- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1997 Dodge Viper Problems, complaints & recalls
No owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Viper have been filed with NHTSA. It is covered by 4 recalls, the latest in March 2006 for the service brakes, hydraulic.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Viper year, for its age
- Complaints
- 0
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
1997 Dodge Viper recalls 4
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- The electrical circuit design allows the potential for an inadvertent air bag deployment upon vehicle ignition shut down.
- The risk
- Unexpected air bag deployment can result in occupant injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the air bag electronic control module with a newly designed module.
What owners say
Be the first Viper owner to share.
Problems or none - your experience is exactly what the next buyer is looking for. Write it now
No complaints about the 1997 Dodge Viper yet
No owner has filed a complaint about this vehicle with NHTSA. If yours has a problem, share it here and report it to NHTSA.
Dodge Viper: every year compared
All Viper years1997 Dodge Viper vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 0 | 4 | D | |
| 1997 Dodge Caravan | 720 | 15 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan | 589 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Dakota | 452 | 12 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Neon | 396 | 6 | D | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Intrepid | 350 | 2 | C | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Avenger | 89 | 6 | B | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Dodge Truck | 18 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Dodge Durango | 4 | 2 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Viper
Does the 1997 Dodge Viper have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 1997 Dodge Viper: service brakes, hydraulic (March 2006); rack (October 2001); rear (October 2001); sensor / control module-inactive (May 1997). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
How many complaints has the 1997 Dodge Viper had?
None have been filed with NHTSA so far.
Is the 1997 Dodge Viper a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 39 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Dodge Viper year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Dodge Viper years have the most complaints?
2013 (4), 2014 (4), 2015 (3). See every Dodge Viper year compared.
What should I do if my 1997 Dodge Viper has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data