2018 Karma Revero

The 2018 Karma Revero is a luxury plug-in hybrid vehicle. It features a twin-motor rear-wheel-drive system powered by a 21.4 kWh battery pack and a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine acting as a generator (range extender). The engine produces 235 horsepower and is only used to charge the battery, not to directly drive the wheels. Owners generally appreciate the Revero’s unique styling, luxurious interior, and electric driving range. Criticisms often revolve around its reliability, complex electrical system, and limited dealer network, impacting repair accessibility.

Electric Motor

Twin Motor System

• Motor Stator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power, vehicle unable to move, warning lights on the dashboard indicating an issue with the electric drive system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty motor stator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (depending on labor and specific repair requirements)
  • Recalls: None Found

Battery

• Battery Management System (BMS) Errors
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate battery level readings, reduced electric range, failure to charge fully, error messages related to the BMS.
  • Solution: Software update to the BMS, or replacement of faulty BMS components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on component and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced range over time, even when fully charged. This is natural degradation of the battery.
  • Solution: Complete battery replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $15,000 - $20,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Range Extender (Engine)

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, coolant smell, visible leaks around the engine.
  • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the leak (hoses, water pump, radiator), or replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough running engine, incorrect generator output. Frequently related to sensors monitoring the engine’s operation for charging the battery.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor that is failing (oxygen sensors, crankshaft position sensor, etc.) and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• 12V Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle fails to start, frequent jump starts required, warning messages related to low voltage. Often caused by parasitic drain from various electrical components.
  • Solution: Diagnose and eliminate the source of the parasitic drain, replace the 12V battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, navigation system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software updates, replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging Port Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure to initiate charging, slow charging, error messages during charging, damaged charging port.
  • Solution: Inspection of the charging port and wiring, replacement of the charging port if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or uneven ride height, air compressor running constantly, warning lights related to the suspension system.
  • Solution: Locate and repair air leaks in the system (air struts, lines, compressor), replace worn components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per corner.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the motorized door handles to extend or retract, difficulty opening doors.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the faulty door handle mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per handle.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor, tracks, or other components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Karma Revero presents a unique ownership experience with its luxurious design and hybrid powertrain. However, potential buyers should be aware of potential issues, particularly those related to the electrical system, battery, and air suspension. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to address, others can be quite costly due to the vehicle’s complex systems and limited availability of parts and service. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major malfunctions that render the vehicle undriveable. The cost to repair these issues can vary widely depending on the specific problem and the availability of qualified technicians.