2022 Karma GS-6
Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints reported for the 2022 Karma GS-6, categorized for clarity. This aims to provide potential buyers with a comprehensive understanding of potential problems to watch out for.
The 2022 Karma GS-6 is a plug-in hybrid luxury sedan positioned as an alternative to more established brands. It features a twin-motor setup producing 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. The GS-6 is equipped with a 28 kWh battery pack providing an EPA estimated 61 miles of all-electric range. Owners generally praise the car’s distinctive styling, quick acceleration, and luxurious interior. Criticisms often focus on its relatively high price point, limited dealer network, and some reported reliability concerns. While it has a gas engine range extender, it is powered by an electric motor.
Electric Motor
Dual Electric Motor (536 hp)
- Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported complete motor failure, resulting in the vehicle becoming undrivable. Symptoms include error messages on the dashboard, a complete loss of power, and the car being unable to start.
- Solution: Motor replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Reduced Power/Performance
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have noted a gradual decline in power output from the electric motors over time. This can manifest as slower acceleration, reduced top speed, or difficulty climbing hills.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the cause of power loss. Could be related to the battery, motor controllers, or the motors themselves.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
Battery
- Reduced Battery Capacity/Range
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing a decrease in the vehicle’s advertised all-electric range. This can be attributed to factors such as battery degradation, climate conditions, and driving habits.
- Solution: In some cases, a battery management system (BMS) update can help improve range. In more severe cases, individual battery module replacement or full battery pack replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $20,000+ depending on repair.
- Recalls: None Found
- Charging Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Problems with charging, either at home or at public charging stations. Issues range from slow charging speeds to the vehicle failing to recognize the charger.
- Solution: Troubleshooting the charger and vehicle’s charging port. If the problem is with the charging system of the car itself, it could involve replacing the onboard charger.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
Range Extender (Gasoline Engine)
- Engine Misfires
- Description/Symptoms: The range extender gasoline engine can experience misfires, leading to rough idling, reduced power, and the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Diagnosing and replacing faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the affected component.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can be prone to glitches, freezes, and unresponsive touch screen.
- Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2000+ (replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Failures in various sensors such as parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning can occur, causing false alerts or system inoperability.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty sensor and replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor.
- Recalls: None Found
- 12V Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Premature draining of the 12V battery, resulting in difficulty starting the vehicle or electrical system malfunctions.
- Solution: Replacement of the 12V battery. Diagnose parasitic drain.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Panel Alignment Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent gaps and misaligned body panels, especially around the doors, hood, and trunk.
- Solution: Adjustment and realignment of body panels.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof/Moonroof Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Issues with the sunroof or moonroof, including difficulty opening/closing, leaks, or excessive noise.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, seals, or tracks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Electric seat motors failing to adjust the seat position.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2022 Karma GS-6, while offering a unique design and driving experience, appears to be prone to several notable issues. The most concerning involve the electric motors and battery pack, which can lead to high repair costs if they fail. Electrical system glitches and interior component problems are also common. While some issues are relatively minor, others can significantly impact the vehicle’s usability and reliability. Potential buyers should carefully consider these issues and the cost of potential repairs before purchasing. The severity ranges from inconveniences to major system failures, and the associated costs range from a few hundred to potentially tens of thousands of dollars for major components.