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Research · Two Seaters · 2 NHTSA variants

2008 Dodge ViperRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Viper. Most complaints involve engine and engine cooling (1) and electrical system (1). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
16mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
2
Top: engine and engine cooling
Fuel cost / yr
$4,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Dodge Viper as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

2 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2008 – May 2009
  1. Engine and engine cooling1
  2. Electrical system1

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
1
Fires reported
1
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

Engine and engine cooling

1 report1 crash1 fire
“2008 MODEL DODGE VIPER SRT10 CONVERTIBLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED ENTIRELY MAYBE BEFORE A SOMEWHAT MINOR COLLISION. HAVE TALKED TO EMERGENCY AMBULANCE WORKERS AND WRECKER DRIVERS AND THEY VERIFIED THAT THIS WAS COMMON (3RD INCIDENT IN THE HOUSTON, TX AREA). *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 15, 2009Engine and engine coolingCrash reportedFire reportedODI 10268868

Electrical system

1 report
“FOOT CONTROL SWITCH BEZEL DEFECTIVE, CAN NOT REPLACEMENT PART. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2008Electrical systemODI 10244119
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
8.4L 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, 8.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
132216$4,850555
Viper Coupe
Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
132216$4,850555
  • Viper Convertible
    Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.4 L
    13 city · 22 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
  • Viper Coupe
    Man 6-spd, 10 cyl, 8.4 L
    13 city · 22 hwy · $4,850/yr
    16
    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

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Dodge Viper as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 2747Vehicle 2748
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

2008 Viper questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Viper have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.

What are the most common 2008 Dodge Viper problems?

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

What MPG does the 2008 Dodge Viper get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Dodge Viper at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026