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Research · Two Seaters · 2 NHTSA variants

1999 Dodge ViperRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints for the 1999 Dodge Viper. Most complaints involve steering (2) and fuel system, gasoline (1). The EPA rates it 13 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
13mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Mar 2006
Owner complaints
3
Top: steering
Fuel cost / yr
$5,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

4 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
See all 4 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

3 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2002 – Mar 2004
  1. Steering2
  2. Fuel system, gasoline1

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
1
Injuries reported
2
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

Steering

2 reports
“WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER WOULD TEMPORARILY LOST STEERING CONTROL. THIS CAUSED A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2004SteeringODI 10061697

Fuel system, gasoline

1 report1 fire
“GASOLINE FUEL FIRE - BURNED THE REAR HALF OF A 1999 DODGE VIPER GTS COUPE ( TOTALLED ), 15000 MILES, MINT CONDITION. GAS PUMP AUTO SHUT OFF DID NOT FUNCTION ( PER FIRE MARSHALL'S REPORT) TOLD PEI ABOUT IT. CAR WAS OFF, NOT CAR DEFECT. HOT EXHAUST BELOW FUEL FILL DOOR ON VIPER RIGHT SIDE. ASHLAND VIRGINIA TEXACO STATION.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 14, 2003Fuel system, gasolineFire reportedODI 10002653
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

2 versions 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 Convertible
Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
101913$5,950684
Viper Coupe
Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
101913$5,950684
  • Viper Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L
    10 city · 19 hwy · $5,950/yr
    13
    mpg comb.
  • Viper Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L
    10 city · 19 hwy · $5,950/yr
    13
    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 1999 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

1999 Viper questions

How many recalls does the 1999 Dodge Viper have?

4 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 1999 Dodge Viper problems?

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

What MPG does the 1999 Dodge Viper get?

The EPA rates the 1999 Dodge Viper at 13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026