1996 Dodge Viper: common problems and reliability
8 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about structure. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1996 Viper?The 1996 Dodge Viper has 8 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and steering.
Safety record for the 1996 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1996 Dodge Viper vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1996 a good year for the Viper?
Across the 16 Viper model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2010) to 12 (2002). With 8 complaints, the 1996 Viper sits above the model's median of 4.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1996 Viper
service brakes, hydraulic
Campaign 06E022000CERTAIN 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.
steering:rack and pinion:rack
Campaign 01V313000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES USED EXTENSIVELY IN TRACK TYPE RACING EVENTS AND SUBJECTED TO AGGRESSIVE DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD EXPERIENCECRACKING OF THE STEERING RACK MOUNTING BRACKETS.
suspension:rear
Campaign 01V312000VEHICLE 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.
What owners say across generations
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep enthusiasm for the vehicle's raw performance, stable and planted handling, and engaging driving experience.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Viper. See the full Viper owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Viper listings typically run $57,272–$88,145 across 1993 to 2017 model years.
Other Viper model years
Compare every Viper year side by side to see how 1996 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Viper against its rivals
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