The 1997 Dodge Viper's low safety profile includes 2 recall campaigns and 3 owner-reported complaints. Make recall verification part of your pre-purchase checklist.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

01V3130002001-04-10

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

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.

THE CRACKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO SEPARATION OF THE STEERING RACK FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION OF THE STEERING RACK COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED STEERING LOOSENESS AND LAG.

View at NHTSA

01V3120002001-04-10

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

THE CRACKS COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO METAL FATIGUE AND DISLODGING OF THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING BRACKET FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION OF THE DIFFERENTIAL MOUNTING BRACKET COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

The 1997 Dodge Viper has accumulated 3 NHTSA complaints over 1 years, with structure leading the pack. Know what to look for before you buy.

01Structure2

02Seats1

3 total across 1 model years (1997–1997)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Where to Find 1997 Dodge Viper

33States

37%in top 3

If you're near Illinois, you're in luck: 15% of listings are there. But with 33 states represented, there's likely one near you too.

ILIllinois

2615%

TXTexas

2615%

FLFlorida

127%

PAPennsylvania

116%

CACalifornia

95%

DEDelaware

85%

MOMissouri

85%

NCNorth Carolina

85%

AZArizona

64%

OHOhio

53%

MIMichigan

53%

INIndiana

42%

WAWashington

42%

GAGeorgia

42%

OKOklahoma

42%

NENebraska

32%

NVNevada

32%

WIWisconsin

32%

TNTennessee

32%

NJ2

NY2

CO2

KY2

DC2

ID1

UT1

MN1

NH1

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 1997.

1997 Dodge Viper: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 1997 Dodge Viper a good car to buy?

The 1997 Dodge Viper has its strengths and its watch-outs. 2 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report structure as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 1997 Dodge Viper?

Yes, 2 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What are common problems with the 1997 Dodge Viper?

Out of 3 owner complaints, structure issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 1997 compare to other Dodge Viper years?

Each Dodge Viper model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Dodge Viper overview page.