Research · Two Seaters
2002 Dodge ViperRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2002 Dodge Viper. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (4) and power train (3). The EPA rates it 13 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
13mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
12
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$5,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2002 Dodge Viper as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2002 – Jul 2007
- Engine and engine cooling4
- Power train3
- Air bags2
- Tires1
- Equipment1
- Electrical system1
- Steering1
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Seats1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine and engine cooling
4 reports
“I OWN A 2002 DODGE INTREPID, FIRST OFF I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP ON MAINTENANCE. I FINANCED THE CAR ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. ALL OF A SUDDEN ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO I NOTICED THE OIL LIGHT ON, ME THINKING I MAY BE LOW ON OIL I SIMPLY TOOK IT TO GET SERVICED JUST BECAUSE OF THE OIL LIGHT. THAT DIDN'T HELP THE CAR OIL LIGHT REMAINED. ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THAT I HEARD A STRANGE KNOCKING NOISE AND THEN BOOM IN THE MIDDLE OF A INTERSECTION AS I WAS ABOUT TO TURN LEFT IT DIED ! TOOK IT TO A DODGE DEALER IN MY AREA TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT I ENDED UP PAYING OVER $1500 AND HAD THE CAR STALL ON ME VARIOUS TIMES AFTER IT WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED! FINALLY TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC FOR A THIRD OPINION, BY THEN THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS BAD. THE DODGE DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE BEEN HONEST AND TOLD ME THE CAR WAS NOT OPERABLE. PLEASE HELP .....*JB”
Power train
3 reports
“CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AND DIED ON FREEWAY AS WE DROVE UP I80 TO TRUCKEE CA.TWICE. *NM”
Air bags
2 reports1 crash
“THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEACTIVATED AND CANNOT BE REACTIVATED DUE TO INSTALLATION OF A HANDICAPPED POWER CHAIR. *NM THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT STAYED OFF MAJORITY OF THE TIME. THE SERVICE DEPT INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO ACTIVATE THE AIR BAG IF THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS REMOVED. THE COMPANY WHO INSTALLED THE SEAT STATED THAT THEY FAILED TO HOOK UP A WIRE. *SC *JB”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viper Convertible Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 10 | 19 | 13 | $5,950 | 684 |
| Viper Coupe Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 10 | 19 | 13 | $5,950 | 684 |
- 13mpg comb.
- 13mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Dodge Viper as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 4551
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2002 Viper questions
How many recalls does the 2002 Dodge Viper have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2002 Dodge Viper problems?
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine and engine cooling (4), power train (3), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2002 Dodge Viper get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Dodge Viper at 13 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026