DecodedCars2006 Dodge Viper
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- Srt/10 2dr Conv RWD, Srt/10 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 8.3L 10-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 13 combined · 11 city / 19 hwy
- Length
- 174.4–175.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,408 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 13 MPG combined, 30% below the 2006 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Dodge Viper is a two seaters offered with a 8.3L 10-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,408 lb (Srt/10 2dr Conv RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 13 MPG combined (11 city / 19 highway), 30% worse than the 2006 two seaters average of 18.6 MPG, for an estimated $6,300 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Viper — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Viper →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Srt/10 2dr Conv RWD | 174.4 in | 75.2 in | 47.6 in | 98 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,408 lb | 48/52 |
| Srt/10 2dr Coupe RWD | 175.6 in | 75.2 in | 47.6 in | 98.8 in | 61.8 / 60.6 in | 3,408 lb | 49/51 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viper Convertible | 8.3L 10-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 19 / 13 | -30% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Dodge Viper under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Dodge Viper (this car) | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Corvette | 19 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Ford GT | 14 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Spyker C8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Dec 12, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V885000 · 3,329 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Dodge Viper vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module may inadvertently deploy the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- Risk
- The unexpected deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC module, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE4.
Power Train › Clutch Assembly › Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) · Apr 15, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V222000 · 43,939 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2006 Dodge Viper and Jeep Wrangler and Liberty vehicles manufactured July 1, 2005, to July 31, 2006. In the affected vehicles, the springs within the clutch pedal position switch that prevents the vehicle from starting unless the clutch pedal is pushed down may break. As a result, the vehicle may not be started when the clutch pedal is pushed down or the engine may crank and start without the clutch pedal being pushed down causing the vehicle to unexpectedly lurch.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly moves there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clutch ignition interlock switch, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R13.
Not every 2006 Dodge Viper is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Dodge Viper buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train › Axle Assembly — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Dodge Viper. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Viper years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Viper | 14 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Viper | 15 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 Viper | 15 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2010 Viper | 16 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Viper | 16 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Viper | 16 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Viper | 13 | 174.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Dodge. How we calculate this →