The contact was driving a 2006 Dodge Viper. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the rear differential locked, causing the rear tires to not rotate. The rear of the vehicle then skidded and crashed into a ditch, and flipped, coming to a stop 100-150 feet upside down in the ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that the rear differential was previously serviced at a dealer. The contact sustained neck and back injuries. Medical attention was later required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for an air bag recall, and when asked the technician who performed the recall remedy why the air bags did not deploy, it was informed that the dealer did not have adequate software to complete the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 13,378.
The worst 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Body1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Power train: clutch assembly: pedal/hand lever(motorcycle)
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.
Recall number 15V222000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe
Defect investigations
Rear suspension knuckle fracture
ODI opened PE13-010 on April 26, 2013, to investigate two complaints alleging loss of control crashes caused by rear suspension knuckle failure in model year (MY) 2005 and 2006 Dodge Viper vehicles.The incidents described in the complaints occurred in November and December 2012.Chrysler's response to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter for PE13-010 indicates that the left and right rear knuckles used in MY 2005 and 2006 Dodge Viper vehicles were used in MY 2003 through 2010 Dodge Viper SRT-10 vehicles and in all Dodge Viper Competition Coupe and ACRX race cars (see Figure 1 of attachment to this resume for a view of the rear suspension in the subject vehicles).Chrysler's response included information about 8 reports related to rear knuckle failures, including the 2 incidents identified by ODI in the opening resume for PE13-010.In addition, after PE13-010 was opened, ODI received 2 additional complaints resulting in a total of 10 incidents of rear knuckle failure in MY 2003 through 2010 Viper vehicles, including 8 alleging crashes.Based on its review of physical evidence from field inspections of 6 of the 8 incident vehicles identified in its response, including the two incidents that were the basis for ODI opening PE13-010 (VOQs 10492180 and 10492169/10491122), Chrysler concluded that collision forces were the causal factor of rear suspension control knuckle failure.Chrysler's assessment was primarily based on examination of knuckle fracture surfaces, as well as evidence of wheel rim damage that would indicate impact loading of the affected suspension components.Each of the fracture surfaces examined by Chrysler displayed clean, granular fracture surfaces indicative of single event, overload failure.None of the parts showed any indication of fatigue crack growth.In addition to the 6 vehicles inspected by Chrysler, ODI obtained a fractured knuckle from a recent incident involving a MY 2004 Viper (VOQ 10510248).the federal safety agency's Vehicle Research and Testing Center in Ohio submitted this part to a laboratory for fracture surface and metallurgical analysis.The analysis concluded that there was no evidence of fatigue in the part and that the fracture was due to a single overload event (see Figures 2-4 in attachment to this resume).Analysis of the fracture surfaces found evidence of a mix of load states, with some failures associated with rear toe links in tension (Figures 2-4) and some in compression (Figures 5-6).Seven of the 8 incidents in which the side of the knuckle failure was identified involved right knuckles, the side that is generally most common for impact failures involving wheel and suspension components.The single, left side failure was associated with an incident involving an impact with a concrete barrier dividing highway travel lanes.Analysis of the failure data indicated these are random events and do not show any clear patterns related to vehicle build range, vehicle age or mileage.Examination and testing of failed knuckles have not identified evidence of a manufacturing or design defect in the parts.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.VOQs associated with this investigation: 10523321, 10510248, 10492180, 10492169 (duplicate to 10491122).
PE13010
Technical service bulletins for the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe 25
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Module kit - occupant restraint
- Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles
- KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number
- Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
- Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty
- Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs
- Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts
- Use of Aftermarket Parts
- Service
- Valve Body
What 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Driver side door failed to open when battery power was out. Door was opened to investigate and it was discovered that the cable to the door latch mechanism had a fatigue failure at the cable to handle junction. When this condition occurs there is nothing that allows one to exit the vehicle. This is not a case of misuse but of a poor design. In a serious accident where battery power is lost the affected door can not be opened. This failure is most likely to be the driver door as it is most frequently used. Any follow-up investigation of trapped occupants is unlikely to discover this particularly if a fire melts the door components. I suspect that the door mechanism is likely common to many other makes and models and thus far more important for investigation.
I started hearing a clunk that seemed to come from the passenger side rear wheel well when starting from a stop. I pulled all 4 tires off to grease the car. On the rear passenger side, it appears that the rubber boot on the suspension knuckle is leaking and may be torn. I can't be sure at this time if the suspension knuckle is damaged. Although my vehicle is out of warranty, the mileage is very low (10,300 miles). I started to research on the internet for any known issues and came across the federal safety agency investigation on viper suspension. I will have to have my vehicle inspected to get a better understanding of the problem I have. I do not know if the knuckle is damaged or if the only issue is the leaking rubber boot on the knuckle. I also understand that your & chryslers findings indicated that knuckle damage reported in 2013 were deemed to be caused by accidents, and therefore the investigation was closed. My vehicle has not been in an accident. Is there any interest from the federal safety agency point of view to follow my incident? P.s. I purchased my vehicle in las vegas. I have a residence in las vegas although I am a canadian citizen.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge viper coupe. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the rear passenger's side wheel knuckle fractured, causing the vehicle to go airborne and crash into a ditch. The contact sustained injuries to the back. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the technician determined that the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The failure and current mileage was 10,500. *duplicate to 10491122* smch
At approximately 9:50 am on sunday, december 2, 2012, dr. X left his garage and proceeded past his gate in his 2006 dodge viper. He turned north to view the lake and turned around at the end of the road (1/2 mile) and headed back to go for a short ride in the country. As he passed the gate (72745) at about 30 miles per hour, the left side of the car started to come around and all traction was lost. Dr. X turned into the slide to no avail. The car went airborne to the right over a 2 -3 foot ditch and up the embankment before it stopped in the woods causing damage to the vehicle and personal injury. A mechanic from springdale chrysler was passing by. After dr. X described what happened as he was driving up a steep hill on a straight section of the road, the mechanic inspected the vehicle and concluded after dr. X's description and inspection that the steering knuckle on the right rear wheel separated causing the wheel to become detached and thus causing the crash. Dr. X was wearing his seat belt. The airbags did not release (deploy). Dr. X suffered lower back injuries. Updated 01/28/13 updated 05/02/13* duplicate to 10492169* smch....updated 06/15/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 dodge viper coupe. The contact stated that when opening the doors, the window would scrape the roof line. Upon research, he found that it was the window regulator that possibly failed. The dealer was notified but offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 8,000.
Compare the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe
Other model years
20062010
Questions about the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe
Is the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe, close to a typical Viper Coupe model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe?
Airbags, with 2 complaints. Next is steering (2).
How many recalls does the 2006 Dodge Viper Coupe have?
1 recall, covering power train.
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