2024 Karma GS-6

The 2024 Karma GS-6 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that aims to blend luxury with electric performance. The GS-6 is equipped with a 28 kWh battery pack and two electric motors that send power to the rear wheels. The engine is a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine which is used as a generator, not to drive the vehicle. The combined system output is 536 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. The Karma GS-6 offers a sleek design and a focus on sustainability. Some owners appreciate its distinctive styling and electric driving range, while others express concerns about its reliability and limited dealer network.

Electric Motor

Dual Electric Motor (536 hp / 550 lb-ft combined)

• Electric Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, error messages related to the electric drive system, vehicle refusing to start or move. Can be intermittent initially.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified technician is crucial. Replacement of the faulty electric motor may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (depending on labor and specific parts needed)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Pack Degradation/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced electric driving range, longer charging times, error messages indicating a problem with the battery pack.
  • Solution: Full diagnostics of the battery pack is necessary. Replacement of individual battery modules or the entire pack may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $10,000 - $20,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and labor costs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Range Extender Engine

1.5L Turbocharged 3-Cylinder

• Engine Stalling/Failure to Start
  • Description/Symptoms: The range-extender engine stalls unexpectedly or fails to start when needed to recharge the battery. This can leave the vehicle with drastically reduced power and performance
  • Solution: Diagnostics, possible fuel delivery issue, replacement of spark plugs or ignition coils, fuel pump replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical System

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, slow response times, navigation malfunctions, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on the issue and the need for replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Charging Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure to charge at public charging stations, slow charging speeds, error messages related to the charging system.
  • Solution: Inspection of the charging port, charging cable, and onboard charging system. Replacement of faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the specific issue)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise during operation.
  • Solution: Lubrication of tracks, repair or replacement of the sunroof motor or mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Poor Body Panel Alignment
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven gaps between body panels, misaligned doors or trunk, indicating potential quality control issues during assembly.
  • Solution: Adjustment of body panels by a qualified body shop.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the extent of the misalignment)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2024 Karma GS-6, while visually appealing and offering a unique PHEV experience, seems to suffer from a range of issues, primarily concerning the electric motor and battery pack. The severity of these problems can range from inconvenient infotainment glitches to critical failures in the electric drive system, potentially leading to significant repair costs. The issues with the electric motor, battery pack, and charging system are potentially the most serious and costly, demanding specialized knowledge and equipment for diagnosis and repair. These issues could raise concerns about the long-term reliability and ownership experience of the GS-6.