Why was the Viper discontinued?

The Dodge Viper, a high-performance sports car known for its powerful V10 engine and distinctive design, was discontinued in 2017 after a production run of over 25 years. The decision to discontinue the Viper was driven by a combination of factors, including declining sales, changing market preferences, and the need to adapt to evolving safety and emissions regulations.

Declining Sales and Market Shifts

The Dodge Viper faced declining sales in its later years, as consumer preferences shifted towards more practical and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Viper's high-performance, gas-guzzling nature and limited practicality made it less appealing to a broader market. Additionally, the rise of high-performance sports cars from other manufacturers, such as the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford GT, provided more competition in the niche market that the Viper once dominated.

Evolving Safety and Emissions Regulations

The Dodge Viper's design and engineering were largely unchanged since its introduction in the early 1990s, making it increasingly difficult for the vehicle to comply with evolving safety and emissions regulations. The Viper's lack of modern safety features, such as advanced airbags and electronic stability control, made it challenging to meet the stricter safety standards being implemented. Similarly, the Viper's powerful V10 engine struggled to meet the increasingly stringent emissions requirements, further contributing to the decision to discontinue the model.

Shifting Priorities at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

The discontinuation of the Dodge Viper was also influenced by the shifting priorities at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the parent company of the Dodge brand. FCA's focus shifted towards more mainstream and profitable models, such as the Jeep and Ram lineups, as the company sought to streamline its product portfolio and invest in areas with greater growth potential. The resources and attention that would have been required to keep the Viper competitive and compliant with regulations were ultimately deemed better suited for other projects within the FCA portfolio.

Conclusion

The Dodge Viper's discontinuation in 2017 was the result of a combination of factors, including declining sales, changing market preferences, evolving safety and emissions regulations, and shifting priorities at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. While the Viper's iconic status and enthusiastic fan base will ensure its legacy, the decision to discontinue the model was a pragmatic one, driven by the need to adapt to the changing automotive landscape.

How many Vipers crashed from the dealership?

Very possibly, estimates vary widely. Some say its more like 75%, and some even say that about 30% were crashed on the way home from the dealer.

Is Dodge making a 2025 Viper?

No, the Dodge Viper is not coming back in 2025 because it was officially discontinued after the 2017 model year and there are no official plans for its return for 2025. While there are persistent rumors and speculation online about a potential comeback, these are not confirmed by the company and are considered unlikely to happen soon.
 
You can watch this video to learn about rumors of a possible Dodge Viper comeback: 55sDPCcarsYouTube · Jul 5, 2025

• Discontinued model: The Dodge Viper ceased production at the end of the 2017 model year. 
• Rumors vs. reality: Despite online speculation and fan desire, there are no official announcements or evidence that a new Viper will be produced in 2025. 
• Financial and engineering challenges: Industry experts suggest that bringing back the Viper would be a significant challenge due to the costs of developing a new platform, especially given the company's focus on other models and trends like electrification. 

This video explains why Dodge may not be bringing back the Viper: 59sRacerXYouTube · Aug 17, 2025

What years of Dodge Viper to avoid?

Years to be cautious with a Dodge Viper include 1992-1993 for potential piston ring issues, 1993-1995 for head gasket problems, and 2013-2017 for hard-to-find parts and potential door regulator issues. Models like 2005-2006 also had a recall for airbag system issues, and the 2016 model had a specific recall regarding the passenger airbag. 
Early models

• 1992-1993: Prone to failing piston rings, which can lead to high oil consumption. This is a common issue that may have already been addressed on many cars. 
• 1993-1995: Some models from these years can have head gasket issues. Parts may be aged and require replacement. 

Later models

• 2005-2006: Were subject to a recall for an Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module that could cause inadvertent airbag and seatbelt pretensioner deployment. 
• 2013-2017: These years can have issues with door regulators, and finding replacement parts can be difficult and expensive. 
• 2016: Had a specific recall for a defective vibration weld on the passenger airbag chute, which could cause the door to detach. 

Other considerations

• General reliability: Aggressive driving can lead to premature clutch failure due to the high torque output. Oil leaks are also a common problem that can develop in various locations. 
• Part availability: For older models, some parts may be hard to find due to age. 
• Recalls: Always check for any outstanding recalls for the specific model year you are considering. Cars.com is a good resource for this information. 

Why were Dodge Vipers destroyed?

The Dodge Viper ultimately failed due to a combination of poor sales, high costs, and an inability to meet new safety regulations, particularly the requirement for side-curtain airbags. These factors made it financially unsustainable for the parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), to continue production.
 

• Safety regulations: The biggest hurdle was the federal requirement for side-curtain airbags (FMVSS 226). The Viper's low-slung design left no room in the cabin for these airbags, and redesigning the car to accommodate them would have been prohibitively expensive given the car's low sales volume. 
• Slow sales: The Viper was never a high-volume seller. Sales in its final year were fewer than 600 units, making it unprofitable to produce. 
• Financial unsustainability: FCA was not willing to continue absorbing the financial losses associated with the Viper's production, especially as it was losing money on every unit sold in its final years. 
• Market competition: While a formidable track machine, the Viper faced stiff competition from the Chevrolet Corvette, which was significantly cheaper, easier to drive, and almost as fast. 
• Lack of comfort and appeal: The car was considered a "hardcore" and uncomfortable vehicle, lacking the luxury and user-friendly features of many other high-end sports cars. Its lack of an automatic transmission also limited its appeal to a broader market.