Recall 13V040 affects 3,644 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles for inadvertent airbag or seatbelt pretensioner deployment. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 3,644 2003-2004 Viper vehicles because a component in the air bag control module can fail. That failure can deploy the front airbags or seat belt pretensioners while the vehicle is being driven, increasing injury and crash risk; the Dodge dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control module monitors crash signals and decides when to deploy the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners. Seatbelt pretensioners are devices that tighten the belts at the start of a crash. In the 2003-2004 Dodge Viper, this module is supposed to stay inactive during normal driving and activate only when crash conditions call for it.
In NHTSA campaign 13V040, the defect is a failed component inside that control module. When that component fails, the module can command the front airbags or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy while the Viper is being driven, even without a crash. The filing does not identify a deeper service-level cause, so the practical issue for an owner is an electronic restraint module that can fire at the wrong time.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall summary does not list a light, sound, smell, or change in driving feel before the unwanted deployment.
Who's affected?
Covers the same air bag system component across the 2003 and 2004 model years.
| 2004 Dodge Viper | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2003 Dodge Viper | air bag system |
| Units affected | 3,644 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected deployment of the airbags or seat belt pretensioners raises the risk of personal injury and a crash. Because no warning sign is listed, treat this as a recall to confirm by VIN and schedule promptly rather than waiting for a symptom. Repair will be free at any franchised Dodge dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2003-2004 Dodge Viper is included in this recall.
- Watch for Dodge's owner notice before scheduling dealer service.
- Ask a franchised Dodge dealer whether the free air-bag control module repair that fixes unintended airbag or seatbelt-pretensioner deployment is open for your Viper.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V040 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the airbag warning light turns on or the vehicle behaves abnormally.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician repairs the affected air bag control module system so the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners do not deploy inadvertently while the Viper is being operated. The filing does not provide a more specific parts list or labor time. Because the remedy status is not marked available here, do not assume the final dealer work can be scheduled until a Dodge dealer confirms it for your VIN. Once available for your VIN, the recall repair is free.
Timeline
| February 6, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 26, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V040?
Recall 13V040 covers 3,644 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles with an air bag control module defect. A failed component can trigger unintended front airbag or seat belt pretensioner deployment while the vehicle is being operated, increasing injury and crash risk.
What should I do if my 2003-2004 Dodge Viper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Viper is included in recall 13V040. If it is, contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the air bag control module repair. Reference recall number 13V040 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 13V040, the dealer repair for the affected 2003-2004 Dodge Viper air bag control module is free at a franchised Dodge dealer.
Is it safe to drive my 2003-2004 Dodge Viper before the repair?
The filing does not order owners to stop all driving, but the defect affects crash-protection equipment. The front airbags or seat belt pretensioners can deploy without warning while the Viper is being operated. Confirm your VIN, then arrange the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Dodge Viper used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the owner notice mailed after the recall began on March 26, 2014, check your VIN and give the dealer recall number 13V040.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V040000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V040 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V040000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →