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Research · Two Seaters

1996 Dodge ViperRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints for the 1996 Dodge Viper. Most complaints involve structure (3) and steering (2). The EPA rates it 14 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
14mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Mar 2006
Owner complaints
8
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$5,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes, hydraulic

Free remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Mar 13, 2006NHTSA 06E022000

Steering: rack

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Oct 4, 2001NHTSA 01V313000

Suspension: rear

Free remedy

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.

SuspensionReported Oct 4, 2001NHTSA 01V312000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

8 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 1996 – Jan 2011
  1. Structure3
  2. Steering2
  3. Engine and engine cooling1
  4. Power train1
  5. Other / unknown1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Viper model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19968
19983
19993
20004
20012
200212
20036
20049
20058
20069
20082
20101
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

3 reports
“THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT DO RECALL CAUSE THERE WAS'NT ANY TECHICIAN THAT COULD DO THE WORK. MR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 11, 2002StructureODI 8024213

Steering

2 reports
“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY THE VEHICLE LOST STEERING. THERE WAS NO CRASH BUT THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE DRUG THE GROUND. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN ALERTED AND AGREE THE VEHICLE IS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL, # 01V313000 CONCERNING STEERING: RACK AND PINION. THE DEALER IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF A FRACTURE IN THE FRAME. THE RECALL INDICATES A FRAME SEPARATION CAN ACCRUE, HOWEVER BOTH REFUSE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2006SteeringODI 10155720

Engine and engine cooling

1 report
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE VIPER. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAIDED OIL LINES IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAD RUBBED TOGETHER AND BURST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD NO PARTS AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR FOR THAT TYPE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,000. UPDATED 03/03/11”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 20, 2011Engine and engine coolingODI 10378004
Send a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
8.0L 10-cyl
Transmissions
Manual 6-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Viper
Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
112014$5,550635
  • Viper
    Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L
    11 city · 20 hwy · $5,550/yr
    14
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

New Car Assessment Program
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1996 Dodge Viper as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

1996 Viper questions

How many recalls does the 1996 Dodge Viper have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 1996 Dodge Viper problems?

Owners filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (3), steering (2), engine and engine cooling (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 1996 Dodge Viper get?

The EPA rates the 1996 Dodge Viper at 14 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026