Center console cracking problem!! 2 vipers so far!

C4L3B · Apr 28, 2004

We have noticed on a couple of our vipers in stock that the center console is slightly caved in. On further inspection, we saw that there is no support near the middle of the console, making it a prime point for a crack.

you can see some pictures of what I'm talking about here.

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(if the pics above dont work, go here)
http://www.premiercars.com/ebayphotos/vipcrack/

Our local dealer is refusing to warranty these parts. Has anyone else had this problem? Has anyone gotten them warrantied?

IEATVETS · Apr 28, 2004

Refusing warranty? I would complain right to Dodge or go to another dealer. That isn't right. I have never heard of that happening but you think the dealer would stand behind it and take care of it for you. Sorry, good luck.

2001 Sapphire Blue · Apr 28, 2004

I'm trying to figure out how much pressure would have to be put in that area to make it crack. It's not where you normally put your elbow while driving. So I'm guessing that either they have sat on it while trying to remove the hard top by themselves (which I do on occasion) or they were giving a third person a ride who sat on the console. That to me makes more sense than normal wear.

smashman · Apr 28, 2004

Absolutely they should cover it. Mine cracked and was replaced with a new model that DOES have supports in the problem area. If this wasn't an engineering problem, I don't see why they would have upgraded the part.

Chuck 98 RT/10 · Apr 28, 2004

I agree with Saph. The console isn't a support piece. Sounds like someone leveraged their weight on it.

Vipersrule · Apr 28, 2004

Mine is cracked. I did it when getting in without the top on. Sat my palm on the spot and "crack." It doesn't look bad - yet, but I assume it will get worse.

I am going to try and get it fixed under warranty next time I go into the dealer for an oil change. Let's see what happens.....

ViperJohn · Apr 28, 2004

I have seen two Vipers with the center console cracked. The owner rested the hardtop on the center console.

I thought it was from having a third person sit on it, with the top off ofcourse.

I know someone who had thiers replaced under warranty. Wait a week or two, and call Tator, he should be able to help you.

RedGTS · Apr 28, 2004

Many of them have been replaced under warranty, including mine. If you can't find a local dealer that is cooperative, call Chuck Tator.

VIPERMAN · Apr 28, 2004

Mine is also cracked.
I will try to change under warranty ...

STUGOTS · Apr 28, 2004

i have the same exact thing, mines not cracked it looks identical to the 3rd pic.

anyway to repair it?

Viper99 · Apr 28, 2004

Mine is cracked in the same place.
It was done when the guys installing the stereo put too much weight in the area. They apologized profusely but it really was a matter of time before it happened. It's a really bad design and very a flimsy piece of unsupported plastic for a center console on a relatively expensive car.
I never thought of having it replaced under warranty, but I'll give it a try.

Vic · Apr 28, 2004

Lots and lots of Vipers have cracked center consoles. They are made of a very weak material, and there is no framework under them, to transfer any weight to something solid. They are kinda like an upside down styrofoam bowl on a table, with nothing to contact the table and transfer weight, if pushed down on, in the center. If you adjust yourself in the seat by transfering weight to your elbows and hitching yourself up, you can crack them easily, especially if you lean on the center of it. You can put a bit more weight on the edges of it. Somewhere along the line, they stiffened them up a bit by adding little spacers to the underside. My original one didn't look as strong as the replacement I got under warranty. But I never lean on it now!

thebigsnake · Apr 28, 2004

If you had a '68 Camaro like I do with the console. You'd be very prudent around it. They're made of wafer thin plastic.

BlackVenom · Apr 28, 2004

I had the same problem with mine after the first year. I did not lean on it, or place anything heavy on it, or let someone sit up there, etc. I am not sure how it happened.

Northwest Dodge in Houston took care of it under warranty. No questions were asked, they just replaced the center console. I bought the car new somewhere else, so they really had no incentive to fix it under warranty, other than it was the right thing to do for the customer.

C O D Y · Apr 28, 2004

Mine cracked too, and it was replaced under warranty by my local friendly Dodge Dealer (Timberline Dodge).

jkracer9 · Apr 28, 2004

Mine also cracked but my local Dodge dealer replaced it under warrantee.
The center piece is very weak and not realizing when I was driving I would place my elbow exactly where it broke. The pressure from my elbow along with the weak material was the reason why. It is easy to have your hand around the shifter and your elbow on the center console area.

Adios Vette · Apr 28, 2004

Lol It seems as if theres a common viper issue..
My GTS has the same crack. If the dealer wont replace under warranty then report it to dodge. Some dealers think we're stupid but stand your ground. They should replace it.

ledfoot · Apr 28, 2004

Replaced TWICE under warranty........

ACR_Metallic · Apr 28, 2004

Thanks for letting me know. I'll have to go and check mine.

Fast Viper Dan · Apr 28, 2004

Mine is cracked and there seems to be no glue on earth that will stick! I did place a wood block under the console to help support it. I have not tried to have it replaced under the extended warrantee yet.

venomblue550 · Sep 17, 2004

are they the same part # when they replace it with a upgraded ones??? or they are just from newer year??

Wayne · Sep 17, 2004

Replaced under warranty - didn't check part numbers???

Steamroller · Sep 17, 2004

Is the improved replacement piece standard on a certain year and newer, or do all years come with the weaker version from the factory? I have a 2001 ACR, and its center console seems rather flexible.

Center console cracking problem!! 2 vipers so far!

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