2021 Karma Revero

The 2021 Karma Revero GT is a luxury electric vehicle with a range-extender. It features a BMW-sourced 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that acts as a generator for the electric motors, providing a combined output of 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. While appreciated for its striking design, luxurious interior, and impressive acceleration, the Revero GT has faced criticism regarding its high price point, reliability concerns, and limited dealer network.

Electric Motor

No Issues Found

Battery Pack

• Reduced Range/Premature Degradation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing a decline in battery range faster than expected or a significant reduction in overall range compared to the advertised figures.
  • Solution: Battery pack replacement or individual module replacement. This often requires a full diagnostic assessment at a certified Karma service center.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20,000+
• Battery Management System (BMS) Faults
  • Description/Symptoms: Error messages related to the battery management system, preventing the vehicle from charging or operating correctly. Can also lead to inconsistent charging rates.
  • Solution: BMS software update or replacement of faulty BMS components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+

Range Extender Engine (1.5L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder)

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks originating from hoses, the water pump, or the engine block. This can lead to overheating and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking hoses, water pump, or other affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+

Transmission

No Issues Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system failing to maintain the correct ride height, resulting in a saggy or uneven stance. This is often accompanied by error messages on the dashboard. The compressor may be unusually loud before failing entirely.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor. It is recommended to replace the air struts at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The central infotainment screen freezing, lagging, or crashing. This can affect navigation, audio, and vehicle settings.
  • Solution: Software updates from Karma, replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic behavior or complete failure of parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, or other driver-assistance systems.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty sensors. Calibration of the system after replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per sensor.
• Charging Port Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty initiating charging, slow charging speeds, or complete failure of the charging port.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of the charging port assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500

Exterior

• Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic behavior or complete failure of parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, or other driver-assistance systems.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty sensors. Calibration of the system after replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per sensor.

Interior

• Trim Pieces Detaching
  • Description/Symptoms: Interior trim panels or decorative pieces becoming loose or detaching from the dashboard, door panels, or center console.
  • Solution: Re-attaching or replacing the detached trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Electric seat motors failing to adjust the seat position.
  • Solution: Replacement of faulty seat motors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+

Recalls:

• 21V-980: Affects 46 vehicles due to incorrect battery pack assembly causing potential electrical shorts.

Summary:

The 2021 Karma Revero GT, while offering a luxurious driving experience and innovative powertrain, suffers from a range of potential issues. The most serious concerns revolve around the battery pack and its management system, which can lead to significant repair costs. The air suspension is another area prone to failure. While some issues, like trim pieces detaching, are minor, others, like battery issues, can be quite expensive and impact the vehicle’s reliability. Buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision, including budgeting for potential repairs.