2012 Fisker Karma

Introduction:

The 2012 Fisker Karma is a luxury plug-in hybrid sports car that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a pair of electric motors. The gasoline engine produces 260 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the electric motors provide an additional 403 horsepower and 981 lb-ft of torque. The Karma is available with a single transmission option: a 2-speed automatic.

Owners praise the Karma’s striking design, luxurious interior, and impressive performance. However, the vehicle has also been plagued by numerous issues that have tarnished its reputation.

Engine

2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Gasoline Engine

• Engine overheating
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may overheat and lose power, causing smoke to come from the engine compartment.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump and thermostat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain may fail, causing the engine to lose power and stall.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

2-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip or hesitate when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid and filter. In severe cases, the transmission may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Battery problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The 12-volt battery may fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. The battery may also discharge quickly when the vehicle is off.
  • Solution: Replace the 12-volt battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical system problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The electrical system may experience various problems, including flickering lights, power window failures, and charging issues.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific electrical issue and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Center console defects
  • Description/Symptoms: The center console may have misaligned panels, broken cupholders, or malfunctioning buttons.
  • Solution: Replace the defective components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment system problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may experience software glitches, display issues, or connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Update the software or replace the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2012 Fisker Karma is a highly flawed vehicle with significant issues across multiple components. The engine, transmission, electrical system, and interior have all been reported to have problems. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but they can be significant and may lead to the vehicle being unreliable or even dangerous. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues before considering a purchase.