2022 Karma GSe-6
The 2022 Karma GSe-6 is an all-electric luxury sedan aiming to blend performance with sustainability. It’s primarily known for its striking design and focus on providing a premium driving experience. However, being a relatively new model from a company still establishing itself, it has had its share of reported issues. While detailed sales figures are limited, the GSe-6 features dual electric motors delivering a combined 536 horsepower and 522 lb-ft of torque. It boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 330 miles depending on the battery pack option. Many owners appreciate the car’s unique styling and powerful acceleration, while some have expressed concerns about reliability and the availability of service.
Electric Motor
Dual Electric Motors
- Sudden Loss of Power
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of sudden power loss while driving. This can occur at various speeds and driving conditions, resulting in a significant decrease in acceleration and potentially dangerous situations.
- Solution: Diagnosis typically involves checking the battery management system, motor controllers, and wiring harnesses. The fix can range from software updates to replacement of faulty components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the component needing replacement
- Recalls: None Found
- Reduced Range
- Description/Symptoms: The reported real-world range falls short of the advertised EPA estimates for some owners. Factors such as driving style, climate, and terrain can impact range, but some owners report a significant discrepancy even under normal conditions.
- Solution: Potential fixes include software recalibration of the battery management system, inspection of the battery pack for degradation, and ensuring proper tire inflation.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $10,000+ (battery pack replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Battery System
- Battery Degradation
- Description/Symptoms: Premature battery degradation, resulting in reduced range and performance, has been reported. This issue manifests as a noticeable decrease in the car’s ability to hold a charge over time.
- Solution: Battery replacement is the most common solution, but Karma may offer diagnostic tests and software updates to optimize battery performance.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000 - $20,000+ depending on battery pack size
- Recalls: None Found
- Charging Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulties in charging the vehicle at both public charging stations and home chargers have been reported. This includes the car failing to initiate charging, slow charging speeds, or errors during the charging process.
- Solution: This can involve replacing the vehicle’s charging port, onboard charger, or addressing software glitches.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
No Issues Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system, which controls navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, may freeze, crash, or become unresponsive.
- Solution: Software updates are often the first step in addressing these issues. In more severe cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $1,500+ (unit replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Sensor Malfunctions (Parking Sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring)
- Description/Symptoms: Failure of parking sensors or blind spot monitoring systems has been reported. This can lead to safety concerns while driving or parking.
- Solution: Diagnosis involves checking the sensors, wiring, and control modules. Replacement of faulty sensors or modules is often necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per sensor/module
- Recalls: None Found
- 12V Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive drain on the 12V battery, which is used for auxiliary functions, can lead to the car being unable to start or operate certain features.
- Solution: Investigating parasitic drains, replacing the 12V battery, or addressing software glitches that keep systems active when the car is off.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Problems with the door handles failing to extend or retract properly have been reported. This can make it difficult to enter or exit the vehicle.
- Solution: Replacement of the door handle mechanism or addressing wiring issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per door handle
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Adjustment Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Failure of the motors that control seat adjustment, resulting in the inability to adjust the seat position.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat adjustment motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per motor
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may fail to open or close properly, or it may leak.
- Solution: Adjusting the sunroof mechanism, replacing the motor, or resealing the sunroof.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2022 Karma GSe-6 presents a mixed bag of issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to potentially significant and costly problems. The most concerning reports involve the electric motor’s sudden power loss, battery degradation and charging difficulties, as these directly impact the vehicle’s performance, range, and safety. Electrical gremlins in the infotainment system and sensor malfunctions are also prevalent. While some issues may be addressed with software updates, others require component replacements that can quickly escalate repair costs. Potential buyers should carefully consider the long-term reliability and service availability of the GSe-6 before making a purchase. The average repair cost, based on these issues, can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand for major component replacements like the battery pack. The severity of the issues can range from inconvenient to potentially dangerous, depending on the specific problem.