2003-04 Dodge Viper recalled for sudden airbag deployment

Fri, 15 Feb 2013

As if driving the old Dodge Viper (not the fancy new SRT model) isn't intimidating enough, imagine trying to wrangle that V10 beast and then suddenly having the airbags deploy. Yikes. That's apparently what could happen to some 3,660 Viper models from the 2003 and 2004 model years, and as such, Chrysler has issued a recall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the car's airbag control module may fail, causing the bags or seatbelt pre-tensioners to deploy without warning while the vehicle is in operation. That's a dangerous scenario in any car, let alone one offering insane horsepower a near-total paucity of safety nannies should things get squirrely.

Owners will be notified this month about the recall, though a remedy is not expected to be available until later this year. Scroll down for the full NHTSA statement.

Report Receipt Date: FEB 06, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V040000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3,660

All Products Associated with this Recall
DODGE VIPER / 2003-2004

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

SUMMARY

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2003 and 2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured from November 1, 2001, through June 30, 2004. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the front airbags and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.

CONSEQUENCE

Inadvertent deployment of the airbags and/or seat belt pretensioners could increase the risk of personal injury and the possibility of a crash.

REMEDY

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. An interim notification is expected to be sent in February 2013. The remedy is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.

NOTES

Chrysler's recall campaign number is N13. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Steven J. Ewing