATTERING, ALMOST LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I QUICKLY TURNED BACK HOME AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. IT IS NOW AT THE DEALER AND DODGE IS NOT OWNING UP TO THE ISSUE. *TR

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2013 Dodge Viper recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2013 Dodge Viper.

2015-07-23

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.
Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

2015-03-27

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured October 1, 2012, to February 6, 2014. Moisture may get into the door switch, resulting in the driver or passenger door opening unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.
Consequence: If the driver or passenger door opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion, there is an increased risk of a crash and injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door handle assemblies and top covers, free of charge. The recall began on July 10, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R14.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2013 Dodge Viper problems:

2005 Vipers Reliable? Common Problems? | Dodge SRT Viper ...

https://www.viperalley.com/threads/2005-vipers-reliable-common-problems.293823/

Dec 2, 2018 ... The prices of 2005 vipers are getting quite low and I would love to pic one up. I was wondering if they had major issues or if they can be ...

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 ...

Common Problems With 2008s? | Dodge SRT Viper Forums ...

https://www.viperalley.com/threads/common-problems-with-2008s.83132/

Mar 12, 2010 ... I'm sure you'll love it. 2015 Challenger Hellcat - Sublime Green - 2013 SRT Viper.

Engine failure | Viper Club of America Discussion Forums

https://www.viperclub.org/vca/threads/engine-failure.675098/

Jun 19, 2018 ... The 2013 and 2014 were acknowleged by Dodge to have had issues on a certain number of cars due to "debris" in the engine which people ...