2017 Dodge Viper

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2017 Dodge Viper, categorized by component, and following the requested format. The 2017 Dodge Viper is the final year of production for this iconic American sports car. It’s powered by an 8.4-liter V10 engine producing 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Owners love the raw power, visceral driving experience, and unique styling, but often cite the car’s challenging handling, limited practicality, and relatively high cost of maintenance as drawbacks.

Engine

8.4L V10

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from various locations on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips, burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the source of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Spring Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of broken or failing valve springs on some 2013-2017 Vipers. This can lead to misfires, rough running, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing all valve springs with updated or higher-performance springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ depending on the shop and parts used.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Tremec TR6060)

• Clutch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch wear or failure can occur prematurely, especially with aggressive driving. Symptoms include clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, and unusual noises.
  • Solution: Clutch replacement with an OEM or upgraded clutch kit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ depending on the clutch kit and labor rates.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report excessive noise or whine from the transmission, especially in lower gears. This may be due to gear wear or bearing issues.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Damper Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the dampening system is stiffer than they were expecting. The Viper is very sensitive to the road and may bounce around more than expected.
  • Solution: Replacing with 3rd party or OEM Shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ depending on the brand and complexity of the install.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors (e.g., oxygen sensors, crankshaft position sensor) can fail, leading to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), drivability issues, and warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per sensor, depending on the location and type.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of excessive battery drain, especially when the car is not driven regularly. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosing and addressing the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module or aftermarket accessory.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the cause of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Hood Alignment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some vehicles experienced misaligned hoods from the factory, leading to uneven gaps or rubbing.
  • Solution: Adjusting the hood hinges or latches to achieve proper alignment.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ depending on the severity and if bodywork is required.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: Occasional issues with the Uconnect infotainment system, such as freezing, slow response times, or connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (for software updates) - $1,000+ for unit replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2017 Dodge Viper is a high-performance machine with a few common issues. Engine oil leaks and valve spring problems are potential concerns, but may not be present in every vehicle. Clutch issues are common due to the manual transmission and driving style. Electrical sensor failures and infotainment glitches are also present. The severity and cost to fix of these issues can vary greatly depending on the vehicle and the type of issue.