GEN V Warranty Q?

[Stealth78]

With the R28 and R29 recalls, and some of the reported false negatives, I can't help but feel a bit concerned about a future purchase. I am in no way trying to stir the pot with this post, I just want to find some comfort. I know many have said that it is no big deal as it would be covered under warranty if the motor decided to go "KABOOM". I agree to a point although I think I'd still be rather bummed if I bought a GEN V and the motor let go soon after. Anyhow getting to the reasons for my post... What is and what is not covered under the warranty? Going back in regards to the people who say it's no big deal due to warranty, many people out there are running headers with full exhaust and a tune. If one was to have these fairly basic mods and the motor let go due to an R28 would it still be covered? I make a very fair living for myself but I have to say that if I picked up a used GEN V with some mild mods, the engine blows, and then I have to cover it out of pocket, it would take a serious toll on my bank account. I know someone will chime in and tell me that any high performance motor has the chance of failure, and I understand that. For me I would just like to stay clear of anything that can strip away the remaining factory warranty so I can at least have some piece of mind for a couple years of warranty. Is it pretty cut and dry for what voids warranty or are there some "grey areas"? Thanks in advance!

[donk_316]

What answer will make you decide either way? That's what your going to get for responses.

If the engine blows. Warranty covers it.

[Stealth78]

What answer will make you decide either way? That's what your going to get for responses.

If the engine blows. Warranty covers it.

"What we have here is... failure to communicate" Lol! Ultimately I want to know if I'm going to have to look for a bone stock car, or if a car has mild mods will it still be covered under warranty? If some mild mods are except able, what are they? Clearly I understand if you put a blower on it or have been spraying it you are probably going to be SOL, but are any mods allowed or does that get into murky waters?

[01sapphirebob]

May be a silly question but...lets say you did buy a car that was out of warranty BUT was on the list for the R28 recall...wouldn't an engine replacement still be covered?

[Stealth78]

BTW, the grey and black in your avatar looks bad ass!

[CarolinaViper]

With the R28 and R29 recalls, and some of the reported false negatives, I can't help but feel a bit concerned about a future purchase. I am in no way trying to stir the pot with this post, I just want to find some comfort. I know many have said that it is no big deal as it would be covered under warranty if the motor decided to go "KABOOM". I agree to a point although I think I'd still be rather bummed if I bought a GEN V and the motor let go soon after. Anyhow getting to the reasons for my post... What is and what is not covered under the warranty? Going back in regards to the people who say it's no big deal due to warranty, many people out there are running headers with full exhaust and a tune. If one was to have these fairly basic mods and the motor let go due to an R28 would it still be covered? I make a very fair living for myself but I have to say that if I picked up a used GEN V with some mild mods, the engine blows, and then I have to cover it out of pocket, it would take a serious toll on my bank account. I know someone will chime in and tell me that any high performance motor has the chance of failure, and I understand that. For me I would just like to stay clear of anything that can strip away the remaining factory warranty so I can at least have some piece of mind for a couple years of warranty. Is it pretty cut and dry for what voids warranty or are there some "grey areas"? Thanks in advance!

The safest way is to purchase the Viper, leave it stock, 640 plus horsepower is more than most of us need. Before the 3 year 36K bumper-to-pumper warranty expires, purchase an extended warranty, which covers any mechanical part, with the exception of wear and tear items and the clutch. I purchase an extended warrant on my 2004, and plan to do the same on my 2015,

Jeff

[Stealth78]

The safest way is to purchase the Viper, leave it stock, 640 plus horsepower is more than most of us need. Before the 3 year 36K bumper-to-pumper warranty expires, purchase an extended warranty, which covers any mechanical part, with the exception of wear and tear items and the clutch. I purchase an extended warrant on my 2004, and plan to do the same on my 2015,

Jeff

Isn't there a 5yr/60k on the powertrain or did someone slip some hallucinogens into my coffee?

[AZTVR]

Isn't there a 5yr/60k on the powertrain or did someone slip some hallucinogens into my coffee?

I think that the 2013 Warranty says 5 years/ 100,000 miles.(at least the version available online does)
Also, some have said that the powertrain warranty on cars that are subject to the r28 campaign is extended 2 years. I have not seen anything in writing from Dodge to this effect, and the one person that I did contact that had r28 done, did not get any official notification of this from Dodge.

[CarolinaViper]

Isn't there a 5yr/60k on the powertrain or did someone slip some hallucinogens into my coffee?

Yes but not bumper to bumper, like the extended warranty would. The 5yr/60K is only as you stated the powertrain.

[Stealth78]

Has anyone that has had engine failure due to the R28 had headers/exhaust, UD pulley or a tune in their car? If so was it still covered?

[zee]

Speaking from experience, I specifically was very worried about all the engine issues. I decided to limit my risk by buying a car that ONLY needed the r29. According to the data I collected over the past year, there are far less failures due to cars needing just r29 vs both r28 and r29(which is also backed up on how few 2015 motors we have seen fail vs 2013-2014 since most 2015 if not all of them is just the r29 recall). The r29 is somewhat controllable since it's a consumption issue, not contamination like r28. There were a batch of motors that were in jepordy of faulty parts or poor QC and those had the r28 issued.

To answer your question on mods, you will hear mixed things. If you do have mods, just put the stock stuff back on if the motor blows to be safe. Not sure if the tune can be tracked that it's ever been flashed? Headers and exhaust you can easily reverse.

[ViperSmith]

"It all depends"

Any mods you do could void your engine warranty. The impetus is on the manufacture to prove that the modifications caused the failure if they deny it.

I'd like to mod, but I am going going to spend $25,000 on a new engine if something fails.

[ViperSmith]

And the powertrain warranty is 5y not 3y.

[Dman]

Engines have failed due to oil starvation from blocked oiling from shards, and a bearing commits suicide. This is an internet forum and so the data is really skewed from reality. Engines have given up in every year that I know of except 2016. So basically, you run the risk, regardless. You have the drivetrain warranty. Any mods, as posted above, would have to be proven as causing the failure to deny a warranty claim. Headers, high flow cats, a tune .... no one could argue they could cause a blockage to oil, or over consumption, leading to a bearing failure.

If you did a heads, cam, etc. mod getting into the engine then certainly it could be argued that you contaminated it. With FI one could argue that the power demands were too above spec on the stock internals and caused the failure. I'm not saying any of this is fact, just what arguments could be. I've limited my mods to simple bolt-ons for this reason. I've had my car in for warranty and recalls, no issues at all with mods. You could have a perfectly stock car and they could try to argue you didn't top off the oil like you should have so you're not covered, not likely, it's all probability. With a drivetrain warranty in place for 5 years, and simple bolt-ons, the probability of being OK to me is nearly the same as if the car were stock. But this is all opinion, I don't thin anyone has seen a warranty denial due to headers ... if they have, they'll post it.

[darbgnik]

Seems the inspecting dealer has more to do with the mods giving you grief, than Dodge warranty.......

I think if your local dealer is cool, so are your mods.

[BJG32]

Seems the inspecting dealer has more to do with the mods giving you grief, than Dodge warranty.......

I think if your local dealer is cool, so are your mods.

This. If you mod and the engine blows call the closest dealer sponsor. $2k shipping is your cost there and back. Think of it as a $2k insurance policy against dealer claiming it was the mods.....

[mjorgensen]

This. If you mod and the engine blows call the closest dealer sponsor. $2k shipping is your cost there and back. Think of it as a $2k insurance policy against dealer claiming it was the mods.....

Hate to say this, but even this has changed in the last 6 months... I will always do my best for any owner, but I'm nowhere near as confident about getting help from Chrysler as I was before, attitudes are changing that's for sure. :hog:

[XSnake]

Seems the inspecting dealer has more to do with the mods giving you grief, than Dodge warranty.......

I think if your local dealer is cool, so are your mods.

^^^ This

[BJG32]

Hate to say this, but even this has changed in the last 6 months... I will always do my best for any owner, but I'm nowhere near as confident about getting help from Chrysler as I was before, attitudes are changing that's for sure. :hog:

oh....that's no good. Guess there is no reason to keep a viper owner happy anymore!

Mark, are you aware of any claims getting denied on a gen V due to mods? I'll probably stay put where I am.... I was considering headers. If my engine blows (again) I wouldn't want to mess with swapping them out out before sending to the dealer...

I have the most incompetent dealer network near me in St. Louis. I'm not looking for anymore trouble than they already give me. Even an oil change is impossible to do without some sort of mix up (filter out of stock, jack not low enough, blah blah blah.....)

[AZTVR]

After reading the thread in the Camaro5.com forum about GM blocking the powertrain warranty on a 2015 Camaro that had a catch can on it, I would not be surprised at anything a car manufacturer would do. This guy had a zero oil pressure failure at start up on an 11,000 mile car. GM personnel decided from photographs of the car sent to them from the dealer, that the catch can caused the low pressure issue and refused to pay for any further work. They did not even try to figure out what specifically happened.

The owner of the car is a known member of that forum community, and has basically given up wrestling with GM. There is no way that GM would win a lawsuit; but, most people can't afford to gamble with their own money when the legal fees would easily be larger than the cost of repair.

[Malu59RT]

Hate to say this, but even this has changed in the last 6 months... I will always do my best for any owner, but I'm nowhere near as confident about getting help from Chrysler as I was before, attitudes are changing that's for sure. :hog:

I'm sure the additional costs with R28 and R29 have Dodge trying to tighten up warranty costs. I pulled my Arrow PCM off before I took it in for R28 and haven't bothered putting it back in, and probably won't. The last thing I need is some reason for Dodge trying to deny a warranty claim on my daily driver.

[BJG32]

Can they prove you had the arrow PCM on at failure if you swap out before sending in to the dealer?

[swexlin]

I'm sure the additional costs with R28 and R29 have Dodge trying to tighten up warranty costs. I pulled my Arrow PCM off before I took it in for R28 and haven't bothered putting it back in, and probably won't. The last thing I need is some reason for Dodge trying to deny a warranty claim on my daily driver.

This is most likely one reason, yes.

[Malu59RT]

Can they prove you had the arrow PCM on at failure if you swap out before sending in to the dealer?

In my past experiences, when a CEL or something occurs, the computer that takes a snapshot of the engine parameters when the code was triggered. Throttle position, engine speed, etc. If the engine does grenade, and the PCM is swapped in, I'm sure it will look very suspicious without a stored code at failure. One of the service managers or techs can chime in if that is incorrect, but I am not feeling the desire to gamble on my car, with Dodge starting to push back on warranty claims.

[Stealth78]

Well I don't mean to get ahead of myself as I don't even own a GenV yet, but it is a bit of a bummer that they would be tightening their belts with warranty claims because of their own manufacturing error. Apparently I will be needing to focus my attention to bone stock cars.... Never would I be in fear of buying a car with an exhaust system and thinking it has additional bearing (no pun) on the motor blowing, but this R28 has me a bit spooked.

[ViperSmith]

The "6 months ago" Mark talks about coincides directly when the "end" was discussed via Sergio.

Parts are going to be on short order, they don't want to give them away for free...

[F2V]

Hate to say this, but even this has changed in the last 6 months... I will always do my best for any owner, but I'm nowhere near as confident about getting help from Chrysler as I was before, attitudes are changing that's for sure. :hog:

That's not good to hear Mark...does their attitude change have anything to do with the discontinue of the Viper V10 production?

[lochnessmonster]

OP I'm not sure if you've driven a stock Gen V, but here is what I would suggest. Take out a Gen V, find a nice open dry stretch of road and bring the car up to 4000 rpm in third gear, then floor it until Stryker appears on your dash, then throw it into 4th gear and do the same. At the end of that experience, ask yourself the following question: "Am I really going to need more power and noise than this?" If the answer is yes, then proceed on a "worst scenario basis." Will the potential pain (to your bank account) be worth the potential gain (to your fun factor)? IMHO.....not likely.

[swexlin]

That's not good to hear Mark...does their attitude change have anything to do with the discontinue of the Viper V10 production?

Interesting, I had no issue at all getting a new diff under warranty. Whine wasn't even that bad, and they ordered a new one no questions asked (after my tech drove and listened to it).

[BJG32]

That's not good to hear Mark...does their attitude change have anything to do with the discontinue of the Viper V10 production?


Yeah...it's really a bummer. For some of us, part of the fun is customizing the car and making it our own. I'd like to do this without the fear of Dodge using it as an excuse to not fulfill their obligations of the contract. The fact the car breaks easy and mod'ing it is risking you getting it fixed under warranty, it really takes the A LOT of fun out of owning the car.

[Stealth78]

OP I'm not sure if you've driven a stock Gen V, but here is what I would suggest. Take out a Gen V, find a nice open dry stretch of road and bring the car up to 4000 rpm in third gear, then floor it until Stryker appears on your dash, then throw it into 4th gear and do the same. At the end of that experience, ask yourself the following question: "Am I really going to need more power and noise than this?" If the answer is yes, then proceed on a "worst scenario basis." Will the potential pain (to your bank account) be worth the potential gain (to your fun factor)? IMHO.....not likely.

LMAO! I have not yet driven a Gen V. I know I know... I'm definitely not saying that I would be disappointed, as it would be a major improvement over my Gen III. I sold my 06 coupe along with my 06 SRT Ram, I still have my 04 SRT Ram but it feels like it's dragging an anchor behind it compared to my Viper, and that's probably how a Gen III feels like after driving a Gen V. I will be at the New England event this Sunday and there are 48 Vipers expected to show, hopefully there will be a bunch of Gen V's so I can pick everybody's brains (last year I believe there were only 3 Gen V's that showed up). I guess my point is that it's a bit of a bummer that you have to be in fear of losing your warranty coverage for something a little as an exhaust upgrade. I'm a strong believer that no matter how much power you have it's only a matter of time before you want more. Aside from that, modding is just plain fun. Putting your own personal touches on your car is half the fun of owning it. Thanks so much for your response! Maybe I'll see some of you guys on Sunday if anyone is going to the "Lobster Roll Event".

[swexlin]

I went from a Gen3 to my Gen5, and the differences are large. No going back.

[BJG32]

I went from a Gen3 to my Gen5, and the differences are large. No going back.

Same here!

[zee]

Can they prove you had the arrow PCM on at failure if you swap out before sending in to the dealer?

I am curious on this as well

[BJG32]

I am curious on this as well


Crazy to think that a PCM designed by the person who designed the engine could void any kind of warranty claim...

Maybe mods can make a sticky for denied warranty claims. We can start recording our experiences etc and have something to look at as we decide to mod under warranty?

[DCviper]

Yes they can tell very easily and when they see the vehicle has or had a controller on it...they will decline the warranty. They request the vehicle scan report along with the mileage saved in your cluster. Then they ask for the mileage showing in your PCM when you hook up the vehicle compared to the picture of the odometer. Example...odometer shows 3000, PCM shows 1000 and cluster shows 3000 we then they know that you have had the new controller on for the last 1000 miles. They can also tell by the part numbers in each module and if they skip-jump numbers they know the module missed it for a reason. Chrysler will decline your warranty for something as silly as having a controller on the vehicle...so friendly advise if you don't want to have to pay for it, just leave it alone and enjoy it.

[DCviper]

And for the record...they have taken all ability to make judgement calls on warranty repairs with vipers away from the dealers.

[FLATOUT]

I will also back up exactly what Mark J said unfortunately. Very different over there now even for the biggest dealers. I'm very disappointed with what I am currently seeing as far as powertrain warranty claims are concerned.

[Voice of Reason]

Is Dodge voiding engine warranties when there's a catastrophic failure and blaming the Arrow PCM and/or headers?

My burnt O2 wires were on me, not warranty, but I understand that because it was caused by header heat. But engine failures are different.

[mjorgensen]

Is Dodge voiding engine warranties when there's a catastrophic failure and blaming the Arrow PCM and/or headers?

My burnt O2 wires were on me, not warranty, but I understand that because it was caused by header heat. But engine failures are different.

I will not elaborate on all that has transpired with this, but the help we used to get and confidence we had helping to explain what reality was in a failure has been squashed. The people that used to be involved trusted the judgment I had and knew I would not lie about any part of the car, honesty was everything. Now those people have been removed from any contact with me and all decisions are made much higher up in the chain...

We have been honest with new clients about these possibilities and unfortunately the friends/clients that have already done wonderful projects with us are in the same boat. We always help to minimize the cost to a customer in these cases, and will continue that assistance, but with these new "rule changes" I'm sure business will slow from concerns because even if there is an unrelated engine failure you are likely to be denied for the smallest thing. So if you can assume some of that risk you should still believe that the modifications are worth it and tried/proven to be bullet proof additions.

[Stealth78]

I will not elaborate on all that has transpired with this, but the help we used to get and confidence we had helping to explain what reality was in a failure has been squashed. The people that used to be involved trusted the judgment I had and knew I would not lie about any part of the car, honesty was everything. Now those people have been removed from any contact with me and all decisions are made much higher up in the chain...

We have been honest with new clients about these possibilities and unfortunately the friends/clients that have already done wonderful projects with us are in the same boat. We always help to minimize the cost to a customer in these cases, and will continue that assistance, but with these new "rule changes" I'm sure business will slow from concerns because even if there is an unrelated engine failure you are likely to be denied for the smallest thing. So if you can assume some of that risk you should still believe that the modifications are worth it and tried/proven to be bullet proof additions.

So does this mean that Dodge has denied at least one person from an R28 failure due to them having headers and exhaust on their car???

[mjorgensen]

So does this mean that Dodge has denied at least one person from an R28 failure due to them having headers and exhaust on their car???

No not to my knowledge

[Stealth78]

No not to my knowledge

How about the Dick Winkles designed tune? Sorry.... that is my last question. :D

[ViperSmith]

Now it maybe harder to get warranty work "ok'd" - Dodge can't simply deny things without proving there is a direct cause related to the failure. Now, this maybe a battle to have proven and require legal council, but part of the warranty protection act is they can't just deny things without proof.

But, you can see the reasoning for Dodge wanting to squash this stuff. The engine failures have increased costs. I wouldn't want to be paying for engine failures that were because someone was pumping up the output either.

[FLATOUT]

Very well said Mark and also my exact sentiment.


I will not elaborate on all that has transpired with this, but the help we used to get and confidence we had helping to explain what reality was in a failure has been squashed. The people that used to be involved trusted the judgment I had and knew I would not lie about any part of the car, honesty was everything. Now those people have been removed from any contact with me and all decisions are made much higher up in the chain...

We have been honest with new clients about these possibilities and unfortunately the friends/clients that have already done wonderful projects with us are in the same boat. We always help to minimize the cost to a customer in these cases, and will continue that assistance, but with these new "rule changes" I'm sure business will slow from concerns because even if there is an unrelated engine failure you are likely to be denied for the smallest thing. So if you can assume some of that risk you should still believe that the modifications are worth it and tried/proven to be bullet proof additions.

[Malu59RT]

So for those customers that purchased the Arrow PCM previously to get rid of skipshift and now decide they don't want the warranty risk anymore, they are basically screwed? No way to get rid of the Arrow PCM and get the vehicle checked out as a clean bill of health? My 7yr/100k extended warranty is now void as far as powertrain goes? I really hate to sell my dream car and start over with another brand, no warranty is why I got out of my Lamborghini.

[Vibert]

Yikes. I'm scheduled to get
my arrow PCM installed Tuesday. Thinking I should just keep everything stock until the warranty expires.

I live 35-40 min from arrow/prefix. Let's say i do cat back exhaust and arrow PCM. Let's say my crap luck kicks in and the unthinkable happens and FCA denies warranty coverage. What does it cost to rebuild an engine like this?

[Nambo]

Around 20-25k I believe.

[Stealth78]

Now it maybe harder to get warranty work "ok'd" - Dodge can't simply deny things without proving there is a direct cause related to the failure. Now, this maybe a battle to have proven and require legal council, but part of the warranty protection act is they can't just deny things without proof.

But, you can see the reasoning for Dodge wanting to squash this stuff. The engine failures have increased costs. I wouldn't want to be paying for engine failures that were because someone was pumping up the output either.

Are the actual parts involved in the failure machined in-house at Chrysler? I doubt it, but possibly. I would assume Dodge/Chrysler must have their own insurance policy against stuff like this, especially if it is in regards to an engine part that is failing that was outsourced. Can someone with this knowledge please chime in.

[Nambo]

With the change in FCA, we have to pay to play for sure and I don't really see them doing anything to help us out with the Viper program being dead. Knowing what I know now I would have waited several thousand miles and had oil samples done every 1000 miles to make sure I didn't have a bad engine before doing the heads and cam. Oh well, oil samples show nothing unusual. And it sure runs and sounds fantastic.

[ClayR]

Bottom line it isn't just Viper that is changing, it is FCA as a whole. We see it with their regular vehicles as well. I sell a lot to the Wrangler people and they mod the piss out of their rides and I tell them the warranty will be void if FCA can prove the mod was the reason for the malfunction. It is black and white. But really, take the ACR to a track and it is voided? I have about as much trust in FCA as I do for Italian Football.

[Rapidrezults]

Biggest kick in the nuts is in the ACR supplement. It says if you track the car your warranty is void. Imagine that, build one of the best track cars out there and void the warranty if it is used for its intended purpose. Hell with it, mod the piss out of it and be your own warranty station or don't. With the change in FCA, we have to pay to play for sure and I don't really see them doing anything to help us out with the Viper program being dead. Knowing what I know now I would have waited several thousand miles and had oil samples done every 1000 miles to make sure I didn't have a bad engine before doing the heads and cam. Oh well, oil samples show nothing unusual. And it sure runs and sounds fantastic.

Exactly my view on it.

[Vibert]

Around 20-25k I believe.

A tingle just shot down my spine. 20-25k to rebuild? Holy crap! Can't you just buy a whole new engine for that price?

[gcrain]

OP I'm not sure if you've driven a stock Gen V, but here is what I would suggest. Take out a Gen V, find a nice open dry stretch of road and bring the car up to 4000 rpm in third gear, then floor it until Stryker appears on your dash, then throw it into 4th gear and do the same. At the end of that experience, ask yourself the following question: "Am I really going to need more power and noise than this?" If the answer is yes, then proceed on a "worst scenario basis." Will the potential pain (to your bank account) be worth the potential gain (to your fun factor)? IMHO.....not likely.

Agree.


:bth_smiley_formula1

[DCviper]

Mark and Andy you are both right...things are changing some for the good and some not so much. ViperSmith...the catch is you and I may fight, but some might not. The 2016's are built at Connor by Chrysler...tolerances are a lot less so there is a lot more to the story that obviously Mark, Andy and I can not talk about but everyone should know that when altering these things...stick with people like Mark or Andy whom know more inside info and have the ability to add on toys while advising safely. I would not play with fire unless you are willing to fight the good fight with Chrysler over an engine failure...either spend the money to have someone good play with it...or leave it stock and enjoy it.

[ViperSmith]

To me it would seem like a difficult case for Dodge to present if an engine, even with an arrow controller spun a bearing. It isn't like it is a freak occurrence. I'd have to think any lawyer worth their salt could have a field day knowing how many engines have has spun bearings with this generation.

I couldn't even imagine the discovery process getting ahold of all the details on number spun, causes, etc. I'd have to imagine dodge would cave quickly in denying a claim and having to prove they didn't cause it.

Now, being said, warranty denial is the exact reason I haven't modded - because I wouldn't want to deal with that shit.

[DCviper]

Only 2016-model year Arrow controllers with out any other "oil feeding upgrades" ie oil pump with wipe the #3 & #8 between 1200-1600 miles from when the controller is installed due to lack of lubrication upon higher rpm.

[DCviper]

Plus there is more to the story but they 100% know about the problem and they are taking a really hard stance.

[FLATOUT]

A tingle just shot down my spine. 20-25k to rebuild? Holy crap! Can't you just buy a whole new engine for that price?

He was quoting replacement cost. Rebuild at Arrow would be a 1/4-1/3rd of that number depending on what would need to be replaced.

[Jdmuscle]

Stealth, there are failures and there is no denying that. But there are many many happy owners out there not having issues. So it's a matter of perspective.. 3/4 full of 1/4 empty. Everything you think dodge dropped the ball on your current viper has been fixed in the gen V and it's an amazing machine. Don't deny yourself the best viper due to some small statistic.

[Policy Limits]

Engines have failed due to oil starvation from blocked oiling from shards, and a bearing commits suicide. This is an internet forum and so the data is really skewed from reality. Engines have given up in every year that I know of except 2016. So basically, you run the risk, regardless. You have the drivetrain warranty. Any mods, as posted above, would have to be proven as causing the failure to deny a warranty claim. Headers, high flow cats, a tune .... no one could argue they could cause a blockage to oil, or over consumption, leading to a bearing failure.

If you did a heads, cam, etc. mod getting into the engine then certainly it could be argued that you contaminated it. With FI one could argue that the power demands were too above spec on the stock internals and caused the failure. I'm not saying any of this is fact, just what arguments could be. I've limited my mods to simple bolt-ons for this reason. I've had my car in for warranty and recalls, no issues at all with mods. You could have a perfectly stock car and they could try to argue you didn't top off the oil like you should have so you're not covered, not likely, it's all probability. With a drivetrain warranty in place for 5 years, and simple bolt-ons, the probability of being OK to me is nearly the same as if the car were stock. But this is all opinion, I don't thin anyone has seen a warranty denial due to headers ... if they have, they'll post it.

Unfortunately I've read about 2016 engines failing too. So that means all four model years of the generation obviously. Hopefully 2017 models are all safe in this regard. Will be 5 production years into the generation and certainly early bugs should be long gone and the build quality should be perfected.

[mjorgensen]

He was quoting replacement cost. Rebuild at Arrow would be a 1/4-1/3rd of that number depending on what would need to be replaced.

By the time you have shipping, R&I, fluids and the rebuild you are about $9500 or so for a H/C engine that they have to re bore the block and put a new oversized cam in, that's without any head repairs or replacing a crank. if you have to add those you could easily top $16k.

[ViperJon]

Unfortunately I've read about 2016 engines failing too. So that means all four model years of the generation obviously. Hopefully 2017 models are all safe in this regard. Will be 5 production years into the generation and certainly early bugs should be long gone and the build quality should be perfected.

Really? Where? There were two noted here and both seem to be attributed to oil starvation, one of which was modded as noted in this thread.
Please link to other cases on stock cars would like to see your data.

[Stealth78]

Stealth, there are failures and there is no denying that. But there are many many happy owners out there not having issues. So it's a matter of perspective.. 3/4 full of 1/4 empty. Everything you think dodge dropped the ball on your current viper has been fixed in the gen V and it's an amazing machine. Don't deny yourself the best viper due to some small statistic.

I know bud. Don't get me wrong, to be completely honest the Viper has been my favorite car since it was released back when I was in high school. I have had great luck with both of my SRT-10 Rams and my Viper. As of right now I only have one SRT-10 Ram that I intend to keep forever as they are becoming extremely hard to find with low miles and clean history. I cannot wait to pick up a GenV when the right car comes along at the right price (unfortunately I cannot afford a brand new one). I understand where current owners get frustrated with the exposure of these threads as clearly they are concerned about their cars reputation and value, but for the people that do not own a GenV as of yet it needs to be understood that this has become a bit of a concern. I feel as everyday that goes by more and more negative information has been exploited, especially in regards to the warranty coverage that Dodge is now really tightening their belts on, which to a point seems ridiculous. All of this has become really scary for someone like myself who does not need to buy their dream car and have it turn into a nightmare. I have said it before, apparently I will have to eliminate any car that has had any mod. What scares me even more is the possibility of buying a used car that is stock (you think), then something happens to the engine and Dodge denies your warranty coverage due to the fact that the previous owner had a tune in the car and then removed it prior to your purchase. I think it is even more ridiculous that Dodge is denying warranty coverage of a tune that was designed by Dick Winkles himself, if that is completely true. I know there will be people upset that I post something like this, but I speak the truth.

[boren3459]

This thread has got me second guessing on what to purchase next. Thanks for the info in this thread from everyone.

[gcrain]

I'm more irritated with the track exclusion. It sounds like mod warranty was always sort of a gentleman's agreement and on the down low, but the track change is more of a slap in the face imo.

[Voice of Reason]

I'm more irritated with the track exclusion. It sounds like mod warranty was always sort of a gentleman's agreement and on the down low, but the track change is more of a slap in the face imo.

Agreed. It's kind of like building a heavy duty truck with robust towing ability and then voiding the warranty if you tow anything.

[ViperJon]

Biggest kick in the nuts is in the ACR supplement. It says if you track the car your warranty is void. Imagine that, build one of the best track cars out there and void the warranty if it is used for its intended purpose.

Here is a link to the 2016 ACR supplement. Where in this does it say track usage voids warranty I'm not seeing it.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m60zls43igrokhl/2016-Viper_Extreme_ACR-TIPS-SU.pdf?dl=0

[Arizona Vipers]

Biggest kick in the nuts is in the ACR supplement. It says if you track the car your warranty is void.


What page is that on? I have read the supplement over and over looking for this and cannot find it.

[ViperTony]

Here is a link to the 2016 ACR supplement. Where in this does it say track usage voids warranty I'm not seeing it.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/m60zls43igrokhl/2016-Viper_Extreme_ACR-TIPS-SU.pdf?dl=0

I'm not seeing it either.

[swexlin]

OP I'm not sure if you've driven a stock Gen V, but here is what I would suggest. Take out a Gen V, find a nice open dry stretch of road and bring the car up to 4000 rpm in third gear, then floor it until Stryker appears on your dash, then throw it into 4th gear and do the same. At the end of that experience, ask yourself the following question: "Am I really going to need more power and noise than this?" If the answer is yes, then proceed on a "worst scenario basis." Will the potential pain (to your bank account) be worth the potential gain (to your fun factor)? IMHO.....not likely.

Loch has the best post here. Honest, in the 1.75 years I've had my Gen 5, I never much had it above 4000 rpm, and I've never seen Stryker on my dash! At 4000 I'm already at illegal speeds. There are several things the Gen 5 needs, but more power is the one thing this car doesn't need.

[Mark1107]

Biggest kick in the nuts is in the ACR supplement. It says if you track the car your warranty is void. Imagine that, build one of the best track cars out there and void the warranty if it is used for its intended purpose. Hell with it, mod the piss out of it and be your own warranty station or don't. With the change in FCA, we have to pay to play for sure and I don't really see them doing anything to help us out with the Viper program being dead. Knowing what I know now I would have waited several thousand miles and had oil samples done every 1000 miles to make sure I didn't have a bad engine before doing the heads and cam. Oh well, oil samples show nothing unusual. And it sure runs and sounds fantastic.

I'm about to buy an ACR, can you scan and print the track denial supplement? Thank you.

[Mark1107]

Another member has commented that it's as a supplement to the ACR warranty booklet is this true?

Please tell me it's not!

I'm in the market for an ACR...and am very worried...

[Arizona Vipers]

Since you read this, let me know what page it is on. I have spent a lot of time looking through the ACR supplement and don't see it.

[Arizona Vipers]

Hey Nambo, either tell us where you read that, or delete/edit your post.

[Mark1107]

Since you read this, let me know what page it is on. I have spent a lot of time looking through the ACR supplement and don't see it.

I apologize, another member said this is true, I hope it's not. I wanted confirmation from a current owner.

[zee]

Another member has commented that it's as a supplement to the ACR warranty booklet is this true?

Please tell me it's not!

I'm in the market for an ACR...and am very worried...

I saw another member point this out too. That would be absolutely ridiculous if the car is stock and tracked, that it would void the warranty. The freaking car's natural habitat is the track!

[BAD BEAR]

Hey Nambo, either tell us where you read that, or delete/edit your post.

Quote Originally Posted by Nambo View Post
Biggest kick in the nuts is in the ACR supplement. It says if you track the car your warranty is void. Imagine that, build one of the best track cars out there and void the warranty if it is used for its intended purpose. Hell with it, mod the piss out of it and be your own warranty station or don't. With the change in FCA, we have to pay to play for sure and I don't really see them doing anything to help us out with the Viper program being dead. Knowing what I know now I would have waited several thousand miles and had oil samples done every 1000 miles to make sure I didn't have a bad engine before doing the heads and cam. Oh well, oil samples show nothing unusual. And it sure runs and sounds fantastic.
Exactly my view on it.

-Chris
'16 ACR Extreme - White / Black & Red | STAGE II Heads & Cam Package |
'14 TA - White 19/33 | VE Active Suspension |(sold)

Several members have asked for verification and several have read the ACR supplement and said they can't find where it says that. However, NO ONE has yet stated that it is not the case. I want to get an ACR-E, however, until someone with appropriate knowledge or official status indicates that is not the case I will not get an ACR-E. In addition, if spun bearing failures are denied warranty coverage on a basically stock(arrow pcm mod) new 2016 due to stock oiling inadequacies I will not get one either. I'm not trying to bash the G5 ACR. I sold my Venom 650R that was perfect and I had a ton of $s in to get an ACR-E. Now after reading these recent oiling/over heating/warranty denial issues and 2 of the top Viper dealers in the world talking about how basically Fiat is taking a shove it attitude with warranty issues I'm pissed I sold my Venom. I honestly hope these issues get worked out to the point that I can proceed with the deal to purchase the GTS-R Blue ACR-E that I really, really want from Bernie. After owning my Venom for 18 years I never envisioned owning anything other than a Viper for my weekend track car and bad ass street car. Somebody please make this crap go away asap. I'll be the first to say thank you very much and have a new ACR-E in my garage immediately.:D:dancingman::drive:

[ACRucrazy]

The sky is falling

[BAD BEAR]

The sky is falling

Since you don't have a G5 and apparently are not hoping to get one and have no knowledge to be able to provide an answer to those of us that would like to know, why don't you just read and keep your worthless ORIGINAL comments to yourself? Just sayin.

[darbgnik]

The sky is falling


Since you don't have a G5 and apparently are not hoping to get one and have no knowledge to be able to provide an answer to those of us that would like to know, why don't you just read and keep your worthless ORIGINAL comments to yourself? Just sayin.

Out of the 2 worthless posts above, at least the first one was funny!

And if you looked at his Classifieds post, ACRucrazy is very much in the market for a new ACR-E.

[BAD BEAR]

Out of the 2 worthless posts above, at least the first one was funny!

And if you looked at his Classifieds post, ACRucrazy is very much in the market for a new ACR-E.

You must have a sad life to think that was funny. BTW, your worthless post isn't funny either.:witless:

[darbgnik]

You must have a sad life to think that was funny. BTW, your worthless post isn't funny either.:witless:
Who are you exactly, to decide what's worthless, funny, or sad?

I think his post, and mine, were funny. I also think my life is awesome! Too bad about yours apparently.

[Mark1107]

I guess the forums are falling, lol.

Guys, I over reacted, blame it on me, but if it's true, it would scare me. Jus sayin but if you've got something funny to say I'm all for a joke, life's too short and all of the robots I replied to on Ashley Madison were fake!

[docwviper]

I guess the forums are falling, lol.

Guys, I over reacted, blame it on me, but if it's true, it would scare me. Jus sayin but if you've got something funny to say I'm all for a joke, life's too short and all of the robots I replied to on Ashley Madison were fake!

I'll check the ACR supplement manual. It can be found online at mopar connect. This is a very interesting question. Hope we can stay on topic.

[ViperGTS]

Foreword: I guess you all know that you can 'abuse' a car really easy on a race track? Or, damage the car because oil became low, wrong tire pressure, overheating, flying off, etc.

If the answer is YES for you - continue reading:

Why would tracking a car be under warranty? Are you 'crazy'? :devilish:

Applying some common sense (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_sense) and learning to differentiate between advertising and real life would help too - not easy with the constant TV/media brain wash!

From a 2008 ACR booklet:
Racing Not Covered: The warranty does not cover the cost of repairing damage or conditions caused by racing, nor does it cover the repair for any defects that are found as the result
of participating in a racing event. The term racing includes but is not exclusive to: wheel to wheel competition, timed competitive events, autocross or other off-road track events.

[Topplayer]

When you go in for warranty work just dont disclose where the incident happened......

[ViperJon]

I'll check the ACR supplement manual. It can be found online at mopar connect. This is a very interesting question. Hope we can stay on topic.

I linked to it yesterday in the other warranty thread. It says nothing in this regard.

[gcrain]

This subject is worthy of it's own thread instead of being buried in a thread about something else. Stop beating up the OP.

[ViperSmith]

So speculation from something someone said. Even if it is there, no different from the Gen IV ACR?

What is the problem exactly?

[ViperTony]

So speculation from something someone said. Even if it is there, no different from the Gen IV ACR?

What is the problem exactly?

There is no problem, just more internet paranoia.

[Nambo]

I have to apologize in regards to the other post. I was told that that was the case but I never verified until after I posted. I can't find it anywhere in the documentation either. Got bad info and didn't verify, completely my fault. Sorry guys.

[ACRucrazy]

Since you don't have a G5 and apparently are not hoping to get one and have no knowledge to be able to provide an answer to those of us that would like to know, why don't you just read and keep your worthless ORIGINAL comments to yourself? Just sayin.


Bad bear woke up on the wrong side of the den.

[lochnessmonster]

Bad bear woke up on the wrong side of the den.

That WAS funny :) Cracked me up.

[Nambo]

I was told this by someone I trusted but posted before I verified, shame on me. I cannot find it in the supplement either now that I have tried to find it. I don't know if we got our wires crossed or I misunderstood what this person was telling me. I will edit my post to keep the sky from falling. I have had no issues with either of my Gen V's and track them hard.

[ViperTony]

I was told this by someone I trusted but posted before I verified, shame on me. I cannot find it in the supplement either now that I have tried to find it. I don't know if we got our wires crossed or I misunderstood what this person was telling me. I will edit my post to keep the sky from falling. I have had no issues with either of my Gen V's and track them hard.

At the end of the day FCA can deny any warranty claim for any reason if they wanted to, track related or not. Rule of thumb...if you grenade your engine during a track day event tow it away from the track and to your dealer. Tell them you were driving on the highway when all of the sudden something happened. Take the vinyl numbers off your Viper and remove ANY track-related materials from your Viper. And...make certain you use a dealer service that knows how to get the best result from a warranty claim.

[ACRucrazy]

Just disconnect your GPS antenna before you get to the track..

[BAD BEAR]

Bad bear woke up on the wrong side of the den.

OK that was funny. Guess I haven't had enough honey from my honey lately. I'm still very concerned about the oiling/spun bearing issue. I read the engine failure sticky thread and would like to see some feedback on the information collected so far. There was a post about a failure occurring on a G5 that was stuck in traffic on an incline and had a failure. If that is true then there is definitely an oiling problem with the car. I'll continue to monitor and will withhold judgement until more information is available to make an informed decision on my ACR-E purchase. Absolutely need to see how FIAT handles the current situation with the spun bearing issue. For now my ACR-E purchase is postponed.

[zee]

OK that was funny. Guess I haven't had enough honey from my honey lately. I'm still very concerned about the oiling/spun bearing issue. I read the engine failure sticky thread and would like to see some feedback on the information collected so far. There was a post about a failure occurring on a G5 that was stuck in traffic on an incline and had a failure. If that is true then there is definitely an oiling problem with the car. I'll continue to monitor and will withhold judgement until more information is available to make an informed decision on my ACR-E purchase. Absolutely need to see how FIAT handles the current situation with the spun bearing issue. For now my ACR-E purchase is postponed.

There is tons of info in the r28/r29 thread to keep you busy for hours.

[HOLLYWOOD]

Mine too....gotta think twice about spending this much money on the car and then tweaking a bearing....Scared SL of this a I have spun bearings before on GM's. It's mortifying....

[repiV]

I was told this by someone I trusted but posted before I verified, shame on me. I cannot find it in the supplement either now that I have tried to find it. I don't know if we got our wires crossed or I misunderstood what this person was telling me. I will edit my post to keep the sky from falling. I have had no issues with either of my Gen V's and track them hard.

Have you guys looked in the warranty documents that came with your car? I'm just guessing but I would think that's where the exclusions for tracking it would be, if there is one, vs. in the supplement. One of you guys with a new ACR-E should read the warranty stuff carefully and see if it says anything there about tracking it voiding the warranty.

[gcrain]

I was told this by someone I trusted but posted before I verified, shame on me. I cannot find it in the supplement either now that I have tried to find it. I don't know if we got our wires crossed or I misunderstood what this person was telling me. I will edit my post to keep the sky from falling. I have had no issues with either of my Gen V's and track them hard.

So there was a post a while back where FCA said they would not fix issues that only exhibited themselves on the track. For example any behavior that only exhibits above 70mph. And they will do the math on this so if it is a high RPM issue and it doesn't happen in 1st gear you're screwed. This country needs a state with 1 road with no speed limit.

My car spent a lot of time in the shop the first few months and strangely they were always asking me if I had tracked it or planned to track it. Very friendly conversational questions but still set off warning sirens in my head.

[Viper Girl]

Merging with other warranty thread.

[Coloviper]

Well what happens when someone buys a used Viper with stock PCM and no mods, but previous owner had Mopar controller and headers, etc. on it prior, yet it still has Dodge warranty on it, mileage wise? if this is the issue on denial, say bye bye to the used GEN V Viper market. Having serious second thoughts about owning another a Dodge anything. Happy with my older Viper though.

[ViperSmith]

Well what happens when someone buys a used Viper with stock PCM and no mods, but previous owner had Mopar controller and headers, etc. on it prior, yet it still has Dodge warranty on it, mileage wise? if this is the issue on denial, say bye bye to the used GEN V Viper market. Having serious second thoughts about owning another a Dodge anything. Happy with my older Viper though.

If Dodge can tell, then there should be some report that can be pulled.

[DCviper]

First off ask the dodge dealer to see the VIP or the 14...tell them you want to see if there is any restrictions on the vin. Then tell them you want to see the mileage recorded in the PCM versus the mileage in the cluster which should match the odometer.

[AZTVR]

First off ask the dodge dealer to see the VIP or the 14...tell them you want to see if there is any restrictions on the vin. Then tell them you want to see the mileage recorded in the PCM versus the mileage in the cluster which should match the odometer.

What is the VIP? What is the 14 ?

[Policy Limits]

Really? Where? There were two noted here and both seem to be attributed to oil starvation, one of which was modded as noted in this thread.
Please link to other cases on stock cars would like to see your data.

Never stated it was limited to stock cars actually.