Recall 15V178 affects 1,455 2013-2014 Dodge Viper vehicles for door switches that let doors open in motion. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
Dodge is recalling 1,455 2013-2014 Viper vehicles because moisture can enter the door switch and let the driver or passenger door open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. An open door raises the risk of a crash and injury; Dodge dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The door switch in the 2013-2014 Dodge Viper is part of the door handle and latch system. It tells the electronic latch when the driver or passenger door should release, so the latch can open when commanded and stay closed while the vehicle is moving.
On affected Vipers, the switch was sealed with hot melt adhesive instead of the two-part epoxy specified for the part. That seal is meant to keep moisture out of the switch. When moisture gets past the potting material, it can cause an electrical short inside the switch. That short can command the electronic latch to release, allowing a door to open unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion.
There is no warning sign before failure. A door that opens unexpectedly or will not close properly is the problem itself, and the recall repair replaces the door handle assemblies and top covers with parts using the correct switch sealing material.
Who's affected?
Covers the Viper across two model years, with the same door body-structure component listed for both years.
| 2014 Dodge Viper | body structure |
|---|---|
| 2013 Dodge Viper | body structure |
| Units affected | 1,455 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific coupe is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
An unexpected door opening while the Viper is moving raises the risk of a crash and injury, especially if the driver or passenger is startled or exposed to traffic. Before driving, make sure each door is fully latched and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Dodge dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2014 Dodge Viper is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Dodge dealer to schedule the free door-handle assembly and top-cover replacement that protects the door switch from moisture and unexpected door opening.
- Bring the recall notice if Dodge has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V178 when you call.
- Avoid driving the Viper with a door that does not latch or close correctly until the dealer inspects it.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Dodge technician replaces the door handle assemblies and top covers covered by recall 15V178. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related door handle or top cover repair, Chrysler's reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Bring that paperwork to the service desk or contact Chrysler customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 27, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 20, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
| May 21, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 29, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 10, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V178?
Recall 15V178 covers 1,455 2013-2014 Dodge Viper vehicles with door switches that can let moisture in. The defect can allow the driver or passenger door to open while the vehicle is moving, increasing crash and injury risk. Dealers replace the door handle assemblies and top covers for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2014 Dodge Viper is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Viper is included in recall 15V178. If it is, call a franchised Dodge dealer and ask to schedule recall R14 for the door handle assemblies and top covers. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 15V178, the dealer replaces the door handle assemblies and top covers free of charge. You can reference Dodge recall R14 when you call the service desk.
Is it safe to drive my Dodge Viper before the recall repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is that moisture can affect the door switch and allow a driver or passenger door to open while the vehicle is moving, increasing crash and injury risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Dodge Viper used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. If you never received the original owner notice from July 10, 2015, check your VIN and give recall number 15V178 or Dodge recall R14 to the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V178000 |
|---|---|
| Dodge customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V178 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V178000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →